Solar Lattice

Metric

Array capture loss

ID
metric:array-capture-loss
IRI
https://solarlattice.org/kb/metric/array-capture-loss
Status
active
Also known as
Lc, Capture losses, Instantaneous array capture losses
Category
Performance

Array capture loss is a performance quantity from the IEA PVPS analytical monitoring framework. Its symbol is LC, and lC for the instantaneous form. It is reported in hours. The instantaneous form has no unit. It is listed with array yield, system yield, system losses and performance ratio, and each of these has an instantaneous form. Capture loss comes from comparing array yield with reference yield. That comparison shows how well the PV array converts the available sunlight. You need the measured DC power of the array to calculate it. If both AC and DC power are measured accurately and at short intervals, the total losses can be split into capture losses and system losses. Only power that is physically lost inside the inverter counts as a system loss. Problems the inverter causes elsewhere, such as poor MPP tracking or output power limiting, are not counted as system losses.

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