jkneifel
commented
3 years ago Comments from Harrison Skye (1) Put the “next” button at the bottom right of the screen below the inputs Solution - I prefer to keep the next button at the top, but we can also add a next button at the bottom of the inputs. this could be bottom right or bottom middle depending on what you think works best. (2) Input bars are too long, especially when they have a unit on the right. Solution - I think the bars currently shrink based on the width of the window, but maximized its harder for the user to associate the unit with the variable. You should limit the max width by at least half (maybe based on the longest Variable Header). (3) The NPV graph might not be best 1st graph. From a consumer’s point of view, I bet Cumulative Net Savings is most important and most understandable. Solution - change the default graph to cumulative net savings. (4) Net Present Value is confusing; expected outflows to be negative. Solution - Change the graph title "Cash Flow - Net Present Value" to "Annual Costs - Net Present Value" (5) Comments on Printout - We can address these when we clean up the PDF... (a) what are the units for everything? (b) is there a more “layman’s” term you can use for Consumption Escalation Rates? Or include an explanation of what that means and maybe where it comes from? (c) The SREC Info section needs some work. I listed $70/MWh, and this section just shows me “70” for years 1-10. Suggest giving the value of the annual SREC production. (d) probably needs a disclaimer. (e) to the extent possible, make all rows fit on one line. I’m looking at you, Electrical Costs. (f) totally optional, but can you jazz this baby up a little? The format is not bad, but seems like it could be a little more aesthetically pleasing.
I will add changes to this list as I receive comments from beta testers. I will consolidate (and remove duplicates) where possible: First comments are from Doug Thomas (1) Need to make it clearer that the address is not required. Solution - add "(optional)" to the end of the variable headers Also add "(optional)" to two other optional variable headings: electric utility company and nominal interest rate, (2) User cannot delete an existing pre-populated value (you can type over the value by highlighting the entire thing and typing over it, but not simply delete the value and then type in a new value) Solution - allow all pre-populated values to be deleted: study period, real discount rate, inflation rate, panel lifetime, inverter lifetime, degradation rate, inverter replacement costs, and maintenance costs. The energy escalation rates values can be deleted. So you can use those as an example of how we want the other variables to work. (3) Does not like the residual value selection option only being one value. Since we hard code it to linear depreciation, let's hide that drop down menu completely from the user. An explanation is in the user guide if the user wants to understand it. Do not delete it from the tool because we will likely use it in the future and I still want to report it as an input value.