pvlib.snow.fully_covered_nrel#

pvlib.snow.fully_covered_nrel(snowfall, snow_depth=None, threshold_snowfall=1.0, threshold_depth=1.0)[source]#

Calculates the timesteps when modules are fully covered by snow.

Parameters:

snowfall (Series) – Snowfall in each time period. [cm]
snow_depth (Series, optional) – Snow depth on the ground at the beginning of each time period. Must have the same index as snowfall. [cm]
threshold_snowfall (float, default 1.0) – Hourly snowfall above which the row is fully covered for that hour. [cm/hr]
threshold_depth (float, default 1.0) – Snow depth on the ground, above which snow can affect the modules. [cm]

Returns:

covered (Series) – A Series of boolean, True where the snowfall exceeds the defined threshold to fully cover the panel.

Notes

Implements the model described in [1] with minor improvements in [2].

snow_depth is used to return False (not fully covered) when snow is less than threshold_depth. This check is described in [2] as needed for systems with low tilt angle.

References