The following is an outline of the knowledge and practical skills required at each achievement level in the area of solar radiation analysis.
Achieving a level requires passing the assessment for that level. Assessment can be undertaken for free on the Square One website or at one of many accredited training centres around the world. Each level must be passed consecutively - it is not possible to achieve Level 2 without having first successfully achieved Level 1.
Level 1 (Understanding) - View
At this level users should be able to access an analysis model and extract the basic information they need without having to go through another user. This typically means understanding what metrics are referenced and how to display them in a visual or tabulated form, as well as being able to extract the images and/or tables required for use in other documentation or drawings.
Knowledge
- Understand the changing nature of solar position.
Read More... - Understand the composition and availability of solar radiation.
Read More... - Understand the effects of surface incidence and insolation.
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Practical Skills
- Able to display object attributes if they exist in a model.
Read More... - Able to display solar radiation values if they exist in the analysis grid.
Read More... - Able to manipulate the analysis grid to obtain a desired visual result.
Read More... - Able to manipulate model views to obtain a desired visual result.
Read More... - Able to select an object and display an insolation graph.
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Level 2 (Capability) - View & Assist
Level 2 users should be able - under supervision - to carry out most of the basic tasks such as creating and editing building models suitable for this kind of analysis, undertaking most of the simpler calculations and formatting results appropriate to the specific needs of each project.
Knowledge
- Know how solar radiation data is stored in a weather file.
Read More... - Know the difference between incident radiation and solar availability.
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Practical Skills
- Able to position and size the analysis grid within or around a model.
Read More... - Able to calculate solar availability over the analysis grid.
Read More... - Able to create, move and edit POINT objects within a model.
Read More... - Able to calculate solar availability at specific POINT objects in a model.
Read More... - Able to divide large surfaces into multiple smaller segments.
Read More... - Able to map insolation over specific surfaces in a model.
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Level 3 (Proficiency) - View, Assist & Produce
Level 3 users should have basic proficiency, being able to independently build models suitable this type of analysis, undertake those analysis and produce the results and/or other deliverables required for any project.
Knowledge
- Understand sun-path diagrams and what they show.
Read More... - Understand shading masks and how they are generated.
Read More... - Understand how shading masks are used to calculate insolation.
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Practical Skills
- Able to calculate solar stress on a surface.
Read More... - Able to generate a 3D solar stress display.
Read More... - Able to accurately set up a 3D analysis grid within or around a model.
Read More... - Able to calculate a full 3D solar availability volume within a model.
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Level 4 (Expertise) - View, Assist, Produce & Manage
Level 4 users require real expertise, able to determine the types of analysis required to solve specific design problems, devise the work flows and schedules required to undertake them and effectively manage and supervise the whole process to ensure the timeliness and quality of all deliverables.
Knowledge
- <<More here>>
Practical Skills
- Able to generate before, after and difference values on grids.
Read More... - Able to generate before, after and difference values on surfaces.
Read More... - Able to calculate a full 3D spatial solar radiation map.
Read More... - Able to display 3D volumetric renderings and isopleth surfaces.
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Level 5 (Innovation) - "Break New Ground"
To reach Level 5, users must demonstrate real innovation in the application of solar radiation analysis within a design project. There is no direct assessment for this level, instead individuals or firms are required to submit a short article for review by the Natural Frequency editorial board that describes a specific project and details the innovative application of solar radiation analysis.