Solar, storage, tariff, and tax terms

A kilowatt is a unit of real power equal to 1,000 watts.

Power describes the rate of energy production, use, charge, or discharge at a point in time. Use kW when comparing equipment ratings, connection limits, billed peaks, or the maximum height of a storage dispatch event. For an Enerwav screen, kW is recorded with its unit, time basis, and evidence date, then checked beside kwh and power. The governing reference is NRCAN-SOLAR-PLANNING-GUIDE; users should reopen the linked source before a real decision. If the required tariff, engineering, tax, contract, or operating evidence is missing, the related result stays suppressed instead of receiving a hidden default.

Related: kWh, Power, Peak demand

Natural Resources Canada: Planning and Decision Guide for Solar PV SystemsVerified 2026-07-17

A kilowatt-hour is the energy produced or consumed at 1 kW for one hour.

Energy accumulates over time, so a bill or battery capacity needs a stated period or operating condition. Use kWh for consumption, generation, or stored energy across a stated period; it cannot replace a demand measurement expressed in kW. Decision teams should document who supplied the kWh value, what boundary it uses, and when it was verified. Its relationship to kw and energy-capacity often changes the interpretation. Enerwav points to NRCAN-SOLAR-PLANNING-GUIDE as the current evidence record and does not treat a glossary definition as project approval. Engineering, utility, tax, legal, or contractual review may still be required.

Related: kW, Energy capacity, Duration

Natural Resources Canada: Planning and Decision Guide for Solar PV SystemsVerified 2026-07-17

kWdc states photovoltaic nameplate power on the direct-current side.

Module nameplates usually establish DC array size before inverter conversion and system losses. For photovoltaic arrays, kWdc describes module-side capacity before inverter conversion, clipping, wiring loss, temperature, and operating conditions. In comparison work, keep kWdc on the same measurement and timing basis across alternatives. Cross-check kwac and dc-ac-ratio so unlike quantities are not combined. Source record NRCAN-SOLAR-PLANNING-GUIDE supplies the definition or method boundary, not a site-specific outcome. Where a current bill, interval file, design, agreement, or professional determination is absent, Enerwav marks the dependent claim unavailable.

Related: kWac, DC/AC ratio, Inverter

Natural Resources Canada: Planning and Decision Guide for Solar PV SystemsVerified 2026-07-17

kWac states real power on the alternating-current side of a system.

AC capacity can describe an inverter, generator output, or connection limit, depending on the source. For an inverter or grid connection, kWac describes alternating-current output and may be lower than the connected module-side rating. A procurement brief should state the entered kWac assumption, its source, responsible reviewer, and unresolved questions. It should also show how kwdc and dc-ac-ratio affect the requested study. The referenced record is NRCAN-SOLAR-PLANNING-GUIDE, with its own verification date and scope. This vocabulary supports consistent questions; it does not certify eligibility, performance, savings, safety, connection, or tax treatment.

Related: kWdc, DC/AC ratio, Inverter

Natural Resources Canada: Planning and Decision Guide for Solar PV SystemsVerified 2026-07-17

DC/AC ratio divides photovoltaic DC nameplate capacity by inverter AC capacity.

The ratio affects clipping and inverter loading, but it does not establish annual production by itself. A higher or lower ratio changes clipping exposure and equipment utilisation, so comparisons require the same design and weather basis. When a model uses DC/AC ratio, retain the original evidence and avoid converting an unknown into zero. Review kwdc and kwac at the same time because those terms define important limits. Enerwav associates this entry with NRCAN-SOLAR-PLANNING-GUIDE and exposes that source identifier in its evidence surfaces. Project-specific calculations still require compatible inputs and a clearly stated suppression rule for anything unverified.

Related: kWdc, kWac, Curtailment

Natural Resources Canada: Planning and Decision Guide for Solar PV SystemsVerified 2026-07-17

Specific yield is annual energy divided by installed photovoltaic capacity, often stated as kWh/kWp.

It supports location comparisons when orientation, model basis, time coverage, and system losses remain explicit. Specific yield helps compare resource assumptions, but only when orientation, losses, period, weather basis, and measurement boundary are aligned. For an Enerwav screen, Specific yield is recorded with its unit, time basis, and evidence date, then checked beside capacity-factor and kwdc. The governing reference is NRCAN-PV-EXPLANATION; users should reopen the linked source before a real decision. If the required tariff, engineering, tax, contract, or operating evidence is missing, the related result stays suppressed instead of receiving a hidden default.

Related: Capacity factor, kWdc, Degradation

Natural Resources Canada: Tools for solar photovoltaic energyVerified 2026-07-17

Capacity factor compares actual energy with energy at continuous full nameplate power.

The ratio needs a time period and a clear choice of AC or DC nameplate capacity. Capacity factor can describe annual utilisation, yet solar, storage, and dispatchable assets use different denominators and operating constraints. Decision teams should document who supplied the Capacity factor value, what boundary it uses, and when it was verified. Its relationship to specific-yield and kwac often changes the interpretation. Enerwav points to NRCAN-PV-EXPLANATION as the current evidence record and does not treat a glossary definition as project approval. Engineering, utility, tax, legal, or contractual review may still be required.

Related: Specific yield, kWac, kWh

Natural Resources Canada: Tools for solar photovoltaic energyVerified 2026-07-17

Self-consumption is generated electricity used behind the meter rather than exported.

