Core Modeling Constants
Standard Degradation Rate
0.5%/ YEAR
Applied uniformly across all 20-year modeling scenarios. This baseline constant reflects established industry benchmarks for crystalline silicon photovoltaic performance over time as documented in NREL reference cycles.
Rate Escalation Band
2.0 — 3.0%/ YEAR
Used as a sensitivity modeling range for projected future electricity costs. This band is based on historical Texas retail rate variability patterns reported in public EIA Form 861 datasets.
System Horizons & Cycles
Projection period
20 Years
Default analytical horizon for all residential savings projections and ROI modeling.
Data Reference
2024 Cycle
Current baseline year for utility rate, irradiation, and incentive modeling variables.
Loss Factor
14.1%
Aggregate default system loss factor based on NREL PVWatts V8 reference assumptions.
Institutional Framework Overview
The SunScore™ Projection Engine integrates these assumptions with georeferenced public data to produce localized modeling ranges.