How do I simulate retrofitting storage to an existing system and how do I account for the PV-adjusted load profile?

An existing system is to be retrofitted with a storage system. A PV-adjusted load profile with 15-minute values for a full year is available.

To take the PV-adjusted load profile (consumption profile minus PV self-consumption) into account, you need to perform two simulations.

You model the installed PV system (taking module degradation into account, depending on how long the system has been operating) and use a standard consumption profile stored in PV*SOL that best matches your consumption type. Estimate the annual electricity demand:

For the simulation, select the 1-minute time step.

In the results, check whether the value "Total consumption – covered by grid" matches the annual total of your measured load profile. If the deviation exceeds 10%, adjust the annual electricity demand in the consumption profile and run the simulation again:

Next, export the self-consumption data in 15-minute intervals. In Excel, add the 15-minute intervals of the measured load profile and the simulated self-consumption.

For storage system design, you can now import your total load profile into PV*SOL. Delete the previously selected default load profile. Further information on importing load profiles can be found in our help documentation.