All PV installers are required to produce a shade analysis as part of their initial site survey – a job which could be made easier with the Solmetric Suneye.
According to the UK distributors Wind & Sun, using the Suneye has the following three key benefits:
Professional
The Solmetric Suneye captures the solar horizon line with a calibrated fish eye camera lens. On-board GPS, compass and inclinometer enables the Suneye to adjust the sun path to appear over the horizon/sky line in exactly the right place. This removes any human error in getting other tools perfectly aligned with the horizon and tracing a line by hand. With each picture taken, the Suneye builds up a profile of a site with complex shading. These can be analysed with the customer on site using multiple views, including the MCS sunpath, or can be uploaded back at the office and presented as a formal report.
Safer
The most accurate way of viewing the potential shade on an array is to be in line with the bottom edge of the centre of the array. On most surveys it is not likely that you will be able to safely gain access to the roof and then be able to use both hands to undertake the required analysis. With the Suneye extension pole and with the Suneye in extension mode you never have to leave the ground whilst taking the picture at multiple locations across the roof.
Faster
As soon as the Suneye is set up and the sunpath for the site located, either by GPS or a nearest city search, the only additional information needed is the array pitch and orientation. After 5 seconds or a horizon picture can be produced with all shade analysis undertaken. Back in the office the images can be transferred to your PC from the device to produce a professional report with all fisheye images, monthly solar access values and MCS sun path results for the selected site.