2024 Release Defaults Updates

[brtietz]

Consolidate defaults updates into one issue since they are typically one PR:

1. Originally Consistently set the default PBI term to zero #1794

      > There's a minor consistency issue in the defaults: the default PBI term for front of meter is 10 years, whereas for BTM it's 0 years. That should be a separate issue if we choose to address it and can probably wait until the release.
   

I think the default term should be zero if the default amount is zero to force the user to set both the PBI amount and term -- otherwise they may just set the PBI amount and not notice the term.

2. Originally Update default modules in 2024 fall release #1816

Default modules in SAM are far smaller than what is being deployed right now. Behind the meter panels are closer to 400 W, while utility scale modules are 550 or more. See https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy23osti/87303.pdf for details (there may be a newer report near release time.

3. Originally Hybrids Depreciation Allocation defaults do not match other models #1829

Hybrids depreciation defaults as of the release candidate for 2023-12-17-r2:

image

As compared to PVWatts-Single Owner:

image

Consider updating to match. (PV-Battery-Fuel cell matches the other hybrids)

Additional consideration: anything with "generic system" probably shouldn't have assets qualify. Consider if this case should have different default allocations.

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The default allocations are based on a utility-scale PV system (based on work done in 2011). I'm not sure if they would be appropriate for a hybrid system or other types of systems. Assuming 100% 5-yr MACRS allocation is a simplification, but may be appropriate when more information is not available.

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My other concern is that the ITC qualification box is unchecked in a case where there are eligible assets. Perhaps the fix is just to check the ITC box?

[mjprilliman]

-Revisit default modules and module efficiencies

[mjprilliman]

Default Custom Generation Capex is $1billion. Might be worth revisiting (also true for hybrid configs).

[brtietz]

Update the battery replacement default to 70%. This aligns with industry warranties (such as Tesla Powerwall)

Plan to make the BTM and utility scale defaults the same for now, but we can update this in the future with better data.