From e46a60ffb55ba1a5ef5782054d6368ace9d76ba0 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 7 Jun 2023 12:48:07 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 01/24] Add function, tests and case example

---
 .../soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py |  7 +++----
 pvlib/tests/test_tools.py                     | 20 +++++++++++++++++++
 pvlib/tools.py                                | 15 ++++++++++++++
 3 files changed, 38 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py b/docs/examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py
index 6565679f6d..71e0e970cf 100644
--- a/docs/examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py
+++ b/docs/examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py
@@ -30,17 +30,16 @@
 # step.
 
 from datetime import datetime
-import pathlib
 from matplotlib import pyplot as plt
 from pvlib.iotools import read_tmy3
 from pvlib.soiling import kimber
-import pvlib
+from pvlib.tools import dataset
 
 # get full path to the data directory
-DATA_DIR = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__file__).parent / 'data'
+DATASET_DIR = dataset('723170TYA.CSV')
 
 # get TMY3 data with rain
-greensboro, _ = read_tmy3(DATA_DIR / '723170TYA.CSV', coerce_year=1990,
+greensboro, _ = read_tmy3(DATASET_DIR, coerce_year=1990,
                           map_variables=True)
 # get the rain data
 greensboro_rain = greensboro['Lprecip depth (mm)']
diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
index 4d5312088b..2eb039d2c4 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 from pvlib import tools
 import numpy as np
+import pathlib
 
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize('keys, input_dict, expected', [
@@ -95,3 +96,22 @@ def test_degrees_to_index_1():
     'latitude' or 'longitude' is passed."""
     with pytest.raises(IndexError):  # invalid value for coordinate argument
         tools._degrees_to_index(degrees=22.0, coordinate='width')
+
+
+def test_dataset_passes():
+    expected_dataset = '723170TYA.CSV'
+    assert tools.dataset(expected_dataset).endswith(expected_dataset)
+    assert tools.dataset(pathlib.Path(expected_dataset)) \
+        .endswith(expected_dataset)
+
+
+def test_dataset_fails_on_type():
+    for input_value in (123456789.123, 10, np.array(5), None):
+        pytest.raises(TypeError, tools.dataset, input_value)
+
+
+def test_dataset_fails_on_not_found():
+    error_prompt = "Dataset has not been found in pvlib. " \
+                   "Please check dataset name."
+    with pytest.raises(IOError, match=error_prompt):
+        tools.dataset("_Texto_cualquiera.-formato-")
diff --git a/pvlib/tools.py b/pvlib/tools.py
index f6974cf3d3..fc663f74af 100644
--- a/pvlib/tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tools.py
@@ -2,11 +2,14 @@
 Collection of functions used in pvlib_python
 """
 
+import pvlib
+
 import datetime as dt
 import numpy as np
 import pandas as pd
 import pytz
 import warnings
+import os.path
 
 
 def cosd(angle):
@@ -469,3 +472,15 @@ def _first_order_centered_difference(f, x0, dx=DX, args=()):
     # removal in scipy 1.12.0
     df = f(x0+dx, *args) - f(x0-dx, *args)
     return df / 2 / dx
+
+
+def dataset(dataset: str | os.PathLike):
+    """
+    Return a filepath to a dataset bundled with PVLIB with name `dataset`.
+    This utility is intended to be used in tests and examples.
+    """
+    dataset = os.path.join(pvlib.__path__[0], 'data', dataset)
+    if not os.path.exists(dataset):
+        raise IOError("Dataset has not been found in pvlib. "
+                      "Please check dataset name.")
+    return dataset

From 29c75544715f18658fc038cfb10776ae4af5d1ef Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 7 Jun 2023 13:00:35 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 02/24] Fix type annotations

---
 pvlib/tools.py | 5 ++++-
 1 file changed, 4 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/pvlib/tools.py b/pvlib/tools.py
index fc663f74af..83bb5bcb01 100644
--- a/pvlib/tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tools.py
@@ -474,11 +474,14 @@ def _first_order_centered_difference(f, x0, dx=DX, args=()):
     return df / 2 / dx
 
 
-def dataset(dataset: str | os.PathLike):
+def dataset(dataset):
     """
     Return a filepath to a dataset bundled with PVLIB with name `dataset`.
     This utility is intended to be used in tests and examples.
     """
+    if not isinstance(dataset, str) or not isinstance(dataset, os.PathLike):
+        raise TypeError
+
     dataset = os.path.join(pvlib.__path__[0], 'data', dataset)
     if not os.path.exists(dataset):
         raise IOError("Dataset has not been found in pvlib. "

From 725e299ef895694ddba7b2e889466ec1d6faa6b5 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 7 Jun 2023 13:04:24 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 03/24] Yeet this stupid error

---
 pvlib/tools.py | 2 +-
 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/pvlib/tools.py b/pvlib/tools.py
index 83bb5bcb01..fe1cb259f0 100644
--- a/pvlib/tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tools.py
@@ -479,7 +479,7 @@ def dataset(dataset):
     Return a filepath to a dataset bundled with PVLIB with name `dataset`.
     This utility is intended to be used in tests and examples.
     """
-    if not isinstance(dataset, str) or not isinstance(dataset, os.PathLike):
+    if not isinstance(dataset, str) and not isinstance(dataset, os.PathLike):
         raise TypeError
 
     dataset = os.path.join(pvlib.__path__[0], 'data', dataset)

