Does HelioScope Account for Module Degradation?

Module degradation accounts for the fact that module performance degrades over time. Many modules have a first year drop sometimes called "burn in", followed by a degradation rate typically between 0.25% - 0.75% per year. 

HelioScope simulations do not account for degradation by default. That said, we do include an industry standard 2% soiling loss in the Condition Set, which can be modified to include specific degradation values for the first year. 

Modeling Year 1 Degradation

1. Edit the Condition Set for your project
2. Go to the Soiling section
3. Increase your soiling losses to account for degradation
   • Note: You can increase soiling monthly

Modeling Degradation After Year 1 

Users on the Pro & Enterprise Plans have access to the Financial Debug Feature. This feature allows users to view annual values like solar production, consumption, system costs, tax information, etc., over the system's life (up to 25 years). If system degradation is added to the financial model, then the Financial Debug Feature will show the amount of production after the specified degradation rate is applied in a column labeled "System Degradation." Also, the energy reported in the Cash Flow Table (a widget that can be added to reports) will reflect the same values.

1. It is recommended that users either create a financial model or clone one of the existing options. 
2. Under Energy Modeling, locate the label "Analyze Solar Production Data." Click the plus icon to the right and select "System Degradation."
   
3. The Annual Degradation Rate can be entered here or marked as editable so it can be modified from Overview. 
   
4. Click "Save" at the top right ("Save as New Financial Model" if cloning). 
5. In the Financial Model library, left click the star next to the model you just created. 
6. Navigate back to Overview and select the desired financial model from the drop down next to "Financial Inputs." 
   
7. Update the Financial Configuration. 
8. Navigate to the Financial Debug Feature to see the impact of the degradation rate entered. 
   
   
   • Note: The impact of the degradation rate will start on year 2 in both the Financial Debug Feature & Cash Flow Table.