Energy Links
Estimation & Performance Calculators for Grid-Connected PV Systems
# Joint Research Centre is a world wide PV performance calculator for your planned PV installation.
# The PVWatts calculator Version 1 allows users to select a location from a map or text list of pre-determined locations throughout the world. http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/calculators/PVWATTS/version1/
( The PVWattsTM calculator was developed by NREL's Electricity Resources and Building Systems Integration Center).
UK Wind Speed Database
Click here to view a map which can be used to guestimate wind speeds in your area.
Using the UK Wind database
The UK wind speed database works using a six character Ordnance Survey grid reference. To find this grid reference you can use the following conversion tool, from Streetmap:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?GridConvert
You will need to edit the eight character LR value that's returned:
Eg. The BWEA office postcode is N1 0PW. Typing this into the above converter returns:
LR - TQ315835
This value is made up of three values - two letters, and then two sets of three numbers - TQ 315 835 for the above example. Click here to see the Ordnance Survey guide to the National Grid.
The database uses a six digit grid reference, so you need to drop the third digit from each of the two numbers: this would make the above example TQ 31 83
Click the link below to use the DTI Wind Speed Database:
http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/sources/renewables/explained/wind/windspeed-database/page27326.html
Select a region and type in the six character grid reference as described above (with no spaces) and then hit the Find Wind Data button. This should return the wind speeds for the locatiopn you specified.
The DTI also provide a desktop version of the database and ASCII data files which can be imported into a GIS system. Both of these can be downloaded here:
http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/sources/renewables/explained/wind/windspeed-database/page27708.html
If you wish to pursue the investigation of a particular site further, then we recommend that you contact us with your requirements.
The Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Trust is a non-profit organisation that provides free and impartial advice on how to stop wasting energy, Grants and offers for home improvements. http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/
A copy of our terms and conditions of trading is available upon request.If you cannot find the product you are looking for please contact us to discuss your specific requirements. Alternatively you can email your request for product information and prices to info@solenttech.co.uk
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