Interval generation and load determine the share; annual totals alone can overstate the match. Self-consumption needs time-aligned generation and load data; annual totals alone cannot prove how much electricity was used behind the meter. In comparison work, keep Self-consumption on the same measurement and timing basis across alternatives. Cross-check export-credit and net-metering so unlike quantities are not combined. Source record ENERWAV-METHODOLOGY supplies the definition or method boundary, not a site-specific outcome. Where a current bill, interval file, design, agreement, or professional determination is absent, Enerwav marks the dependent claim unavailable.

Related: Export credit, Net metering, Load profile

Enerwav: Enerwav methodologyVerified 2026-07-17

Net metering credits eligible exported generation against later electricity consumption under a regulated arrangement.

Credit scope, expiry, capacity, technology, metering, and interconnection rules vary by jurisdiction and utility. Net-metering eligibility, credit units, expiry, capacity limits, and settlement rules come from the controlling provincial and utility documents. A procurement brief should state the entered Net metering assumption, its source, responsible reviewer, and unresolved questions. It should also show how export-credit and self-consumption affect the requested study. The referenced record is ONTARIO-REG-541-05, with its own verification date and scope. This vocabulary supports consistent questions; it does not certify eligibility, performance, savings, safety, connection, or tax treatment.

Related: Export credit, Self-consumption, Interconnection

Government of Ontario: Ontario Regulation 541/05: Net MeteringVerified 2026-07-17

An export credit is the tariff value assigned to eligible electricity sent to the grid.

The value may differ from the import price and may not offset every bill charge. An export credit should be entered only from a current tariff or contract and kept separate from the avoided import value. When a model uses Export credit, retain the original evidence and avoid converting an unknown into zero. Review net-metering and self-consumption at the same time because those terms define important limits. Enerwav associates this entry with ENERWAV-METHODOLOGY and exposes that source identifier in its evidence surfaces. Project-specific calculations still require compatible inputs and a clearly stated suppression rule for anything unverified.

Related: Net metering, Self-consumption, Avoided cost

Enerwav: Enerwav methodologyVerified 2026-07-17

A demand charge applies a tariff price to a measured or billing demand quantity.

The tariff must define the unit, measurement window, ratchet, season, and billing determinant. Demand-charge value depends on the billed measurement interval, minimums, ratchets, coincident rules, and whether dispatch changes the bill determinant. For an Enerwav screen, Demand charge is recorded with its unit, time basis, and evidence date, then checked beside peak-demand and ratchet. The governing reference is TORONTO-HYDRO-BUSINESS-RATES; users should reopen the linked source before a real decision. If the required tariff, engineering, tax, contract, or operating evidence is missing, the related result stays suppressed instead of receiving a hidden default.

Related: Peak demand, Demand ratchet, Interval data

Toronto Hydro: Business electricity ratesVerified 2026-07-17

Peak demand is the highest applicable power measurement within a defined period.

Utility billing, facility planning, and provincial settlement can use different measurement intervals and definitions. A single recorded peak has meaning only with its interval, season, tariff treatment, measurement location, and underlying operating event. Decision teams should document who supplied the Peak demand value, what boundary it uses, and when it was verified. Its relationship to demand-charge and coincident-peak often changes the interpretation. Enerwav points to TORONTO-HYDRO-BUSINESS-RATES as the current evidence record and does not treat a glossary definition as project approval. Engineering, utility, tax, legal, or contractual review may still be required.

Related: Demand charge, Coincident peak, Peak Demand Factor

Toronto Hydro: Business electricity ratesVerified 2026-07-17

Ontario Class A customers pay Global Adjustment using their Peak Demand Factor.

Eligibility and participation depend on demand bands, activity rules, and current IESO requirements. Ontario Class A analysis requires confirmed eligibility, base-period peaks, adjustment-period treatment, and the customer's actual Peak Demand Factor evidence. In comparison work, keep Class A on the same measurement and timing basis across alternatives. Cross-check class-b and global-adjustment so unlike quantities are not combined. Source record IESO-GLOBAL-ADJUSTMENT supplies the definition or method boundary, not a site-specific outcome. Where a current bill, interval file, design, agreement, or professional determination is absent, Enerwav marks the dependent claim unavailable.

Related: Class B, Global Adjustment, Peak Demand Factor

Independent Electricity System Operator: Global AdjustmentVerified 2026-07-17

Ontario Class B customers pay Global Adjustment using monthly consumption and the applicable rate.

Class B treatment differs from the Peak Demand Factor method used for Class A customers. Class B settlement should not be modelled as Class A peak avoidance; the allocation method and applicable charges differ. A procurement brief should state the entered Class B assumption, its source, responsible reviewer, and unresolved questions. It should also show how class-a and global-adjustment affect the requested study. The referenced record is IESO-GLOBAL-ADJUSTMENT, with its own verification date and scope. This vocabulary supports consistent questions; it does not certify eligibility, performance, savings, safety, connection, or tax treatment.

Related: Class A, Global Adjustment, Industrial Conservation Initiative

Independent Electricity System Operator: Global AdjustmentVerified 2026-07-17

Global Adjustment is an Ontario electricity charge allocated through Class A or Class B methods.

Customer class, settlement period, consumption, and Peak Demand Factor determine the applicable calculation. Global Adjustment is not a universal storage-savings rate, because customer class and settlement evidence determine exposure and possible response. When a model uses Global Adjustment, retain the original evidence and avoid converting an unknown into zero. Review class-a and class-b at the same time because those terms define important limits. Enerwav associates this entry with IESO-GLOBAL-ADJUSTMENT and exposes that source identifier in its evidence surfaces. Project-specific calculations still require compatible inputs and a clearly stated suppression rule for anything unverified.

