Performance data is used to estimate the average PV system performance (output as a percentage of rated capacity) for each 2-digit postcode region, in each 15 minute time interval. The output of all the PV systems in each region is calculated using the installed capacity of PV systems in each 2-digit region, according to the Clean Energy Regulator's RET database*. These regional output estimates are summed to estimate the total generation from distributed PV systems in each State. Contribution to load is then calculated using data from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) for the National Electricity Market and the South West Interconnected System. The APVI Live Map estimates exclude PV systems that are registered generators in the NEM, as these are accounted for in AEMO's generation data.

Forecasts for performance and PV contribution to demand are only shown at State (not 2-digit postcode) level. Solcast provides more detailed forecasts of power output and irradiance for large and small scale solar, for single sites or for grid aggregations, available for anywhere in the world via the Solcast API

For Australian users, data is displayed in the user's timezone, so generation from PV from systems east of the users timezone will present with an earlier sunrise, and systems west of the users timezone, a later sunrise. For international users, Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) is used for all data, as per the convention in the National Electricity Market.

* Linear interpolation is used to calculate a daily capacity figure for each 2-digit postcode region. The most recent capacity figures may be an underestimate as PV system owners have up to a year to register their system with the Regulator, however, these figures are updated retrospectively as better data for past months becomes available.