Step-by-Step Instructions

Note: This chapter was retired in July 2015 as the tools and data are no longer available. The pages are available here for reference.

Part 1—Find, View, and Download the Data

Preview two different data portals (Soltrex and Solar Schoolhouse) to locate solar panel productivity data at a site near you. Learn how to view and download the data you need.

Part 2—Examine Data From a Single Location

Look more closely at solar panel productivity data from nearly raw values every 15 minutes to aggregated and averaged forms over longer time periods. Analyze the graphs of daily, monthly, and annual data.

Part 3—Compare Two Locations and Download Data

Compare data from two different geographic areas to analyze installations that vary in their maximum power capacity. Then, compare two schools that are geographically near each other and that have the same power capacity outputs. Use online graphs and tables, as well as downloaded data to create graphs in Excel.

Part 4—Consider Solar Energy Offsets

Examine the carbon emissions that have been avoided by the solar energy generated at sites where solar panels have been installed. Look at typical home use and compare it to the amount of energy these panels have generated.