Related: Class A, Class B, Peak Demand Factor

Independent Electricity System Operator: Global AdjustmentVerified 2026-07-17

The Industrial Conservation Initiative is Ontario's framework for eligible Class A participation.

The framework links a customer's peak contribution in the base period to later Global Adjustment charges. Participation and results depend on current IESO rules, customer eligibility, peak forecasting, operations, and later settlement rather than nameplate equipment alone. For an Enerwav screen, Industrial Conservation Initiative is recorded with its unit, time basis, and evidence date, then checked beside class-a and peak-demand-factor. The governing reference is IESO-CLASS-A-ELIGIBILITY; users should reopen the linked source before a real decision. If the required tariff, engineering, tax, contract, or operating evidence is missing, the related result stays suppressed instead of receiving a hidden default.

Related: Class A, Peak Demand Factor, Global Adjustment

Independent Electricity System Operator: Global Adjustment Class A EligibilityVerified 2026-07-17

Peak Demand Factor is a customer's percentage contribution during Ontario's top five peak hours.

IESO calculates the factor from the base period and applies it during the later adjustment period. The factor is calculated from contribution to defined provincial peaks, so a forecast requires interval evidence and uncertainty around future peak timing. Decision teams should document who supplied the Peak Demand Factor value, what boundary it uses, and when it was verified. Its relationship to class-a and coincident-peak often changes the interpretation. Enerwav points to IESO-PEAK-DEMAND-FACTOR as the current evidence record and does not treat a glossary definition as project approval. Engineering, utility, tax, legal, or contractual review may still be required.

Related: Class A, Coincident peak, Global Adjustment

Independent Electricity System Operator: Global Adjustment and Peak Demand FactorVerified 2026-07-17

An investment tax credit reduces tax payable or can be refundable when the governing rules allow.

The Clean Technology ITC requires a qualifying claimant, property, date, eligible basis, and compliance evidence. A preliminary credit estimate must keep acquisition, available-for-use, basis, assistance, claimant, property, labour, and recapture questions visible. In comparison work, keep ITC on the same measurement and timing basis across alternatives. Cross-check cca and ucc so unlike quantities are not combined. Source record FINANCE-CLEAN-TECH-ITC-2026 supplies the definition or method boundary, not a site-specific outcome. Where a current bill, interval file, design, agreement, or professional determination is absent, Enerwav marks the dependent claim unavailable.

Related: CCA, UCC, Available for use

Department of Finance Canada: Briefing binder for the Senate Committee on National FinanceVerified 2026-07-17

Capital cost allowance is Canada's tax depreciation system for eligible depreciable property.

The class, UCC, acquisition date, available-for-use rules, incentives, and first-year treatment affect deductions. CCA is a tax schedule rather than cash savings on purchase; class, timing, UCC, income, and taxpayer circumstances affect the result. A procurement brief should state the entered CCA assumption, its source, responsible reviewer, and unresolved questions. It should also show how class-43-1 and class-43-2 affect the requested study. The referenced record is CRA-CCA-CLASSES, with its own verification date and scope. This vocabulary supports consistent questions; it does not certify eligibility, performance, savings, safety, connection, or tax treatment.

Related: Class 43.1, Class 43.2, UCC

Canada Revenue Agency: Classes of depreciable propertyVerified 2026-07-17

CRA lists Class 43.1 as a 30% capital cost allowance class for qualifying property.

Property must meet the class conditions, and current first-year treatment depends on enacted timing rules. Classification requires the property's actual characteristics and acquisition timing; a technology label by itself is not enough. When a model uses Class 43.1, retain the original evidence and avoid converting an unknown into zero. Review cca and class-43-2 at the same time because those terms define important limits. Enerwav associates this entry with CRA-CCA-CLASSES and exposes that source identifier in its evidence surfaces. Project-specific calculations still require compatible inputs and a clearly stated suppression rule for anything unverified.

Related: CCA, Class 43.2, Available for use

Canada Revenue Agency: Classes of depreciable propertyVerified 2026-07-17

CRA lists Class 43.2 at 50% for qualifying property acquired before 2025.

A post-2024 acquisition cannot enter Class 43.2 merely because similar property qualified historically. The acquisition cutoff is decisive, so historical examples cannot be used to classify newly acquired property after the stated window. For an Enerwav screen, Class 43.2 is recorded with its unit, time basis, and evidence date, then checked beside cca and class-43-1. The governing reference is CRA-CCA-CLASSES; users should reopen the linked source before a real decision. If the required tariff, engineering, tax, contract, or operating evidence is missing, the related result stays suppressed instead of receiving a hidden default.

Related: CCA, Class 43.1, Available for use

Canada Revenue Agency: Classes of depreciable propertyVerified 2026-07-17

Undepreciated capital cost is the remaining tax balance of a depreciable property class.

Additions, deductions, assistance, ITC treatment, dispositions, and CCA claims can change the balance. The balance evolves with additions, dispositions, assistance, credits, and deductions, and should reconcile to the taxpayer's records. Decision teams should document who supplied the UCC value, what boundary it uses, and when it was verified. Its relationship to cca and itc often changes the interpretation. Enerwav points to CRA-CLEAN-TECH-ITC-UCC-TREATMENTS as the current evidence record and does not treat a glossary definition as project approval. Engineering, utility, tax, legal, or contractual review may still be required.

Related: CCA, ITC, Class 43.1

Canada Revenue Agency: Clean Technology ITC multimedia guideVerified 2026-07-17

Available for use is a tax timing condition that can govern when property enters a deduction or credit window.

