1.4 KiB
1.4 KiB
| type | status | source | tags | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| permanent | verified | manohargupta.com/journal/8760-energy-simulation (2026-02-15) |
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🌞 The 8760 Energy Simulation Model
An atomic concept note, distilled from Manohar's own explainer.
What "8760" means
8,760 = hours in a year (365 × 24). An 8760 model builds an hourly profile of expected solar generation for every hour of the year — not daily/monthly averages.
Why hourly granularity matters (for project finance)
- Solar variability — peaks at noon, zero at night
- Grid constraints — hourly profiles reveal clipping & curtailment risk
- Revenue forecasting — time-of-day pricing changes economics
- Degradation — performance shifts hour-by-hour across the asset's life
Key inputs
- Irradiance: GHI, DNI, DHI · temperature
- System specs: module type, tilt, azimuth
- Loss factors: soiling, shading, inverter efficiency
The method (Manohar's approach)
Python + Pandas for flexible custom analysis, validated against PVsyst for industry credibility.
Key takeaway: Never rely on simple capacity-factor estimates for serious project-finance work. The hourly shape is where the risk (and the money) lives.
Used in
REModel · 8760 Energy Simulation · the Renewables Overview day job