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HOMER PV Calculator

The Solar page allows you to enter the cost and choose the sizes you want HOMER Front to consider as it searches for the optimal system.

You may select the HOMER PV Calculator to use HOMER's algorithm to calculate the power output of your PV array or import your own solar production data from PV production data. If you select HOMER's PV Calculator, you must add the corresponding solar resource.

Sizing​

Specify the total capacity of the solar modules in MW. Click the (+) to test multiple sizes to view how the sizing affects the overall economics of your system.

Costs​

There are two ways to include your component cost information.

  • Select the Cost Sensitivity Analysis to specify total costs for the solar array.
  • Select the Cost Breakdown option to include your detailed equipment cost information.

Cost Sensitivity Analysis​

The Cost Sensitivity Analysis inputs include Capital Expenses (/kW)andOperatingExpenses(/kW) and Operating Expenses (/kW-yr).

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When specifying the capital costs, be sure to account for all costs associated with the PV system, which may include:

  • PV panels
  • Mounting hardware
  • Tracking system
  • Wiring
  • Installation

You can include the costs of the power electronics in the capital cost, or account for them separately in the Solar Inverter or Solar DC/DC Converter tab.

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The capital cost is the initial purchase price and the O&M cost is the annual cost of operating and maintaining the PV array.

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Below the costs input is a sensitivity button (sensitivity analysis) that allows you to do a sensitivity analysis on that variable. For more information, see Why Would I Do a Sensitivity Analysis?

Cost Breakdown​

The Cost Breakdown Section includes the option to specify capital, O&M, and replacement costs by line item. You can edit the cost information or add additional line items to each of the provided sections. The Detailed Cost Structure includes:

  • Direct Capital
  • Indirect Capital
  • Annual Operations and Maintenance Costs (OPEX)
  • Major Replacement Costs

You can select the Add New Button to add an additional cost item to each section and can change to the corresponding units to (,, % direct, /kW, @/kWh or $/unit) in the drop-down. View Cost Breakdown for more details.

Inverter or Converter​

If you selected DC coupling when setting up your configuration, you will see the option to add a Solar DC/DC Converter. If you selected AC Coupling when setting up your configuration, you will see the option to add a Solar Inverter sizing and cost information.

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