N.M. Admin. Code § 3.3.28.12

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 23, December 10, 2024

Section 3.3.28.12 - SOLAR COLLECTOR AND MODULE ORIENTATION AND SUN EXPOSURE

A. A solar energy system array the department certifies shall have an azimuth angle or sun exposure reduction due to shading or other factors that results in annual energy production of the total solar energy system having a combined derating of not more than 25 percent when compared to an ideal solar energy system at the same location that has an unshaded array tilt equal to local latitude and azimuth of true south. For cases in which the combined impact of orientation and sun exposure of an array is evaluated, the applicant shall estimate a derating using a department approved method or model.

B. A tracking array of a solar energy system that the department certifies shall have a mechanism to track the sun so that the array absorber surface consistently receives the sun's direct beam at all times when the direct beam of full sun is available, without requiring manual adjustment, except for a solar energy system having the following tracking array control features:

(1) automatic and intentional stowage of the array due to high velocity wind to avoid damage to the array and its support structure;

(2) automatic and intentional adjustment to off-direct-beam array orientations at low sun angles to optimize the solar energy system's annual energy production; or

(3) other automatic and intentional array control features that demonstrate to the department's satisfaction that the solar energy system's annual energy production is optimized.

C. A solar energy system that the department certifies shall have an array and balance of system components that are automatically controlled to collect sunlight or solar heat and deliver to an end use, without requiring manual operation.

D. It is the applicant's sole responsibility to take action or meet the Solar Rights Act's requirements, if applicable.

N.M. Admin. Code § 3.3.28.12

3.3.28.12 NMAC - N, 7-1-06; A, 1-31-08; A, 7-16-09