FAQs

What does Mirspot do?

Mirspot specialises in the provision of customised, localised renewable energy resource mapping tailored to each client’s specific requirements, dramatically outperforming the generalised one-size-fits-all approach commonly taken. This is achieved through a 3-stage process: 30+ point meteorological data acquisition; computerised energy modelling; matching results to available technology.

Accuracy of advice given can only be based on the quality of the data available and utilised.  Data which is old, generic and averaged, not specific to your localised circumstances and topography, will give inaccurate results which can lead to poor investment and design decisions.  That is the where Mirspot delivers market leadership.

What are the applications?

Can support and introduce data into a range of diverse applications as a tool for assessing the renewable energy potential of a vacant site, improving existing buildings, designing new buildings and master planning new developments.

Does it require planning permission?

The view of planning authorities differs from area to area as to whether the monitoring masts require planning permission, and it is advisable to check with the local planning authority prior to erection of a mast.

How long does it take to assess a site?

A minimum of 3 months data would be recommended to provide indicative outputs – but with no other data input confidence drops to about 60%-70%.  A full year’s data allows for seasonal variance and modelling, but this period of monitoring can overlap with other planning and design phases.

Which renewable energy sources does Mirspot deal with?

Mirspot deals with all wind, solar hot water, PV, hydro, GSHP and ASHP devices.

Why is the weather so important?

In an occupied building, the 2nd greatest effect on building operating costs, after occupancy behaviour, arise from prevailing weather conditions. These conditions need to be fully taken in to account when designing building and any renewables packages.

In improving existing building stock, prevailing weather conditions should influence the package of measures specified as the most cost and operationally effective.

Why do I need local data before installing a renewable energy system?

Desk top studies are based on generic data which is often demonstrably wrong and is frequently wildly inaccurate for a given site. Mirspot’s data is based on real weather conditions in a site specific area and decisions can be made with a much higher degree of confidence in both technology selection and payback of investment.

Why do I need local data before implementing energy efficiency improvements?

Mirspot’s data is based on real weather conditions in a site specific area and decisions can be made with a much higher degree of confidence in the technology selection, building fabric upgrades and payback of investment.

What sort of data does Mirspot acquire?

For weather data the data set includes temperature (In, Out, Max, Min), Wind (Direction, speed & gust, chill, run), Humidity (in, out), Dew Point (in, out), Barometer, Solar radiation, DDC, DDH and Rainfall.

For buildings, it depends on what is known/measured but typically energy consumption, heat loss, effects of wind & rain, solar gains can all be factored in.

What about data to support hydro and biomass energy systems and heat pumps?

Flow data for proposed hydro schemes or data from GSHP can be assimilated and processed within the software.

What does Mirspot ClimateCapture™ software do?

The ClimateCapture™ software has the ability to model the influences of existing or proposed buildings, land reformation, flora, etc. and display the impact these would have on wind flow, solar energy, etc., enabling the full visualisation and measurement of the potential energy production of the specific site.

It can also determine how well new and existing buildings/settlements can/do perform on the site assessed.  By integrating Mirspot site analysis with sophisticated dynamic building simulations we can identify and assist clients in reducing the negative impacts site weather can have on building energy performance through design intervention (new build) and fabric intervention (existing).  Simultaneously we can recommend where and how to make the most of site strengths.

What outputs will the ClimateCapture™ software provide me with?

Outputs can be any statistic desired, on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis, tailored to each client’s specific requirement and presented in numeric or graphic form. The output can be integrated with other packages to inform the master planning process of developments to optimise site layouts.

Mirspot reports are a highly beneficial and accurate resource for design teams and are suitable for inclusion in planning applications for compliance with the requirements of PAN 84.

Can I buy a copy of the ClimateCapture™ software package to use myself?

At the present time the software is not commercially available to third parties.

Where is the company based?

The companies’ headquarters are in Inverness but Mirspot also has offices in Aberdeen and Glasgow as well as representation in Edinburgh.

Does Mirspot design low energy buildings or renewable energy systems?

Mirspot’s service forms a key part of the design process and their parent company Synergie Scotland provides full design services to complement Mirspot’s service for buildings and their embedded renewable energy systems.

What does Mirspot do that is unique?

a) Captures, converts, processes and analyses any weather data set;
b) Provides an accurate, site-specific renewable resource assessment;
c) Provides a weather-related building energy performance assessment (compatible with existing DBS software);
d) Integrates previously distinct assessments – i.e. site mapping, renewable resource assessment, building energy performance assessment;
e) Supports sophisticated “development simulation’ and master planning;
f) Supports optimisation of low carbon buildings and strategies;