The date is a legal and factual determination, not automatically the purchase, delivery, or announcement date. This date can differ from ordering, payment, delivery, installation, commissioning, or energisation and needs a supportable factual basis. In comparison work, keep Available for use on the same measurement and timing basis across alternatives. Cross-check itc and cca so unlike quantities are not combined. Source record CRA-ACCELERATED-INVESTMENT supplies the definition or method boundary, not a site-specific outcome. Where a current bill, interval file, design, agreement, or professional determination is absent, Enerwav marks the dependent claim unavailable.

Related: ITC, CCA, Class 43.1

Canada Revenue Agency: Accelerated investment incentiveVerified 2026-07-17

A power purchase agreement sets terms for buying electricity or settling its value over time.

Physical delivery, financial settlement, term, price, volume, credit, and environmental attributes are contract specific. A PPA comparison must address price, escalation, volume, term, credit, curtailment, environmental attributes, site rights, default, and exit provisions. A procurement brief should state the entered PPA assumption, its source, responsible reviewer, and unresolved questions. It should also show how virtual-ppa and curtailment affect the requested study. The referenced record is ALBERTA-PPA-GUIDE-ARCHIVED, with its own verification date and scope. This vocabulary supports consistent questions; it does not certify eligibility, performance, savings, safety, connection, or tax treatment.

Related: Virtual PPA, Curtailment, ITC

Government of Alberta: A Guide to Support Alberta's Industrial and Commercial Renewable Electricity ConsumersVerified 2026-07-17

A virtual PPA is a financial settlement separate from the buyer's physical electricity delivery.

Market participation, eligibility, settlement, credit, accounting, and contract rules determine its use. Because physical supply remains separate, the buyer should examine market settlement, basis risk, accounting, collateral, credit, and eligibility. When a model uses Virtual PPA, retain the original evidence and avoid converting an unknown into zero. Review ppa and global-adjustment at the same time because those terms define important limits. Enerwav associates this entry with IESO-CPPA and exposes that source identifier in its evidence surfaces. Project-specific calculations still require compatible inputs and a clearly stated suppression rule for anything unverified.

Related: PPA, Global Adjustment, Curtailment

Independent Electricity System Operator: Corporate Power Purchase Agreements for ICI ParticipantsVerified 2026-07-17

A battery energy storage system combines battery equipment with conversion, controls, protection, and supporting systems.

Nameplate power and energy do not establish dispatch value, resilience, safety approval, or usable capacity. A BESS description should separate power, nameplate energy, discharged energy, efficiency, reserve, duration, controls, safety, and interconnection limits. For an Enerwav screen, BESS is recorded with its unit, time basis, and evidence date, then checked beside power and energy-capacity. The governing reference is NRCAN-BATTERY-ECOSYSTEM; users should reopen the linked source before a real decision. If the required tariff, engineering, tax, contract, or operating evidence is missing, the related result stays suppressed instead of receiving a hidden default.

Related: Power, Energy capacity, SOC

Natural Resources Canada: Benchmarking the Canadian Battery EcosystemVerified 2026-07-17

Power is the rate at which energy is generated, consumed, charged, or discharged.

For storage, power limits the height of a dispatch response before energy duration is considered. Power answers how fast an event occurs, not how long it can continue; storage duration also needs an energy basis. Decision teams should document who supplied the Power value, what boundary it uses, and when it was verified. Its relationship to kw and energy-capacity often changes the interpretation. Enerwav points to ENERWAV-METHODOLOGY as the current evidence record and does not treat a glossary definition as project approval. Engineering, utility, tax, legal, or contractual review may still be required.

Related: kW, Energy capacity, Duration

Enerwav: Enerwav methodologyVerified 2026-07-17

Energy capacity is the amount of energy a storage system can hold under stated conditions.

Usable capacity can differ from nameplate because of reserve, state-of-charge, temperature, degradation, and warranty limits. State whether the number is nameplate, charged, discharged, or warranted usable energy before calculating runtime or shifted value. In comparison work, keep Energy capacity on the same measurement and timing basis across alternatives. Cross-check kwh and usable-energy so unlike quantities are not combined. Source record NRCAN-BATTERY-ECOSYSTEM supplies the definition or method boundary, not a site-specific outcome. Where a current bill, interval file, design, agreement, or professional determination is absent, Enerwav marks the dependent claim unavailable.

Related: kWh, Usable energy, Duration

Natural Resources Canada: Benchmarking the Canadian Battery EcosystemVerified 2026-07-17

Storage duration is usable energy divided by discharge power at a stated operating point.

Efficiency, reserve, degradation, temperature, and auxiliary load can reduce the simple nameplate result. Duration changes with power, reserve, efficiency, temperature, degradation, and auxiliary loads, so the operating point belongs beside the result. A procurement brief should state the entered Duration assumption, its source, responsible reviewer, and unresolved questions. It should also show how power and energy-capacity affect the requested study. The referenced record is ENERWAV-METHODOLOGY, with its own verification date and scope. This vocabulary supports consistent questions; it does not certify eligibility, performance, savings, safety, connection, or tax treatment.

Related: Power, Energy capacity, Usable energy

Enerwav: Enerwav methodologyVerified 2026-07-17

State of charge expresses remaining stored energy relative to a defined usable or nameplate basis.

