Solar Inputs Explained

Solar fields shape the energy available from the array, the practical installed panel count, and the advisory MPPT and string-related outputs.

Panel fields

Panel watts is the wattage of one panel. Panel Vmp is the operating voltage around maximum power, and Panel Voc is the open-circuit voltage. These matter not only for total array wattage but also for the advisory string logic.

Average sun hours is the effective solar window available for meaningful production, not simply the number of daylight hours in a day.

Energy and recharge fields

Installation efficiency and cloud factor shape how much useful solar energy actually reaches the system after real-world losses and conditions. Battery recharge percent tells GridGap how much of previous battery use should be replaced by solar, rather than just supporting day loads.

If cloud scenarios are enabled, the results can compare panel counts under different cloud conditions.

PV installation fields

When installation planning is enabled, PV-side fields include cable one-way length, use of combiner, combiner-to-controller length, cable material, cable type, voltage drop target, installation environment, protection preference, and rooftop isolator inclusion.