A
certified solar assessment tool shall be used to demonstrates the shading condition of
the actual installation of the PV module is consistent with compliance with
JA11.3.1, the shading condition modeled in the performance method as indicated
on the CF1R-PRF-01, and qualification to exceptions in 150.1(c)14.
Solar assessment tools shall be certified to the Executive Director according to the following requirements:
a) The solar assessment tool shall calculate the annual solar access percentage of each individual solar array and a weighted average of the PV system as a whole. The calculation shall include all known obstructions, including any tree that is planted on the building lot or neighboring lots or planned to be planted as part of landscaping for the building.
b) The solar assessment tool shall not include horizon shading in the calculation by default.
c) The solar assessment tool shall produce a shade report with a summary of the PV system, including the address of the project, individual array panel count, orientation, annual solar access percentage, and a weighted average of the PV system as a whole.
d) If the solar assessment tool model shading condition based on satellite or aerial images, the annual solar access percentage values shall be comparable to on-site measurements. Documentation shall be provided to CEC as proof.