From 05dc263e246eae890cb01aa927bde5c1518b758b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Thu, 8 Jun 2023 13:31:56 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 04/24] Remove unneeded feature

---
 pvlib/tests/test_tools.py | 5 -----
 pvlib/tools.py            | 3 ---
 2 files changed, 8 deletions(-)

diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
index 2eb039d2c4..c33aba1dac 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
@@ -105,11 +105,6 @@ def test_dataset_passes():
         .endswith(expected_dataset)
 
 
-def test_dataset_fails_on_type():
-    for input_value in (123456789.123, 10, np.array(5), None):
-        pytest.raises(TypeError, tools.dataset, input_value)
-
-
 def test_dataset_fails_on_not_found():
     error_prompt = "Dataset has not been found in pvlib. " \
                    "Please check dataset name."
diff --git a/pvlib/tools.py b/pvlib/tools.py
index fe1cb259f0..e5e8370f32 100644
--- a/pvlib/tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tools.py
@@ -479,9 +479,6 @@ def dataset(dataset):
     Return a filepath to a dataset bundled with PVLIB with name `dataset`.
     This utility is intended to be used in tests and examples.
     """
-    if not isinstance(dataset, str) and not isinstance(dataset, os.PathLike):
-        raise TypeError
-
     dataset = os.path.join(pvlib.__path__[0], 'data', dataset)
     if not os.path.exists(dataset):
         raise IOError("Dataset has not been found in pvlib. "

From b0f38d55624aaed468284894c95d59283c3bb59a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Thu, 8 Jun 2023 23:24:53 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 05/24] Renamed to locate_example_dataset

Co-Authored-By: Kevin Anderson <57452607+kandersolar@users.noreply.github.com>
---
 pvlib/tests/test_tools.py | 11 ++++++-----
 pvlib/tools.py            |  2 +-
 2 files changed, 7 insertions(+), 6 deletions(-)

diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
index c33aba1dac..2149d8f88b 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
@@ -98,15 +98,16 @@ def test_degrees_to_index_1():
         tools._degrees_to_index(degrees=22.0, coordinate='width')
 
 
-def test_dataset_passes():
+def test_locate_example_dataset_passes():
     expected_dataset = '723170TYA.CSV'
-    assert tools.dataset(expected_dataset).endswith(expected_dataset)
-    assert tools.dataset(pathlib.Path(expected_dataset)) \
+    assert tools.locate_example_dataset(expected_dataset) \
+        .endswith(expected_dataset)
+    assert tools.locate_example_dataset(pathlib.Path(expected_dataset)) \
         .endswith(expected_dataset)
 
 
-def test_dataset_fails_on_not_found():
+def test_locate_example_dataset_fails_on_not_found():
     error_prompt = "Dataset has not been found in pvlib. " \
                    "Please check dataset name."
     with pytest.raises(IOError, match=error_prompt):
-        tools.dataset("_Texto_cualquiera.-formato-")
+        tools.locate_example_dataset("_Texto_cualquiera.-formato-")
diff --git a/pvlib/tools.py b/pvlib/tools.py
index e5e8370f32..3710dd14d2 100644
--- a/pvlib/tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tools.py
@@ -474,7 +474,7 @@ def _first_order_centered_difference(f, x0, dx=DX, args=()):
     return df / 2 / dx
 
 
-def dataset(dataset):
+def locate_example_dataset(dataset):
     """
     Return a filepath to a dataset bundled with PVLIB with name `dataset`.
     This utility is intended to be used in tests and examples.

From b236fce4b467e87afb0a693822d3a0c5258497ec Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Thu, 8 Jun 2023 23:45:45 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 06/24] Use pathlib & check existence of test files

Co-Authored-By: Kevin Anderson <57452607+kandersolar@users.noreply.github.com>
---
 pvlib/tests/test_tools.py | 14 ++++++++++----
 pvlib/tools.py            | 10 +++++-----
 2 files changed, 15 insertions(+), 9 deletions(-)

diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
index 2149d8f88b..c39feab788 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import pytest
 
+import pvlib
 from pvlib import tools
 import numpy as np
 import pathlib
@@ -100,14 +101,19 @@ def test_degrees_to_index_1():
 
 def test_locate_example_dataset_passes():
     expected_dataset = '723170TYA.CSV'
+    assert pathlib.Path(pvlib.__path__[0], 'data',
+                        expected_dataset).exists()
     assert tools.locate_example_dataset(expected_dataset) \
-        .endswith(expected_dataset)
+           .name == expected_dataset
     assert tools.locate_example_dataset(pathlib.Path(expected_dataset)) \
-        .endswith(expected_dataset)
+           .name == expected_dataset
 
 
 def test_locate_example_dataset_fails_on_not_found():
     error_prompt = "Dataset has not been found in pvlib. " \
                    "Please check dataset name."
-    with pytest.raises(IOError, match=error_prompt):
-        tools.locate_example_dataset("_Texto_cualquiera.-formato-")
+    nonexistent_file = "_Texto_cualquiera.-formato-"
+    assert not pathlib.Path(pvlib.__path__[0], 'data',
+                            nonexistent_file).exists()
+    with pytest.raises(ValueError, match=error_prompt):
+        tools.locate_example_dataset(nonexistent_file)
diff --git a/pvlib/tools.py b/pvlib/tools.py
index 3710dd14d2..cde08f6bd9 100644
--- a/pvlib/tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tools.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 import pandas as pd
 import pytz
 import warnings
-import os.path
+import pathlib
 