The basis and operating limits must be stated before comparing two percentages or dispatch reserves. An SOC percentage without its reference capacity, reserve limits, measurement method, and timestamp is not comparable across systems. When a model uses SOC, retain the original evidence and avoid converting an unknown into zero. Review energy-capacity and usable-energy at the same time because those terms define important limits. Enerwav associates this entry with NRCAN-BATTERY-ECOSYSTEM and exposes that source identifier in its evidence surfaces. Project-specific calculations still require compatible inputs and a clearly stated suppression rule for anything unverified.

Related: Energy capacity, Usable energy, Degradation

Natural Resources Canada: Benchmarking the Canadian Battery EcosystemVerified 2026-07-17

Round-trip efficiency divides discharged energy by the energy used to charge the storage system.

The test boundary, power, temperature, auxiliary loads, and state-of-charge window affect the result. For value calculations, charge energy and discharged energy must remain distinct so charging cost is not understated. For an Enerwav screen, Round-trip efficiency is recorded with its unit, time basis, and evidence date, then checked beside energy-capacity and duration. The governing reference is ENERWAV-METHODOLOGY; users should reopen the linked source before a real decision. If the required tariff, engineering, tax, contract, or operating evidence is missing, the related result stays suppressed instead of receiving a hidden default.

Related: Energy capacity, Duration, Degradation

Enerwav: Enerwav methodologyVerified 2026-07-17

Photovoltaic degradation is the reduction in PV module or system output over time under a stated measurement basis.

Enerwav uses the PVWatts publication only for a visible, editable preliminary photovoltaic planning assumption. Project design and performance review require current equipment-specific evidence. A planning percentage is not a warranty or forecast; project review should use current equipment, climate, operating, and maintenance evidence. Decision teams should document who supplied the Degradation value, what boundary it uses, and when it was verified. Its relationship to operations-maintenance and confidence-range often changes the interpretation. Enerwav points to NREL-PVWATTS-V5 as the current evidence record and does not treat a glossary definition as project approval. Engineering, utility, tax, legal, or contractual review may still be required.

Related: O&M, Confidence range, Specific yield

U.S. Department of Energy Office of Scientific and Technical Information: PVWatts 5 manualVerified 2026-07-17

Operations and maintenance covers the work and cost required to operate and maintain an asset.

Scope can include inspection, cleaning, monitoring, corrective work, vegetation, testing, parts, and service contracts. O&M comparisons should identify included labour, monitoring, cleaning, vegetation, inspections, spares, corrective work, escalation, and contract exclusions. In comparison work, keep O&M on the same measurement and timing basis across alternatives. Cross-check degradation and simple-payback so unlike quantities are not combined. Source record ENERWAV-METHODOLOGY supplies the definition or method boundary, not a site-specific outcome. Where a current bill, interval file, design, agreement, or professional determination is absent, Enerwav marks the dependent claim unavailable.

Related: Degradation, Simple payback, Discounted payback

Enerwav: Enerwav methodologyVerified 2026-07-17

Interconnection is the technical and administrative process for connecting generation or storage to the electricity system.

Utility study, protection, metering, service, export, operating, and approval requirements can constrain a project. Connection feasibility and cost remain unresolved until the responsible utility reviews the actual service, equipment, protection, export, and operating proposal. A procurement brief should state the entered Interconnection assumption, its source, responsible reviewer, and unresolved questions. It should also show how inverter and curtailment affect the requested study. The referenced record is AUC-RULE-024, with its own verification date and scope. This vocabulary supports consistent questions; it does not certify eligibility, performance, savings, safety, connection, or tax treatment.

Related: Inverter, Curtailment, Net metering

Alberta Utilities Commission: Rule 024: Rules Respecting Micro-GenerationVerified 2026-07-17

An inverter converts direct-current electricity to alternating-current electricity and controls electrical output.

Its rating, operating modes, protection, communications, grid support, and environment affect system design. The selected inverter influences AC capacity, clipping, voltage, protection, communications, grid support, warranty, and environmental design. When a model uses Inverter, retain the original evidence and avoid converting an unknown into zero. Review kwdc and kwac at the same time because those terms define important limits. Enerwav associates this entry with NRCAN-SOLAR-PLANNING-GUIDE and exposes that source identifier in its evidence surfaces. Project-specific calculations still require compatible inputs and a clearly stated suppression rule for anything unverified.

Related: kWdc, kWac, Interconnection

Natural Resources Canada: Planning and Decision Guide for Solar PV SystemsVerified 2026-07-17

Curtailment reduces available generation or discharge because of a system, market, contract, or operating limit.

The cause, control authority, duration, compensation, and measurement method determine the economic effect. Model the controlling limit, expected timing, measurement method, compensation, and contractual allocation before assigning an economic effect. For an Enerwav screen, Curtailment is recorded with its unit, time basis, and evidence date, then checked beside interconnection and ppa. The governing reference is ENERWAV-METHODOLOGY; users should reopen the linked source before a real decision. If the required tariff, engineering, tax, contract, or operating evidence is missing, the related result stays suppressed instead of receiving a hidden default.

Related: Interconnection, PPA, Specific yield

Enerwav: Enerwav methodologyVerified 2026-07-17

A load profile records electricity use or demand across time intervals.

The interval length and data coverage determine whether the profile can support solar matching or storage dispatch analysis. A representative profile should include interval length, coverage, missing-data treatment, abnormal operations, seasonality, and the meter boundary. Decision teams should document who supplied the Load profile value, what boundary it uses, and when it was verified. Its relationship to interval-data and peak-demand often changes the interpretation. Enerwav points to ENERWAV-METHODOLOGY as the current evidence record and does not treat a glossary definition as project approval. Engineering, utility, tax, legal, or contractual review may still be required.

