Levelized Values
================

SAM reports several "levelized" values. A levelized value is the present value of an array of annual values. It is a series of future values expressed as a present value using a discount rate that represents the time value of money. In general, a levelized value is calculated from an array of annual values as follows:

Where:

*L* Levelized value

*A* Annual values

*n* Year

*N* Analysis period

*d* Discount rate

The form of the levelized value depends on the form of the discount rate used in the equation: A nominal discount rate results in a nominal levelized value, and a real discount rate results in a real levelized value. For a discussion of real and nominal values, see :ref:`Real and Nominal Levelized Cost of Energy <realnom>`.

For more about the following levelized values, see the detailed descriptions:

* :doc:`Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) <mtf_lcoe>`


* :doc:`Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS) <mtf_lcos>`


* :doc:`Levelized PPA Price (LPPA) <mtf_lppa>`