 
 def cosd(angle):
@@ -479,8 +479,8 @@ def locate_example_dataset(dataset):
     Return a filepath to a dataset bundled with PVLIB with name `dataset`.
     This utility is intended to be used in tests and examples.
     """
-    dataset = os.path.join(pvlib.__path__[0], 'data', dataset)
-    if not os.path.exists(dataset):
-        raise IOError("Dataset has not been found in pvlib. "
-                      "Please check dataset name.")
+    dataset = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__path__[0], 'data', dataset)
+    if not dataset.exists():
+        raise ValueError("Dataset has not been found in pvlib. "
+                         "Please check dataset name.")
     return dataset

From 884f2defe0676bedcf2cd137718600aae6d16a2b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Thu, 8 Jun 2023 23:56:06 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 07/24] Add public documentation, hope it works

Co-Authored-By: Kevin Anderson <57452607+kandersolar@users.noreply.github.com>
---
 docs/sphinx/source/reference/iotools.rst |  7 +++++++
 pvlib/tools.py                           | 17 ++++++++++++++++-
 2 files changed, 23 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/docs/sphinx/source/reference/iotools.rst b/docs/sphinx/source/reference/iotools.rst
index 14271cf3ee..6e9a0b1823 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/source/reference/iotools.rst
+++ b/docs/sphinx/source/reference/iotools.rst
@@ -47,3 +47,10 @@ in some files.
 
    location.Location.from_tmy
    location.Location.from_epw
+
+Functions for locating the example data files included in pvlib.
+
+.. autosummary::
+   :toctree: generated/
+
+   tools.locate_example_dataset
diff --git a/pvlib/tools.py b/pvlib/tools.py
index cde08f6bd9..3632458c55 100644
--- a/pvlib/tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tools.py
@@ -477,7 +477,22 @@ def _first_order_centered_difference(f, x0, dx=DX, args=()):
 def locate_example_dataset(dataset):
     """
     Return a filepath to a dataset bundled with PVLIB with name `dataset`.
-    This utility is intended to be used in tests and examples.
+    This utility is intended to be used in tests and examples:
+
+        .. ipython:: python
+
+            import pvlib
+            pvlib.tools.locate_example_dataset('surfrad-slv16001.dat')
+
+    Parameters
+    ----------
+    dataset : str or PurePath
+        Name of dataset file
+
+    Returns
+    -------
+    path : PurePath
+        Path pointing to dataset file in PVLIB.
     """
     dataset = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__path__[0], 'data', dataset)
     if not dataset.exists():

From dad683526bbe1cc434f9e85f3830a9543e040307 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Thu, 8 Jun 2023 23:59:06 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 08/24] I forgot this assert :v

Co-Authored-By: Kevin Anderson <57452607+kandersolar@users.noreply.github.com>
---
 pvlib/tests/test_tools.py | 1 +
 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+)

diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
index c39feab788..aeb1e3caaa 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
@@ -107,6 +107,7 @@ def test_locate_example_dataset_passes():
            .name == expected_dataset
     assert tools.locate_example_dataset(pathlib.Path(expected_dataset)) \
            .name == expected_dataset
+    assert tools.locate_example_dataset(expected_dataset).exists()
 
 
 def test_locate_example_dataset_fails_on_not_found():

From 54905613067c002293e9977851c8913f6978ba55 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Fri, 9 Jun 2023 00:02:47 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 09/24] Update plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py

Co-Authored-By: Kevin Anderson <57452607+kandersolar@users.noreply.github.com>
---
 .../examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py | 10 ++++++----
 1 file changed, 6 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py b/docs/examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py
index 71e0e970cf..c4ebe5ce40 100644
--- a/docs/examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py
+++ b/docs/examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py
@@ -33,13 +33,13 @@
 from matplotlib import pyplot as plt
 from pvlib.iotools import read_tmy3
 from pvlib.soiling import kimber
-from pvlib.tools import dataset
+from pvlib.tools import locate_example_dataset
 
-# get full path to the data directory
-DATASET_DIR = dataset('723170TYA.CSV')
+# get full path to the dataset file
+tmy_filepath = locate_example_dataset('723170TYA.CSV')
 
 # get TMY3 data with rain
-greensboro, _ = read_tmy3(DATASET_DIR, coerce_year=1990,
+greensboro, _ = read_tmy3(tmy_filepath, coerce_year=1990,
                           map_variables=True)
 # get the rain data
 greensboro_rain = greensboro['Lprecip depth (mm)']
@@ -64,3 +64,5 @@
 plt.tight_layout()
 
 plt.show()
+
+# %%

From eacedae087f640e697ce9dc6be10ac1870b00a3e Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Fri, 9 Jun 2023 08:56:26 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 10/24] Don't show examples backreference