Related: Interval data, Peak demand, Self-consumption

Enerwav: Enerwav methodologyVerified 2026-07-17

Interval data records energy or demand in repeated time blocks rather than one annual total.

It is required to test coincident solar use, billed peaks, dispatch events, and settlement exposure. Check units, timezone, daylight-saving treatment, gaps, meter changes, and billing alignment before using interval records for dispatch or tariff analysis. In comparison work, keep Interval data on the same measurement and timing basis across alternatives. Cross-check load-profile and demand-charge so unlike quantities are not combined. Source record ENERWAV-METHODOLOGY supplies the definition or method boundary, not a site-specific outcome. Where a current bill, interval file, design, agreement, or professional determination is absent, Enerwav marks the dependent claim unavailable.

Related: Load profile, Demand charge, Coincident peak

Enerwav: Enerwav methodologyVerified 2026-07-17

Simple payback divides net installed cost by annual net benefit.

It ignores the time value of money and needs explicit cost, value, and operating assumptions. The result is a screening ratio, not a return metric, and changes directly with every included cost and annual benefit assumption. A procurement brief should state the entered Simple payback assumption, its source, responsible reviewer, and unresolved questions. It should also show how discounted-payback and operations-maintenance affect the requested study. The referenced record is ENERWAV-METHODOLOGY, with its own verification date and scope. This vocabulary supports consistent questions; it does not certify eligibility, performance, savings, safety, connection, or tax treatment.

Related: Discounted payback, O&M, Confidence range

Enerwav: Enerwav methodologyVerified 2026-07-17

Discounted payback is the time required for discounted cumulative cash flow to recover net cost.

Discount rate, escalation, degradation, operating cost, term, and cash timing affect the crossing. State the discount convention, cash timing, escalation, degradation, O&M, tax boundary, horizon, and any payback boundary not reached. When a model uses Discounted payback, retain the original evidence and avoid converting an unknown into zero. Review simple-payback and confidence-range at the same time because those terms define important limits. Enerwav associates this entry with ENERWAV-METHODOLOGY and exposes that source identifier in its evidence surfaces. Project-specific calculations still require compatible inputs and a clearly stated suppression rule for anything unverified.

Related: Simple payback, Confidence range, O&M

Enerwav: Enerwav methodologyVerified 2026-07-17

A confidence range presents bounded results that reflect stated evidence and model uncertainty.

The range is only as useful as its inputs, assumptions, source freshness, and suppression rules. Range endpoints must trace to evidence or declared assumptions; a wide interval is not a substitute for identifying unresolved inputs. For an Enerwav screen, Confidence range is recorded with its unit, time basis, and evidence date, then checked beside simple-payback and specific-yield. The governing reference is ENERWAV-METHODOLOGY; users should reopen the linked source before a real decision. If the required tariff, engineering, tax, contract, or operating evidence is missing, the related result stays suppressed instead of receiving a hidden default.

Related: Simple payback, Specific yield, Degradation

Enerwav: Enerwav methodologyVerified 2026-07-17

Usable energy is storage energy available within declared operating and reserve limits.

It can be lower than nameplate energy because of state-of-charge, warranty, temperature, degradation, and safety limits. State the reserve, temperature, degradation, warranty, auxiliary-load, and efficiency boundary used to move from nameplate to usable energy. Decision teams should document who supplied the Usable energy value, what boundary it uses, and when it was verified. Its relationship to energy-capacity and state-of-charge often changes the interpretation. Enerwav points to NRCAN-BATTERY-ECOSYSTEM as the current evidence record and does not treat a glossary definition as project approval. Engineering, utility, tax, legal, or contractual review may still be required.

Related: Energy capacity, SOC, Duration

Natural Resources Canada: Benchmarking the Canadian Battery EcosystemVerified 2026-07-17

A coincident peak is customer demand measured at the same time as a defined system peak.

Ontario Peak Demand Factor uses contribution during the province's top five peak hours. Forecasting a coincident event requires time-aligned customer and system data; reducing a customer's local maximum may not reduce the defined coincident peak. In comparison work, keep Coincident peak on the same measurement and timing basis across alternatives. Cross-check peak-demand-factor and peak-demand so unlike quantities are not combined. Source record IESO-PEAK-DEMAND-FACTOR supplies the definition or method boundary, not a site-specific outcome. Where a current bill, interval file, design, agreement, or professional determination is absent, Enerwav marks the dependent claim unavailable.

Related: Peak Demand Factor, Peak demand, Interval data

Independent Electricity System Operator: Global Adjustment and Peak Demand FactorVerified 2026-07-17

A demand ratchet sets billing demand partly from a prior peak or minimum threshold.

The exact percentage, lookback period, and applicability must come from the controlling tariff. A tariff ratchet can preserve billing demand after a physical peak falls, so savings need the exact lookback and minimum-demand language. A procurement brief should state the entered Demand ratchet assumption, its source, responsible reviewer, and unresolved questions. It should also show how demand-charge and peak-demand affect the requested study. The referenced record is ENERWAV-METHODOLOGY, with its own verification date and scope. This vocabulary supports consistent questions; it does not certify eligibility, performance, savings, safety, connection, or tax treatment.

Related: Demand charge, Peak demand, Interval data

Enerwav: Enerwav methodologyVerified 2026-07-17

Avoided cost is the charge a project can prevent under the applicable bill or contract.

