What Is High-Performing Solar Development?

The High-performing Solar Handbook is a practical guide for facility owners, developers and investors on how to achieve optimal module and tracker reliability as well as output by following best practices from procurement to commissioning. (We focus on this equipment since it represents a combined value of up to 70% of the total equipment cost of a typical asset.) The Handbook also provides real-world examples of what can go right and wrong in solar development. 

A recent study shows that in the United States, utility-scale solar systems deliver 5-10% less energy than the original P50 estimate, and newer projects perform worse than their peers from the early 2010s. 

Zeitview aerial inspections have collected data on more than 400 GW of distributed generation and large-scale solar facilities in over 70 countries in 10 years. This expansive dataset provides uniquely comprehensive insights on the primary issues that cause solar facility underperformance.

What the Handbook covers 

• Meeting PV facility performance targets starts with standardized, reliable data. Solar energy owners and investors can use this handbook to: 
• Understand the specific data needed to achieve optimal performance from a site. 
• Build the right quality assurance and performance tracking standards into RFPs and contracts. 
• Get language to adapt and add to contractual agreements that may help head off disputes, by clearly assigning responsibilities, risks, and liabilities. 
• Achieve optimal performance from the first to the last day of production.