Speaking as a computer person who has designed a lot of software over the years, my first reaction to this is, "what is the purpose of this app?"
This app doesn't seem to have much to do with the technical operation of your own array, as far as I can see.
So, I take this to be more of a social app, helping people feel connected to others with similar interests (i.e., a home array). This is not a terrible idea. But I have to wonder whether these production numbers are a good way to connect. What does it mean if my array is slightly more or less efficient than yours? Who knows? It doesn't matter very much, really.
Worse, this is an invitation to compete, which some people will enjoy, but others will not. This may or may not be what you are shooting for. (And, of course, someone might want to bet on the results. Sigh.)
This app also collects data that might be commercially valuable. Maybe. If so, that needs to be made clear, and any use of the data should be opted into.
My own view is that it would be more interesting to report total production for a community or area. I.e., make it a team sport. And it would be best if the "score" isn't something to compare to the town next door, but something like a progress meter, e.g., how close to net-zero or something like that. This might also have some kind of community target, e.g., a goal for production this year. And then you can have a parade and picnic to celebrate when the team hits the mark.
Anyway, that's my two cents worth.
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Robert McGrath
Software Engineer (retired)
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
robert.mcgrath216@gmail.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: Jun 15, 2021 09:14 AM
From: Narelle Kipple
Subject: Members, we want your opinion!
Currently there are apps that show you how much energy your PV array is producing but it only looks at your array. You aren't able to see if your array is producing similar results of your neighbors or other solar owners in your area. ASES is contemplating creating a network to track and compare your personal energy generation to others in your area and across the nation. The solar owners would input their data into the platform and would be able to compare their generation on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis to others. This platform would connect with the ASES Online Community so members could engage with one another, ask questions and get information. Before we proceed further with this idea, we wanted to get our members' thoughts and opinions first - would you be interested in tracking the energy generation from your solar system to a network to compare to other solar homeowners locally and nationwide? If so, how often do you feel you will input data into the platform?
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Narelle Kipple
Membership & Programs Coordinator
American Solar Energy Society
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