It is not automatically the full retail rate because fixed, delivery, demand, and export terms differ. Only the variable charge demonstrably displaced by a project belongs in avoided cost; fixed and unaffected charges remain on the bill. When a model uses Avoided cost, retain the original evidence and avoid converting an unknown into zero. Review export-credit and demand-charge at the same time because those terms define important limits. Enerwav associates this entry with ENERWAV-METHODOLOGY and exposes that source identifier in its evidence surfaces. Project-specific calculations still require compatible inputs and a clearly stated suppression rule for anything unverified.

Related: Export credit, Demand charge, Self-consumption

Enerwav: Enerwav methodologyVerified 2026-07-17

BC Hydro General Service is the utility's business account family for qualifying non-residential electricity use.

BC Hydro groups eligible business accounts under General Service, then applies a small, medium, or large class using published demand and annual-energy boundaries. The class changes which daily, demand, and energy charges appear on the bill. A project review therefore starts with the account's current rate schedule and measured billing history, not a province-wide electricity price. Confirm the service class, billing demand, energy blocks, riders, taxes, minimums, and any power-factor treatment against the current bill before estimating solar or storage value. None of these charges becomes an Explorer default.

Related: Demand charge, Peak demand, Load profile

BC Hydro: General Service Business RatesVerified 2026-07-17

BC Hydro's Small General Service class covers eligible business accounts with an annual peak below 35 kW.

Small General Service uses the annual peak boundary published by BC Hydro and lists daily and energy charges rather than the demand-charge structure shown for larger classes. That distinction matters when a reader compares conservation, solar self-consumption, or storage: reducing a short peak does not automatically create a demand-charge saving on this class. Check the latest bill for the exact schedule, account eligibility, riders, taxes, minimum charges, and the period used to establish the annual peak. The reviewed 1 April 2026 page is dated context and must be reopened before a decision.

Related: BC Hydro General Service, Self-consumption, Avoided cost

BC Hydro: General Service Business RatesVerified 2026-07-17

BC Hydro's Medium General Service class applies within published demand and annual-energy boundaries for eligible business accounts.

Medium General Service combines daily, demand, and energy charges on the reviewed BC Hydro schedule. The published class boundary uses both peak demand and annual consumption, so one month cannot establish the account class by itself. Solar analysis needs interval generation and load to test energy displacement, while storage analysis also needs the tariff's billing-demand rules and the site's measured peaks. Recheck the current bill and rate schedule for classification, demand units, energy blocks, minimums, riders, taxes, and power-factor treatment. A listed tariff row is account context, not a general savings rate.

Related: BC Hydro General Service, Demand charge, Interval data

BC Hydro: General Service Business RatesVerified 2026-07-17

BC Hydro's Large General Service class covers eligible business accounts meeting the published demand or annual-energy threshold.

Large General Service is reached when the account meets either of the published large-business boundaries, rather than only one combined test. The reviewed schedule includes daily, demand, and energy components, but it does not establish a site's avoided cost from solar or storage. Billing demand, load timing, export treatment, taxes, riders, minimums, power factor, and unchanged charges all affect the result. Use complete bills and interval data to identify the actual determinant, then confirm the applicable schedule with BC Hydro. The 1 April 2026 figures are page context and are never silent calculator inputs.

Related: BC Hydro General Service, Peak demand, Demand ratchet

BC Hydro: General Service Business RatesVerified 2026-07-17

A BC Hydro self-generation service rate sets account treatment for eligible customer generation, imports, and excess generation.

Under BC Hydro's reviewed update, the self-generation schedule governs how an eligible account's imported electricity and excess generation are treated. The export purchase amount is separate from the retail import rate, and the applicable transition depends on the customer's schedule and timing. It does not prove interconnection approval, project eligibility, expected exports, or economic value. Before modelling, confirm the account's current schedule, connection authorization, generation capacity, import charges, export treatment, taxes, and any transition provision. The 1 July 2026 update supplies dated context only and does not set an Explorer default.

Related: Net metering, Export credit, Interconnection

BC Hydro: Customer generation service rates updatesVerified 2026-07-17

Rate Schedule 2289 is BC Hydro's customer-generation schedule introduced for new eligible customers from 1 July 2026.

Rate Schedule 2289 begins when the earlier 1289 schedule closes to new customers, according to BC Hydro's 1 July 2026 update. The utility page states a purchase price for excess generation each billing cycle, while the BCUC procedural record supplies regulatory context rather than the controlling current price. Existing-customer transitions, import charges, capacity, connection approval, rebate interactions, and actual export volumes remain account specific. A screen should identify the customer's schedule and separate exported energy from avoided imports. Reopen the live utility material before relying on the date or mechanics.

Related: Self-generation service rate, Export credit, Net metering

BC Hydro: Customer generation service rates updatesVerified 2026-07-17

SaskPower supplied transformation is a service configuration in which the utility supplies the transformation equipment for the stated rate family.

SaskPower publishes a specific rate family for non-residential service where it supplies transformation. Its eligibility and charge structure cannot be substituted for customer-owned transformation or another service class. The reviewed 1 February 2026 schedule includes monthly, demand, and energy elements, with block treatment that depends on the stated service conditions. Confirm the account's rate code, transformation ownership, service capacity, rural or urban treatment, billing demand, energy blocks, surcharges, taxes, and minimum bill from the current bill and schedule. The published row is tariff context, not a province-wide avoided-value assumption.

Related: Demand charge, SaskPower recorded demand, Avoided cost

SaskPower: SaskPower-Supplied Transformation RatesVerified 2026-07-17

SaskPower recorded demand is the measured kVA quantity used within the applicable published business-rate calculation.

