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International RETScreen
Software
Online User Manual
Photovoltaic Project Model
Background
This document allows for a printed version of the RETScreen
International
Photovoltaic Project Model can be used world-wide to easily
evaluate the energy production, life-cycle costs and greenhouse gas emissions reduction for three
basic PV applications: on-grid; off-grid; and water pumping. For on-grid applications the model
can be used to evaluate both central-grid and isolated-grid PV systems. For off-grid applications
the model can be used to evaluate both stand-alone (PV-battery) and hybrid (PV-battery-genset)
systems. For water pumping applications the model can be used to evaluate PV-pump systems.
Six worksheets (Energy Model, Solar Resource & System Calculation (Solar Resource & System
Load), Cost Analysis, Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Analysis (GHG Analysis), Financial
Summary and Sensitivity and Risk Analysis (Sensitivity)) are provided in the Photovoltaic Project
Workbook file.
The Energy Model and Solar Resource & System Load worksheets are completed first. The Cost
Analysis worksheet should then be completed, followed by the Financial Summary worksheet.
The GHG Analysis and Sensitivity worksheets are optional analyses. The GHG Analysis
worksheet is provided to help the user estimate the greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation potential of
the proposed project. The Sensitivity worksheet is provided to help the user estimate the
sensitivity of important financial indicators in relation to key technical and financial parameters.
In general, the user works from top-down for each of the worksheets. This process can be
repeated several times in order to help optimise the design of the photovoltaic project from an
energy use and cost standpoint.
In addition to the worksheets that are required to run the model, the Introduction worksheet and
Blank Worksheets (3) are included in the Photovoltaic Project Workbook file. The Introduction
worksheet provides the user with a quick overview of the model. Blank Worksheets (3) are
provided to allow the user to prepare a customised RETScreen project analysis. For example, the
worksheets can be used to enter more details about the project, to prepare graphs and to perform a
more detailed sensitivity analysis.
PV.9
RETScreen
International at:
RETScreen
International
CANMET Energy Technology Centre - Varennes
Natural Resources Canada
1615 Lionel-Boulet, P.O. Box 4800
Varennes, Quebec, CANADA J 3X 1S6
Tel: +1-450-652-4621
Fax: +1-450-652-5177
E-mail: rets@nrcan.gc.ca
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RETScreen
International is provided on an "as is" basis. Natural Resources Canada nor does
its minister, officers, employees or agents make any representations or warranties, either
expressed or implied, arising by law or otherwise, including but not limited to, implied warranties
of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, or that the use of the software will not
infringe any intellectual property rights of third parties. In no event will Natural Resources
Canada nor its minister, officers, employees or agents have any obligations or liability arising
from tort, or for loss of revenue or profit, or for indirect, special, incidental or consequential
damages as a result of your use of the software.
In consideration of the right to load, execute and use RETScreen
International
CANMET Energy Technology Centre - Varennes
Natural Resources Canada
1615 Lionel-Boulet, P.O. Box 4800
Varennes, Quebec, CANADA J 3X 1S6
Tel: +1-450-652-4621
Fax: +1-450-652-5177
E-mail: rets@nrcan.gc.ca
Minister of Natural Resources Canada 1997 - 2005.
RETSCREEN is a registered trademark of the Minister of Natural Resources Canada.
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RETScreen