DC Cable Losses in Solar PV — How to Calculate Them for Your PR Report
If your solar plant's Performance Ratio (PR) is consistently 1-2% below expectations, DC cable losses are often the quiet culprit.
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IEC 61724-1 Compliant Methodology
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Calculation methodology documented on GitHub — formulas, variable definitions, and IEC 61724-1 references.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about solar plant performance metrics and our calculators.
Why does PR drop in summer even when there are no faults?
Performance Ratio (PR) naturally drops in summer because module temperatures rise significantly above the 25°C Standard Test Conditions (STC) reference. Most crystalline silicon modules lose about 0.35–0.45% efficiency per °C above 25°C, so a cell temperature of 55°C can reduce output by 10–13%. This is expected thermal behavior — not a fault. Use Temperature Corrected PR for a fairer comparison across seasons.
Should I use GHI or POA insolation for PR calculation?
Always use POA (Plane of Array) insolation for accurate PR calculation. GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) measures sunlight on a flat horizontal surface, but your PV modules are tilted. POA represents the actual irradiance hitting the module surface and is the standard required by IEC 61724-1. Using GHI instead of POA can skew your PR by 5–15% depending on tilt and latitude.
What is POA insolation and why does it matter?
POA (Plane of Array) insolation is the total solar irradiance falling on the tilted surface of your PV modules, measured in kWh/m². It combines three components: direct beam, diffuse sky, and ground-reflected (albedo) radiation. POA matters because it represents the actual energy resource your panels can convert — not the theoretical horizontal value. Every meaningful performance metric (PR, specific yield, energy yield) depends on accurate POA measurement.
How accurate are these solar calculators?
Our calculators implement formulas directly from IEC 61724-1:2021 and MNRE guidelines — the same standards used in commercial PV monitoring software. Computational accuracy is exact (limited only by your input precision). Real-world accuracy depends on your data quality: calibrated sensors, proper POA measurement, and clean inverter readings. All formulas and references are documented openly on our GitHub repository for verification.
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