Keith, We have both and use both. The SolMetric gives more information but has a steeper learning curve. The grid-tie designers use the SolMetric exclusively, and include report data and printouts in both system design/proposal documents (output predictions) and in state tax-credit eligibility calculations. I do off-grid work pretty much exclusively, and the analog simplicity of the Pathfinder appeals to me and the customers. It's kind of a different market and different customer type -- off-grid customers quickly grok the Pathfinder sun chart, but are less wowed by the high-tech SolMetric, so they're easily able to work with the Pathfinder and me to choose a good array site. Also, having used it for 15 years or so, I'm not likely to forget how to use the Pathfinder if I haven't used it for a few months. Also, the batteries never run out on the Pathfinder. Remember there's software available for the Pathfinder that turns the sun charts into digital data. We haven't tried it, though. Do I sound like a dinosaur yet? Maybe a designosaurus? Re verifying performance, we send out cards once a year asking for readings to be recorded and sent back to us. All returned cards help us build a database of real vs. predicted performance.
Allan Sindelar <mailto:al...@positiveenergysolar.com> allan(at)positiveenergysolar.com NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer Positive Energy, Inc. 3201 Calle Marie Santa Fe NM 87507 505 424-1112 www.positiveenergysolar.com Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. -----Original Message----- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Keith Cronin Hello gang Was wondering, who is using each (or if you are not, I'd like to learn/understand) and the features/benefits that you see where one is more desirable than the other. Also, after this projection of performance, are we checking in with our clients to verify performance? Thanks Keith
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