---
 docs/sphinx/source/conf.py | 5 +++++
 1 file changed, 5 insertions(+)

diff --git a/docs/sphinx/source/conf.py b/docs/sphinx/source/conf.py
index cd2d6b379d..068d138aeb 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/source/conf.py
+++ b/docs/sphinx/source/conf.py
@@ -365,6 +365,11 @@ def setup(app):
     # Modules for which function/class level galleries are created. In
     # this case only pvlib, could include others though.  must be tuple of str
     'doc_module': ('pvlib',),
+
+    # objects to exclude from implicit backreferences
+    # https://sphinx-gallery.github.io/stable/configuration.html
+    # Section #add-mini-galleries-for-api-documentation
+    'exclude_implicit_doc': {r'pvlib\.tools\.locate_example_dataset'},
 }
 # supress warnings in gallery output
 # https://sphinx-gallery.github.io/stable/configuration.html

From 28fe7debcee94da26bc397a4ed7f070af61a9876 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Fri, 9 Jun 2023 22:11:17 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 11/24] Update v0.10.0.rst (without user name since I'm already
 mentioned at #1764)

---
 docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.10.0.rst | 3 +++
 1 file changed, 3 insertions(+)

diff --git a/docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.10.0.rst b/docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.10.0.rst
index a4406072f8..b47e5071cf 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.10.0.rst
+++ b/docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.10.0.rst
@@ -21,6 +21,9 @@ Deprecations
 
 Enhancements
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~
+* Add :py:func:`pvlib.tools.locate_example_dataset` to get example and test
+  files under `pvlib/data` path.
+  (:issue:`924`, :pull:`1763`)
 
 
 Bug fixes

From aa91f28c09587df5f4c436557959f48207e6909f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2023 10:51:51 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 12/24] Apply Kevin's implementation suggestions

Co-Authored-By: Kevin Anderson <57452607+kandersolar@users.noreply.github.com>
---
 pvlib/tests/test_tools.py | 16 ++++++++--------
 pvlib/tools.py            | 20 ++++++++++++++------
 2 files changed, 22 insertions(+), 14 deletions(-)

diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
index aeb1e3caaa..50b17f3808 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
@@ -98,23 +98,23 @@ def test_degrees_to_index_1():
     with pytest.raises(IndexError):  # invalid value for coordinate argument
         tools._degrees_to_index(degrees=22.0, coordinate='width')
 
-
-def test_locate_example_dataset_passes():
+@pytest.mark.parametrize('location', [tuple(), ('data',)])
+def test_get_test_dataset_path_passes(location):
     expected_dataset = '723170TYA.CSV'
     assert pathlib.Path(pvlib.__path__[0], 'data',
                         expected_dataset).exists()
-    assert tools.locate_example_dataset(expected_dataset) \
+    assert tools.get_test_dataset_path(expected_dataset, *location) \
            .name == expected_dataset
-    assert tools.locate_example_dataset(pathlib.Path(expected_dataset)) \
+    assert tools.get_test_dataset_path(pathlib.Path(expected_dataset)) \
            .name == expected_dataset
-    assert tools.locate_example_dataset(expected_dataset).exists()
+    assert tools.get_test_dataset_path(expected_dataset).exists()
 
 
-def test_locate_example_dataset_fails_on_not_found():
-    error_prompt = "Dataset has not been found in pvlib. " \
+def test_get_test_dataset_path_fails_on_not_found():
+    error_prompt = "Dataset has not been found in pvlib at .*. " \
                    "Please check dataset name."
     nonexistent_file = "_Texto_cualquiera.-formato-"
     assert not pathlib.Path(pvlib.__path__[0], 'data',
                             nonexistent_file).exists()
     with pytest.raises(ValueError, match=error_prompt):
-        tools.locate_example_dataset(nonexistent_file)
+        tools.get_test_dataset_path(nonexistent_file)
diff --git a/pvlib/tools.py b/pvlib/tools.py
index 3632458c55..133e122cd0 100644
--- a/pvlib/tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tools.py
@@ -474,7 +474,7 @@ def _first_order_centered_difference(f, x0, dx=DX, args=()):
     return df / 2 / dx
 
 
-def locate_example_dataset(dataset):
+def get_test_dataset_path(dataset, location='data'):
     """
     Return a filepath to a dataset bundled with PVLIB with name `dataset`.
     This utility is intended to be used in tests and examples:
@@ -482,20 +482,28 @@ def locate_example_dataset(dataset):
         .. ipython:: python
 
             import pvlib
-            pvlib.tools.locate_example_dataset('surfrad-slv16001.dat')
+            pvlib.tools.get_test_dataset_path('surfrad-slv16001.dat')
 
     Parameters
     ----------
     dataset : str or PurePath
-        Name of dataset file
+        Name of dataset file.
+    location : str or PurePath, default 'data'
+        PVLIB subfolder where dataset can be found.
+        This value can be:
+        +-------------------------+------------------------------+
+        | ``location``            | Description                  |
+        +=========================+==============================+
+        | ``'data'`` (default)    | currently all files are here |
+        +-------------------------+------------------------------+
 
     Returns
     -------
     path : PurePath
         Path pointing to dataset file in PVLIB.
     """
-    dataset = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__path__[0], 'data', dataset)
+    dataset = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__path__[0], location, dataset)
     if not dataset.exists():
-        raise ValueError("Dataset has not been found in pvlib. "
-                         "Please check dataset name.")
+        raise ValueError(f"Dataset has not been found in pvlib at {dataset}. "
+                         "Please check dataset name and location.")
     return dataset

From 5954a79276f73ef148af7c8c66a52b9d277a6a7c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2023 11:23:33 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 13/24] Update plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py

