Does Suneye account for shade as it moves across my array?
If an obstruction casts shade at my measurement point for an hour during the day (for example), does the Suneye account for how the shade of that obstruction moves across my array throughout the day? No, the solar access is computed quite completely for only the single point of measurement (skyline snap). To approximate […]
SunEye stuck in “PDA Mode” with Windows Desktop or iPAQ desktop
If the SunEye starts up as a standard HP iPAQ with the Windows Desktop, and the SunEye specific software does not load, this indicates that the installation may be corrupt. Installing the latest software should fix this. If this does not fix the problem, contact Solmetric support.
How is the SunEye different from the Wiley Asset?
Compared to the Wiley Asset the SunEye? is unique in several important ways. With the Wiley Asset, a series of pictures is taken with a digital camera. To analyze the data, the pictures must be transferred to a computer where they are stitched together and the sun paths are shown on this panorama. This process can be […]
Error message “unrecognized card”.
On older SunEye models 100 N/S v1, during a hard reset it is normal to see the message ?unrecognized card?. If the message does not persist, normal operation should ensue and it should not be a problem with operation. However, if the message does not go away after a reset it may indicate a problem […]
Can I download software to the desktop without the device?
Normally the SunEye installation program checks that the SunEye is connected before allowing software updates on either the SunEye or the Desktop. However, there are cases that people want to use the desktop software when the SunEye is not present. This is currently possible with the additional steps provided below. (Note that in the future […]
Can I get the Obstruction Elevation image in the exported report?
With SunEye version 2.8 or above, Obstruction Elevation can be plotted vs. azimuth, and maximum or average values in defined azimuth windows can be plotted and shown in a table. This graph and table are not included in the exported report. (CSV files with these values are included, which can be opened in Excel.) An […]
If the azimuth is entered as its “true”, not “magnetic” value, does that mean that the SunEye should be oriented true SOUTH when taking Skylines?
No. Always use the compass (magnetic) heading for the 110 SunEye’s orientation when taking Skylines. The compass heading for the 210 model is automatically adjusted for declination and will direct you to true South. When you enter the azimuth value, the true/magnetic setting is only used as a convenience for entering that value. It does […]
What are Tilt and Orientation Factor (TOF) and Total Solar Resource Fraction (TSRF)?
When using the NREL TMY3 weather model (US only), the SunEye can display solar resources relative to the optimum at that location. The terms TOF and TSRF are displayed as an alternative to solar access. These terms are defined as follows: – Tilt and Orientation Factor (TOF). TOF is the solar insolation at the […]
Is TRSF the same as the California Solar Initiative “Design Factor”?
No. TSRF is an ratio of the insolation available at the site at a given tilt/az with given shading to the insolation available at the optimum tilt/az with no shading. It does not incorporate any PV considerations, only solar incident radiation. I believe that the term Design Factor used by CSI in the CSI Incentive (EPBB) […]
Does the orientation of the SunEye need to always be South?
In the Northern Hemisphere, the SunEye should ALWAYS be held level and pointing SOUTH (magnetic South for the 100 series) when taking a Skyline picture. In the Southern Hemisphere, the SunEye should ALWAYS be held level and pointing NORTH (magnetic North for the 100 series). In either case, the SunEye will correct for magnetic declination.