Beginner's Query: Modeling Mutual Shading and Ground Radiation in pvlib-python

[Fabio Iozzino]

Hello everyone,

I am new to the pvlib-python library and I'm trying to understand its capabilities and limitations for a specific use case.

I want to simulate a small PV field, focusing on modeling two panels (or two rows) spaced 1 meter apart. I would appreciate any guidance on whether the following calculations are possible using pvlib:

1. Mutual Shading (Row-to-Row):

   • Is the library capable of reliably calculating the energy losses due to mutual shading between panels/rows in a fixed configuration (especially with a small 1-meter gap)?

2. Ground Radiation and Shading:

   • Is it possible, using pvlib, to quantify the solar radiation that hits the ground in the adjacent area and between the panels? Or, to calculate and map the shadow projected onto the ground at a given time?

   • Generally, does pvlib account for these ground interactions, or does it strictly focus on the irradiance striking the module surface?

3. Reflection Contribution:

   • Does the irradiance calculation account for the ground reflection (Albedo) contribution, specifically considering the geometry and the close proximity of the panels to the ground?

Thank you in advance for your help and any pointers towards specific modules or functions.

[Will Hobbs]

For row-to-row shading, here are a few resources:

• https://pvlib-python.readthedocs.io/en/stable/gallery/shading/plot_partial_module_shading_simple.html
• https://pvlib-python.readthedocs.io/en/stable/gallery/shading/plot_martinez_shade_loss.html
• https://pvpmc.sandia.gov/download/7637/?tmstv=1759409875
• Repo: https://github.com/williamhobbs/2024_pvpmc_self_shade
• Updated workflow: https://github.com/williamhobbs/pv-system-model

The last group of resources (work I've done/collaborated on) is for many rows that can be assumed to be all the same. If you only have two rows, I would suggest running the model twice: once with shade (for the shaded row) and once without (for the unshaded row) and then combining the outputs. If your two rows are electrically combined in series, things get more complicated, and the approach I have used is probably not suitable. 

I'm less familiar with the first two resources. 

Will

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