---
 docs/examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py b/docs/examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py
index c4ebe5ce40..0e9deafa9a 100644
--- a/docs/examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py
+++ b/docs/examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py
@@ -33,10 +33,10 @@
 from matplotlib import pyplot as plt
 from pvlib.iotools import read_tmy3
 from pvlib.soiling import kimber
-from pvlib.tools import locate_example_dataset
+from pvlib.tools import get_test_dataset_path
 
 # get full path to the dataset file
-tmy_filepath = locate_example_dataset('723170TYA.CSV')
+tmy_filepath = get_test_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
 
 # get TMY3 data with rain
 greensboro, _ = read_tmy3(tmy_filepath, coerce_year=1990,

From 0e55f18be96a1b54854e2806e6e25b29d32defa9 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2023 11:47:59 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 14/24] Update iotools.rst

---
 docs/sphinx/source/reference/iotools.rst | 2 +-
 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/docs/sphinx/source/reference/iotools.rst b/docs/sphinx/source/reference/iotools.rst
index 6e9a0b1823..9fc5dea2f4 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/source/reference/iotools.rst
+++ b/docs/sphinx/source/reference/iotools.rst
@@ -53,4 +53,4 @@ Functions for locating the example data files included in pvlib.
 .. autosummary::
    :toctree: generated/
 
-   tools.locate_example_dataset
+   tools.get_test_dataset_path

From 311f7657b08c40b41e84da1d252e8d27697eaa24 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2023 12:14:52 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 15/24] Will this fix the table?

---
 pvlib/tools.py | 1 +
 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+)

diff --git a/pvlib/tools.py b/pvlib/tools.py
index 133e122cd0..355a3a1ea1 100644
--- a/pvlib/tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tools.py
@@ -491,6 +491,7 @@ def get_test_dataset_path(dataset, location='data'):
     location : str or PurePath, default 'data'
         PVLIB subfolder where dataset can be found.
         This value can be:
+        
         +-------------------------+------------------------------+
         | ``location``            | Description                  |
         +=========================+==============================+

From 3a91cd72cd0374d5127c4e2726bd6118d7b8945a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2023 12:25:58 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 16/24] This should be fine now

---
 docs/sphinx/source/conf.py | 2 +-
 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/docs/sphinx/source/conf.py b/docs/sphinx/source/conf.py
index 068d138aeb..74234545d3 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/source/conf.py
+++ b/docs/sphinx/source/conf.py
@@ -369,7 +369,7 @@ def setup(app):
     # objects to exclude from implicit backreferences
     # https://sphinx-gallery.github.io/stable/configuration.html
     # Section #add-mini-galleries-for-api-documentation
-    'exclude_implicit_doc': {r'pvlib\.tools\.locate_example_dataset'},
+    'exclude_implicit_doc': {r'pvlib\.tools\.get_test_dataset_path'},
 }
 # supress warnings in gallery output
 # https://sphinx-gallery.github.io/stable/configuration.html

From 4a38b0e553e98273432373f1a73c98d27c39026c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2023 13:52:21 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 17/24] Substitute occurrences of pvlib.__file__ or similar
 where appropiate

---
 .../adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py        |  8 +++-----
 .../plot_diffuse_fraction.py                   |  8 +++-----
 .../plot_seasonal_tilt.py                      |  8 +++-----
 .../plot_transposition_gain.py                 | 10 ++++------
 .../soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py  | 10 +++++-----
 docs/sphinx/source/user_guide/clearsky.rst     | 16 ++++------------
 pvlib/clearsky.py                              |  6 ++----
 pvlib/location.py                              |  7 +++----
 pvlib/pvsystem.py                              | 18 ++++++------------
 pvlib/spectrum/mismatch.py                     |  6 ++----
 pvlib/tests/test_tools.py                      |  1 +
 pvlib/tools.py                                 |  2 +-
 12 files changed, 37 insertions(+), 63 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/examples/adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py b/docs/examples/adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py
index b0abede934..112f1cd1d8 100644
--- a/docs/examples/adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py
+++ b/docs/examples/adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py
@@ -12,12 +12,11 @@
 Author: Anton Driesse
 """
 
-import os
 import pandas as pd
 import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
 
 import pvlib
-from pvlib import iotools, location
+from pvlib import iotools, location, tools
 from pvlib.irradiance import get_total_irradiance
 from pvlib.pvarray import pvefficiency_adr
 
@@ -26,10 +25,9 @@
 # Read a TMY3 file containing weather data and select needed columns
 #
 
-PVLIB_DIR = pvlib.__path__[0]
-DATA_FILE = os.path.join(PVLIB_DIR, 'data', '723170TYA.CSV')
+tmy3_filepath = tools.get_test_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
 
-tmy, metadata = iotools.read_tmy3(DATA_FILE, coerce_year=1990,
+tmy, metadata = iotools.read_tmy3(tmy3_filepath, coerce_year=1990,
                                   map_variables=True)
 
 df = pd.DataFrame({'ghi': tmy['ghi'], 'dhi': tmy['dhi'], 'dni': tmy['dni'],
diff --git a/docs/examples/irradiance-decomposition/plot_diffuse_fraction.py b/docs/examples/irradiance-decomposition/plot_diffuse_fraction.py
index 30d1385f87..03eb943af3 100644
--- a/docs/examples/irradiance-decomposition/plot_diffuse_fraction.py
+++ b/docs/examples/irradiance-decomposition/plot_diffuse_fraction.py
@@ -14,20 +14,18 @@
 # GHI into the diffuse and direct components. The separate components are
 # needed to estimate the total irradiance on a tilted surface.
 
