Validation

Insight Solar Analysis with Revit uses the Perez solar model to calculate results. This model is used by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) and their PVWatts® tool. Results from Insight Solar Analysis have been validated directly by NREL and findings conclude that differences between the results were less than 1% for surfaces oriented horizontal, east facing vertical, and south facing with latitude tilt angle.

You can test solar analysis results yourself by analyzing a surface with specified tilt and orientation in PVWatts® for a TMY station and comparing results with Insight Solar Analysis with Revit for a location with the same TMY station.

It’s important to note that Revit uses a variety of weather data for analysis, not just TMY data. Read more about the Revit Internet Mapping Service. When comparing Insight Solar Analysis results to those from other tools, consider weather data sources and varying calculation methods when comparing results.