PCS TG 007 Solar PV ER Calculation Tool Guide_v1.0

Document Control

Document identification

• Document code: PCS-TG-007

• Title: Solar PV ER Calculation Tool Guide

• Scope: Guidance for completing and submitting the Solar PV ER Calculation Tool for projects applying PCS-TR-003; includes configuration selection, data requirements, evidence requirements, QA/QC checks, and VVB verification expectations

• Associated methodology: PCS-TR-003 Renewable Electricity Generation – Solar Photovoltaic (PV)

• Associated tool: PCS-TA-011 Solar PV ER Calculation Tool (XLSX)

• Crediting outcome: Not applicable (technical guidance supporting calculation and verification)

Version history and change log

Table DC-1. Revision history

Version	Date	Status	Summary of changes	Prepared by	Approved by
v1.0	TBD	Draft	Initial release for public consultation	PCS Secretariat	TBD

Superseded versions

No superseded versions for v1.0.

Governance note on versioning and archiving

Only the latest approved version of this Tool Guide shall be used. Superseded versions shall be archived and retained for traceability and audit purposes. Printed or downloaded copies are uncontrolled; stakeholders must refer to the PCS-published version as the authoritative current version.

Chapter 1 - Community summary

1.1 What this guide is

This guide explains how to complete the PCS-TA-011 Solar PV ER Calculation Tool for projects applying PCS-MT-003 Renewable Electricity Generation – Solar Photovoltaic (PV). It explains what data to enter, what evidence is expected, what QA/QC checks must pass, and what a VVB will verify.

2.2 Why this matters

Without a standard tool, identical projects can produce inconsistent results due to different assumptions and spreadsheet logic. This tool standardizes calculations so results are reproducible, auditable, and conservative.

3.3 Who this applies to

Actor	How they use the tool/guide
Project Proponent	Completes INPUTS, DATA and EF; resolves QA/QC flags; submits outputs with Monitoring Report.
VVB	Traces values to raw evidence; checks configuration correctness; reproduces outputs from tool; raises CARs where needed.
PCS Secretariat	Checks consistency of submitted outputs with programme rules and registry records (labels, status, etc.).

4.4 What you can do vs what you cannot do

Allowed (if evidenced)	Not allowed
Use revenue-grade POI export meter totals as EG (A1/A3/A6).	Estimate EG when revenue-grade meter/settlement data exists but is not provided.
Use gross generation minus auxiliary (A2) if meters support it.	Mix boundary types within the same monitoring period without justification.
Apply PCS grid EF for correct grid and year.	Use EF from a different grid/year without PCS acceptance.
Use conservative substitutions for data gaps with documentation.	Substitute missing data in a way that inflates EG or reduces deductions without justification.

5.5 Common scenarios

1

Utility-scale PV with POI export meter (A1)

• Enter net export at POI each month.

• Project emissions from exports: PE = 0.

2

Gross generation meter and separately metered auxiliary (A2)

• Enter gross generation, auxiliary consumption, and auxiliary imports.

• Tool calculates PE from auxiliary imports (PE = Aux imports × EF, unless set to No).

3

Net metering with bills (A4)

• Enter net billed export for each month.

• Retain all bills plus reconciliation documents.

• PE = 0.

Chapter 2 - Tool structure

Tab	Purpose
README	Purpose, how-to, and version control.
INPUTS	Project ID, monitoring dates, configuration, and deductions.
EF	Grid emission factor value, year, and source reference.
DATA	Monthly activity data required for EG (and PE for A2).
CALCS	Computation of EG, BE, PE, LE, ER and deductions.
OUTPUT	Final values for reporting.
QA_QC	Automated checks; all must pass before submission.

Chapter 3 - Configuration selection

Select the configuration that matches your metering boundary. Use only the DATA columns indicated for your selected configuration.

Config	When to use	DATA columns used	PE in tool
A1	POI net export meter	Net export at POI	PE = 0
A2	Gross generation minus auxiliary	Gross generation; Aux consumption; Aux imports	PE = Aux imports × EF (unless set to No)
A3	Settlement totals (equivalent to POI net export)	Net export at POI	PE = 0
A4	Net metering using bills	Net billed export	PE = 0
A6	PV + storage with auditable PV-only charging and net export	Net export at POI	PE = 0

Chapter 4 - Evidence requirements (minimum)

Evidence item	Minimum expectation
Raw meter/settlement/bill data	Covers full monitoring period; traceable to reported monthly totals.
Meter identification and location	Meter ID(s), POI description, and boundary statement.
Meter QA	Calibration certificates or utility confirmation where applicable.
Grid EF reference	PCS grid EF reference for grid-year used.
Reconciliation workbook (if used)	Raw-to-monthly aggregation with checks and sign-off.
Data gap log	Explains missing data and conservative substitution method.

Chapter 5 - QA/QC and submission

• Before submission, confirm all QA_QC checks show PASS.

• Save a final copy of the tool as evidence.

• Submit the tool file alongside the Monitoring Report and supporting evidence.

Chapter 6 - VVB verification expectations

A VVB will verify that:

• Configuration selection matches metering boundary.

• Monthly DATA values match evidence.

• EF is correct for grid-year.

• Data gaps are treated conservatively.

• OUTPUT values are reproduced from the tool without manual overrides.