-import pathlib
 from matplotlib import pyplot as plt
 import pandas as pd
 from pvlib.iotools import read_tmy3
 from pvlib.solarposition import get_solarposition
-from pvlib import irradiance
-import pvlib
+from pvlib import irradiance, tools
 
 # For this example we use the Greensboro, North Carolina, TMY3 file which is
 # in the pvlib data directory. TMY3 are made from the median months from years
 # of data measured from 1990 to 2010. Therefore we change the timestamps to a
 # common year, 1990.
-DATA_DIR = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__file__).parent / 'data'
-greensboro, metadata = read_tmy3(DATA_DIR / '723170TYA.CSV', coerce_year=1990,
+tmy3_filepath = tools.get_test_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
+greensboro, metadata = read_tmy3(tmy3_filepath, coerce_year=1990,
                                  map_variables=True)
 
 # Many of the diffuse fraction estimation methods require the "true" zenith, so
diff --git a/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_seasonal_tilt.py b/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_seasonal_tilt.py
index afe610f6d2..fb2cb9a92f 100644
--- a/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_seasonal_tilt.py
+++ b/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_seasonal_tilt.py
@@ -12,11 +12,9 @@
 # to use a custom Mount class to use the Seasonal Tilt strategy
 # with :py:class:`~pvlib.modelchain.ModelChain`.
 
-import pvlib
-from pvlib import pvsystem, location, modelchain, iotools
+from pvlib import pvsystem, location, modelchain, iotools, tools
 from pvlib.temperature import TEMPERATURE_MODEL_PARAMETERS
 import pandas as pd
-import pathlib
 import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
 from dataclasses import dataclass
 
@@ -43,8 +41,8 @@ def get_orientation(self, solar_zenith, solar_azimuth):
 # First let's grab some weather data and make sure our mount produces tilts
 # like we expect:
 
-DATA_DIR = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__file__).parent / 'data'
-tmy, metadata = iotools.read_tmy3(DATA_DIR / '723170TYA.CSV', coerce_year=1990,
+tmy3_filepath = tools.get_test_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
+tmy, metadata = iotools.read_tmy3(tmy3_filepath, coerce_year=1990,
                                   map_variables=True)
 # shift from TMY3 right-labeled index to left-labeled index:
 tmy.index = tmy.index - pd.Timedelta(hours=1)
diff --git a/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_transposition_gain.py b/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_transposition_gain.py
index 4ce558b47c..80435ac80a 100644
--- a/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_transposition_gain.py
+++ b/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_transposition_gain.py
@@ -19,21 +19,19 @@
 # insolation is calculated for each strategy to show how orientation affects
 # seasonal irradiance collection.
 
-import pvlib
 from pvlib import location
 from pvlib import irradiance
 from pvlib import tracking
+from pvlib import tools
 from pvlib.iotools import read_tmy3
 import pandas as pd
 from matplotlib import pyplot as plt
-import pathlib
 
-# get full path to the data directory
-DATA_DIR = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__file__).parent / 'data'
+# get full path to the example file
+tmy3_filepath = tools.get_test_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
 
 # get TMY3 dataset
-tmy, metadata = read_tmy3(DATA_DIR / '723170TYA.CSV', coerce_year=1990,
-                          map_variables=True)
+tmy, metadata = read_tmy3(tmy3_filepath, coerce_year=1990, map_variables=True)
 # TMY3 datasets are right-labeled (AKA "end of interval") which means the last
 # interval of Dec 31, 23:00 to Jan 1 00:00 is labeled Jan 1 00:00. When rolling
 # up hourly irradiance to monthly insolation, a spurious January value is
diff --git a/docs/examples/soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py b/docs/examples/soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py
index 9103fa0207..1eb51835d6 100644
--- a/docs/examples/soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py
+++ b/docs/examples/soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py
@@ -21,18 +21,18 @@
 # PM2.5 and PM10 data come from the EPA. First, let's read in the
 # weather data and run the HSU soiling model:
 
-import pathlib
 from matplotlib import pyplot as plt
 from pvlib import soiling
 import pvlib
 import pandas as pd
 
-# get full path to the data directory
-DATA_DIR = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__file__).parent / 'data'
+# get full path to the example file
+soiling_hsu_filepath = \
+    pvlib.tools.get_test_dataset_path('soiling_hsu_example_inputs.csv')
 
 # read rainfall, PM2.5, and PM10 data from file
-imperial_county = pd.read_csv(DATA_DIR / 'soiling_hsu_example_inputs.csv',
-                              index_col=0, parse_dates=True)
+imperial_county = pd.read_csv(soiling_hsu_filepath, index_col=0,
+                              parse_dates=True)
 rainfall = imperial_county['rain']
 depo_veloc = {'2_5': 0.0009, '10': 0.004}  # default values from [1] (m/s)
 rain_accum_period = pd.Timedelta('1h')     # default
diff --git a/docs/sphinx/source/user_guide/clearsky.rst b/docs/sphinx/source/user_guide/clearsky.rst
index 7d45a38159..933646b4e4 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/source/user_guide/clearsky.rst
+++ b/docs/sphinx/source/user_guide/clearsky.rst
@@ -30,8 +30,6 @@ We'll need these imports for the examples below.
 
