Altitude effects on PV performance [RE-wrenches]

[matthew tritt]

Matt,

Speaking of re-charging batteries, may I also suggest the West coast of
Costa Rica? My batteries almost exploded! Maybe my charge-controller needs
work.

Maybe it's just people named Matt that feel compelled to monitor energy
inputs, but I am constantly irritating my wife by (among other things)
stopping the car to check wind speeds and recording the spot on the map
using my GPS. Unfortunately, I had to forego my research of tans some time
ago. The bruising became too aggravating. :-(

Matt T
----- Original Message -----
From: "Matt Lafferty" <pvpro at attbi.com>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Monday, March 10, 2003 5:48 PM
Subject: RE: Altitude effects on PV performance [RE-wrenches]


> Jeff / Wrenches:
>
> I've given this a lot of thought since the topic was raised.  Some
> disclaimers are in order.....
>
> A. I've never been to Tibet (Wish everyone there the best, though).
>
> B. I've been deprived of oxygen....Have been accused of not thinking
> straight (oxygen related or otherwise).
>
> C. I don't know of a basic formula or website address that addresses
> Jeff's question.
>
> What I do know is this:  People that are at higher elevations have
> better tans.  While we may not relate this to PV output specifically, I
> must ask:  Have any of you been around Lake Tahoe in the Summer?  WOW!
> I highly recommend it!  Talk about recharging batteries!
>
> This is not an isolated observation....Fortunately for me, my girl/best
> friend doesn't mind my "observing"....Assists when necessary, in
> fact....Scientific testing?......I'll have to check.  I can tell you
> it's WAY noticeable....and Appreciated!  ;-)
>
> I, fortunately, get to spend a significant portion of my time in the
> Lake Tahoe area.  (My girl/best friend lives there, FYI) The sun is
> "purer" at altitude, that's a fact.  I spend as much time in it as
> possible.  "Recharging", if you will.  I have a Daystar digital
> Pyronometer in my glovebox and pull it out a lot to sample my "ambient
> conditions", even on hikes.  OK, call me what you will, but I do.
>
> What portion of that, relative the Smog-laden atmosphere in which I
> reside, is due purely to altitude, I don't know.
>
> I've taken Insolation readings "at home, before I leave" and "when I get
> there" numerous times to try to get a "feel" or "trend".   I don't take
> these as scientific....It's 2 hours driving, different weather
> conditions generally, etc.....
>
> My personal conclusion (not conclusive at all since I don't have the
> data to support it) is probably best characterized as a "gut instinct
> based on the attempt at testing that I've done", is this:  The Solar
> Intensity is higher at altitude than it is in Valley or "Closer to Sea
> Level" conditions.  An Urban area's Solar Access is further inhibited by
> Smog.  In the case of Sacramento, I believe the "Urban Effect" is
> greater than the altitude differential.
>
> Just 3 cents worth, doesn't inflation suck?
>
> -Matt Lafferty
> mlafferty at universalenergies.com
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jeff Oldham [mailto:starpower4u at juno.com]
> Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2003 4:49 PM
> To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
> Subject: Altitude effects on PV performance [RE-wrenches]
>
>
> Anyone know a basic formula or web site that addresses altitude effects
> on output? I can't seem to find anything, I have a project at 12k' in
> Tibet and need some ball park numbers for now (we'll take on site
> readings later). I've had Everest climbing teams I've outfitted claim
> very noticable increase at 15k, but these guys are deprived of oxygen
> and can't think straight!
>
> thanks
>
>
> Jeff Oldham
>
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