Power Requirements

Overview


This page covers the Power Requirements step of the project creation wizard, focusing on how users can accurately specify their power needs and how the system analyzes this information.



Components


The power requirements section consists of two main input components:

  1. Power Needs Input
  2. Numerical input field for estimated power needs in kilowatts (kW)

  3. Validates input to ensure positive numbers only

  4. Application Type Selection

  5. Dropdown menu with options:
    • Residential
    • Commercial
    • Industrial




Detailed Process Flow



1. Power Needs Calculation

  • User enters estimated power needs in kW
  • System validates input:
  • Must be a positive number
  • Must be within reasonable range for selected application type
  • Frontend performs real-time validation
  • Value used for subsequent solar system sizing calculations



2. Application Type Selection

  • User selects from predefined categories
  • Each category has different:
  • Typical power ranges
  • ROI calculations
  • Equipment recommendations
  • Selection influences AI analysis parameters



3. Backend Processing


Power Analysis Service

  • Validates power requirements against industry standards
  • Calculates initial system sizing recommendations
  • Determines optimal panel configuration
  • Implementation includes:
    • Load factor calculations
    • Peak demand estimation
    • Usage pattern analysis
    • Safety margin calculations



Calculation Methods


1. System Sizing


Basic Formula

System Size (kW) = Daily Energy Need / (Solar Hours × System Efficiency)

Where: - Daily Energy Need = Power Needs × Hours of Operation - Solar Hours = Location-specific average sun hours - System Efficiency = Typical value between 0.75-0.85


2. ROI Calculations


annual_production = system_size * solar_hours * 365 * system_efficiency
annual_savings = annual_production * electricity_rate
payback_period = initial_investment / annual_savings




Data Processing


1. User Input Validation

  • Power needs validation
  • Application type verification
  • Range checking against typical values


2. System Analysis

  • Load profile generation
  • Peak demand calculation
  • Capacity planning
  • Safety factor application




Algorithm Details


1. Power Optimization

  • Uses Business Analyzer class to process inputs
  • Considers:
  • Time-of-use patterns
  • Seasonal variations
  • Growth projections
  • Redundancy requirements


2. AI Integration

  • OpenAI analysis of requirements
  • Pattern matching with similar projects
  • Optimization recommendations
  • Risk assessment

This comprehensive power requirements analysis ensures accurate system sizing and optimal performance recommendations for your solar installation project.