 .. ipython::
 
-    In [1]: import os
-
     In [1]: import itertools
 
     In [1]: import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
@@ -40,7 +38,7 @@ We'll need these imports for the examples below.
 
     In [1]: import pvlib
 
-    In [1]: from pvlib import clearsky, atmosphere, solarposition
+    In [1]: from pvlib import clearsky, atmosphere, solarposition, tools
 
     In [1]: from pvlib.location import Location
 
@@ -130,13 +128,9 @@ the year. You could run it in a loop to create plots for all months.
 
     In [1]: import calendar
 
-    In [1]: import os
-
     In [1]: import h5py
 
-    In [1]: pvlib_path = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(pvlib.clearsky.__file__))
-
-    In [1]: filepath = os.path.join(pvlib_path, 'data', 'LinkeTurbidities.h5')
+    In [1]: filepath = tools.get_test_dataset_path('LinkeTurbidities.h5')
 
     In [1]: def plot_turbidity_map(month, vmin=1, vmax=100):
        ...:     plt.figure();
@@ -210,13 +204,11 @@ wavelengths [Bir80]_, and is implemented in
 
 .. ipython::
 
-    In [1]: pvlib_data = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(pvlib.__file__), 'data')
-
     In [1]: mbars = 100  # conversion factor from mbars to Pa
 
-    In [1]: tmy_file = os.path.join(pvlib_data, '703165TY.csv')  # TMY file
+    In [1]: tmy_file_path = tools.get_test_dataset_path('703165TY.csv')  # TMY file
 
-    In [1]: tmy_data, tmy_header = read_tmy3(tmy_file, coerce_year=1999, map_variables=True)
+    In [1]: tmy_data, tmy_header = read_tmy3(tmy_file_path, coerce_year=1999, map_variables=True)
 
     In [1]: tl_historic = clearsky.lookup_linke_turbidity(time=tmy_data.index,
        ...:     latitude=tmy_header['latitude'], longitude=tmy_header['longitude'])
diff --git a/pvlib/clearsky.py b/pvlib/clearsky.py
index ffc7ac9b55..d204931f6d 100644
--- a/pvlib/clearsky.py
+++ b/pvlib/clearsky.py
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@
 to calculate clear sky GHI, DNI, and DHI.
 """
 
-import os
 from collections import OrderedDict
 import calendar
 
@@ -14,7 +13,7 @@
 import h5py
 
 from pvlib import atmosphere, tools
-from pvlib.tools import _degrees_to_index
+from pvlib.tools import _degrees_to_index, get_test_dataset_path
 
 
 def ineichen(apparent_zenith, airmass_absolute, linke_turbidity,
@@ -189,8 +188,7 @@ def lookup_linke_turbidity(time, latitude, longitude, filepath=None,
     # 1st column: 179.9583 W, 2nd column: 179.875 W
 
     if filepath is None:
-        pvlib_path = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
-        filepath = os.path.join(pvlib_path, 'data', 'LinkeTurbidities.h5')
+        filepath = get_test_dataset_path('LinkeTurbidities.h5')
 
     latitude_index = _degrees_to_index(latitude, coordinate='latitude')
     longitude_index = _degrees_to_index(longitude, coordinate='longitude')
diff --git a/pvlib/location.py b/pvlib/location.py
index 6e8e89ee00..6748baa024 100644
--- a/pvlib/location.py
+++ b/pvlib/location.py
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@
 
 # Will Holmgren, University of Arizona, 2014-2016.
 
-import os
 import datetime
 
 import pandas as pd
@@ -12,7 +11,8 @@
 import h5py
 
 from pvlib import solarposition, clearsky, atmosphere, irradiance
-from pvlib.tools import _degrees_to_index
+from pvlib.tools import _degrees_to_index, get_test_dataset_path
+
 
 class Location:
     """
@@ -426,8 +426,7 @@ def lookup_altitude(latitude, longitude):
 
     """
 
-    pvlib_path = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
-    filepath = os.path.join(pvlib_path, 'data', 'Altitude.h5')
+    filepath = get_test_dataset_path('Altitude.h5')
 
     latitude_index = _degrees_to_index(latitude, coordinate='latitude')
     longitude_index = _degrees_to_index(longitude, coordinate='longitude')
diff --git a/pvlib/pvsystem.py b/pvlib/pvsystem.py
index d136089b10..5393f2dc10 100644
--- a/pvlib/pvsystem.py
+++ b/pvlib/pvsystem.py
@@ -7,7 +7,6 @@
 import functools
 import io
 import itertools
-import os
 from urllib.request import urlopen
 import numpy as np
 from scipy import constants
@@ -20,7 +19,7 @@
 
 from pvlib import (atmosphere, iam, inverter, irradiance,
                    singlediode as _singlediode, temperature)
-from pvlib.tools import _build_kwargs, _build_args
+from pvlib.tools import _build_kwargs, _build_args, get_test_dataset_path
 