Recorded demand on the reviewed SaskPower schedule is expressed in kVA and participates in the applicable billing calculation. It should not be treated as the same quantity as kW, monthly energy, inverter capacity, or one observed facility peak. Power factor, measurement interval, service configuration, minimums, and the controlling rate code can change the bill effect. Obtain interval and billing records that use the utility's units, then reconcile them to the current schedule before testing storage dispatch. A lower physical peak does not establish savings unless it changes the tariff's billed determinant.

Related: Peak demand, Demand charge, Interval data

SaskPower: SaskPower-Supplied Transformation RatesVerified 2026-07-17

The SaskPower net-metering credit is a bill credit for eligible excess generation under the utility's program terms.

The reviewed SaskPower application page states that eligible excess generation earns a 7.5 cents/kWh bill credit until 31 March 2029. The credit can offset the energy charge and is not paid as cash, so it is not equivalent to the customer's full import price or total bill. Eligibility, meter configuration, connection approval, generation, and later program terms remain unresolved until confirmed for the account. Separate exported energy from self-consumed generation in any screen, and recheck the current program page and bill before entering a credit value.

Related: Export credit, Net metering, Self-consumption

SaskPower: How to Apply for Net MeteringVerified 2026-07-17

A SaskPower interconnection study reviews a proposed net-metering connection before the utility issues project-specific terms and costs.

An interconnection study appears in SaskPower's net-metering application process before final connection. The study can lead to a quote, terms, metering work, permits, or system-upgrade requirements, and those project-specific costs are not established by the public application page. Equipment purchase or a preliminary design does not prove approval. Provide the proposed capacity, service information, protection approach, export configuration, and required permit evidence to the utility process. Keep connection cost and timing unknown in an economic screen until SaskPower returns applicable terms, and verify the current process before proceeding.

Related: Interconnection, Inverter, Net metering

SaskPower: How to Apply for Net MeteringVerified 2026-07-17

Hydro-Québec Rate G is a published small-power business tariff with energy and, above its stated threshold, demand charges.

Hydro-Québec's Rate G price chart effective 1 April 2026 separates a monthly charge, energy blocks, and demand above the tariff's stated threshold. The Régie decision supplies the rate-cycle context, but the utility publication controls the listed customer tariff. Rate selection, billing demand, minimums, power factor, taxes, and account conditions can change the actual bill. Use the customer's current Rate G bill and interval data to test which charges a project could affect, then reopen the effective tariff. Published values are dated context and never automatic Explorer inputs.

Related: Demand charge, Peak demand, Avoided cost

Hydro-Quebec: Electricity Rates 2026Verified 2026-07-17

Hydro-Québec Rate M is a published medium-power business tariff combining demand and energy charges under stated conditions.

Rate M in Hydro-Québec's publication effective 1 April 2026 uses demand and tiered energy components for the applicable medium-power account class. It cannot be inferred from facility size, a project capacity, or a provincial average. The Régie decision documents the regulatory cycle, while the live utility tariff provides the bill values. Confirm account classification, billing demand, minimums, power factor, energy blocks, taxes, and the measurement period from the current bill and schedule. Solar and storage value must follow the charges actually changed, with no assumed transfer from another customer.

Related: Demand charge, Load profile, Interval data

Hydro-Quebec: Electricity Rates 2026Verified 2026-07-17

Hydro-Québec Net Metering Option I is an arrangement described for eligible Rate G and Rate M customer-generators using renewable generation.

Option I includes the published Rate G and Rate M customer-generator class when renewable self-generation capacity stays within the stated 1,000 kW ceiling and the separate lesser-of equipment limit. Those limits do not prove that a particular account or design is eligible. The building owner applies for a rented site, and Hydro-Québec analyzes the project before authorization. Confirm the current account rate, ownership, capacity basis, connection requirements, metering, approval, and export treatment directly with the utility. Expected generation, exports, savings, and connection cost remain project-specific unknowns.

Related: Net metering, Interconnection, Self-consumption

Hydro-Quebec: Net Metering Option I for Customer-GeneratorsVerified 2026-07-17

A Hydro-Québec surplus bank records eligible excess generation for later account treatment under the applicable net-metering option.

A surplus bank is an accounting mechanism for eligible excess energy, not a cash payment, full retail-price guarantee, or forecast of exported volume. Its use depends on the customer's applicable Hydro-Québec option, meter, account, generation, and current settlement rules. Annual consumption totals cannot show when surplus occurs, so interval generation and load remain necessary for a project screen. Verify the bank period, credit application, expiry or reset treatment, eligible account rate, and connection authorization in the current utility documents. Keep any unverified export quantity or value suppressed.

Related: Export credit, Self-consumption, Interval data

Hydro-Quebec: Net Metering Option I for Customer-GeneratorsVerified 2026-07-17

A Quebec regulatory rate decision records the Régie de l'énergie's determination for a stated rate cycle and scope.

The Régie de l'énergie's decision establishes regulatory context for Hydro-Québec rates effective 1 April 2026. A published average change is not the customer's tariff row, import value, or avoided cost. Exact Rate G and Rate M charges come from the effective utility tariff, and each account still has classification, billing-demand, minimum, tax, and power-factor conditions. Read the decision for its stated scope, then use the current Hydro-Québec schedule and bill for calculations. Do not convert a regulator's system-wide percentage into a silent site assumption or projected saving.

Related: Hydro-Québec Rate G, Hydro-Québec Rate M, Avoided cost

Regie de l'energie: La Regie de l'energie estime la hausse tarifaire moyenne a 3,2 % pour l'ensemble de la clientele d'Hydro-Quebec a compter du 1er avril 2026Verified 2026-07-17