Solar energy yield studies

What are solar energy yield studies?

Yield studies assess the potential of your PV power plant by studying possible installations for optimal performance and calculating its performance ratio. A study covers parameters such as performance ratio, energy yield value (annual summary as well as details for particular months), and expected energy losses of the system. An independent site visit can provide an evaluation of the overall suitability of the location and the chosen technology.

Why are yield studies important?

Solar energy yield studies provide stakeholders with an overall view of the project’s energy output and future cash flow. A yield study is one of the crucial documents for all EPCs, owners/operators and financers involved in the project.

What do I need to prepare for a yield study?

You need to provide basic technical parameters (type/model of applied modules and invertors, inclination, type of mounting structures, GPS coordinates) to ensure that the study data is reliable.

TÜV SÜD provides a reliable, transparent and unbiased view of your project’s risks and potential

TÜV SÜD’s experts are well versed in legal requirements and have longstanding international hands-on experience in yield studies services. We provide you with a fully independent overview of the PV power plant during the design, construction and operation stages of a project.

Our solar energy yield studies include:

• Site assessment
  

  TÜV SÜD experts perform a site visit to assess potential obstacles (trees, mountains, buildings) that can negatively impact plant operation and its future yield.

• Meteorological data
  

  We confirm the completeness and adequacy of meteorological and climatic data that are used as inputs to the solar energy yield calculation. We use the most accurate meteorological data sources, whether from ground stations or satellite, and compare with other independent sources available for the location (e.g. Meteoronorm, NASA, PVGIS).

• Energy losses
  

  Our experts provide not just a summary but also a detailed quantification of the volume and types of system losses.