WREF 2012: Case Studies Comparing System Advisor Model (SAM) Results to Real Performance Data

NREL has completed a series of detailed case studies comparing the simulations of the System Advisor Model (SAM) and measured performance data or published performance expectations. These case studies compare PV measured performance data with simulated performance data using appropriate weather data. The results of this case study activity show a good match (delta of less than 6% for any month) between measured and simulated data after adjustments as described in the paper. As such, the case studies point out several systemic issues with such comparisons. The case studies highlight modeling techniques in SAM. These include modeling systems with components not found in current SAM libraries, finding appropriate satellite weather data and the use of building load data in conjunction with PV performance and complex utility rates.