A solar panel contains multiple connected cells. When one area is shaded by a tree, building or patch of dirt, the effect can extend beyond the covered cells.
This makes shadow analysis an interesting software problem.
Digital models can estimate how sunlight reaches an installation throughout the day and across different seasons. They can account for nearby objects, panel angles and the changing position of the sun.
Monitoring software can then compare expected production with actual output. An unexpected difference may point to shade, dirt or another condition that deserves attention.
Solar software is not only about recording how much electricity was generated. It also helps explain why production changed.
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