 
 # a dict of required parameter names for each DC power model
@@ -2371,24 +2370,19 @@ def retrieve_sam(name=None, path=None):
 
     if name is not None:
         name = name.lower()
-        data_path = os.path.join(
-            os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__)), 'data')
         if name == 'cecmod':
-            csvdata = os.path.join(
-                data_path, 'sam-library-cec-modules-2019-03-05.csv')
+            csvdata = 'sam-library-cec-modules-2019-03-05.csv'
         elif name == 'sandiamod':
-            csvdata = os.path.join(
-                data_path, 'sam-library-sandia-modules-2015-6-30.csv')
+            csvdata = 'sam-library-sandia-modules-2015-6-30.csv'
         elif name == 'adrinverter':
-            csvdata = os.path.join(
-                data_path, 'adr-library-cec-inverters-2019-03-05.csv')
+            csvdata = 'adr-library-cec-inverters-2019-03-05.csv'
         elif name in ['cecinverter', 'sandiainverter']:
             # Allowing either, to provide for old code,
             # while aligning with current expectations
-            csvdata = os.path.join(
-                data_path, 'sam-library-cec-inverters-2019-03-05.csv')
+            csvdata = 'sam-library-cec-inverters-2019-03-05.csv'
         else:
             raise ValueError(f'invalid name {name}')
+        csvdata = get_test_dataset_path(csvdata)
     elif path is not None:
         if path.startswith('http'):
             response = urlopen(path)
diff --git a/pvlib/spectrum/mismatch.py b/pvlib/spectrum/mismatch.py
index 5db4649ddd..5d3c464653 100644
--- a/pvlib/spectrum/mismatch.py
+++ b/pvlib/spectrum/mismatch.py
@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@
 import numpy as np
 import pandas as pd
 from scipy.interpolate import interp1d
-import os
 
 
 def get_example_spectral_response(wavelength=None):
@@ -117,10 +116,9 @@ def get_am15g(wavelength=None):
     '''
     # Contributed by Anton Driesse (@adriesse), PV Performance Labs. Aug. 2022
 
-    pvlib_path = pvlib.__path__[0]
-    filepath = os.path.join(pvlib_path, 'data', 'astm_g173_am15g.csv')
+    am15g_file = pvlib.tools.get_test_dataset_path('astm_g173_am15g.csv')
 
-    am15g = pd.read_csv(filepath, index_col=0).squeeze()
+    am15g = pd.read_csv(am15g_file, index_col=0).squeeze()
 
     if wavelength is not None:
         interpolator = interp1d(am15g.index, am15g,
diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
index 50b17f3808..842a2896ba 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
@@ -98,6 +98,7 @@ def test_degrees_to_index_1():
     with pytest.raises(IndexError):  # invalid value for coordinate argument
         tools._degrees_to_index(degrees=22.0, coordinate='width')
 
+
 @pytest.mark.parametrize('location', [tuple(), ('data',)])
 def test_get_test_dataset_path_passes(location):
     expected_dataset = '723170TYA.CSV'
diff --git a/pvlib/tools.py b/pvlib/tools.py
index 355a3a1ea1..0ca074cda0 100644
--- a/pvlib/tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tools.py
@@ -491,7 +491,7 @@ def get_test_dataset_path(dataset, location='data'):
     location : str or PurePath, default 'data'
         PVLIB subfolder where dataset can be found.
         This value can be:
-        
+
         +-------------------------+------------------------------+
         | ``location``            | Description                  |
         +=========================+==============================+

From f5bfcf6114bc0261418a87a5dc7225927093180a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2023 19:35:34 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 18/24] Revert "Substitute occurrences of pvlib.__file__ or
 similar where appropiate"

This reverts commit 4a38b0e553e98273432373f1a73c98d27c39026c.
---
 .../adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py        |  8 +++++---
 .../plot_diffuse_fraction.py                   |  8 +++++---
 .../plot_seasonal_tilt.py                      |  8 +++++---
 .../plot_transposition_gain.py                 | 10 ++++++----
 .../soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py  | 10 +++++-----
 docs/sphinx/source/user_guide/clearsky.rst     | 16 ++++++++++++----
 pvlib/clearsky.py                              |  6 ++++--
 pvlib/location.py                              |  7 ++++---
 pvlib/pvsystem.py                              | 18 ++++++++++++------
 pvlib/spectrum/mismatch.py                     |  6 ++++--
 pvlib/tests/test_tools.py                      |  1 -
 pvlib/tools.py                                 |  2 +-
 12 files changed, 63 insertions(+), 37 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/examples/adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py b/docs/examples/adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py
index 112f1cd1d8..b0abede934 100644
--- a/docs/examples/adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py
+++ b/docs/examples/adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py
@@ -12,11 +12,12 @@
 Author: Anton Driesse
 """
 
+import os
 import pandas as pd
 import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
 
 import pvlib
-from pvlib import iotools, location, tools
+from pvlib import iotools, location
 from pvlib.irradiance import get_total_irradiance
 from pvlib.pvarray import pvefficiency_adr
 
@@ -25,9 +26,10 @@
 # Read a TMY3 file containing weather data and select needed columns
 #
 
-tmy3_filepath = tools.get_test_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
+PVLIB_DIR = pvlib.__path__[0]
+DATA_FILE = os.path.join(PVLIB_DIR, 'data', '723170TYA.CSV')
 
-tmy, metadata = iotools.read_tmy3(tmy3_filepath, coerce_year=1990,
+tmy, metadata = iotools.read_tmy3(DATA_FILE, coerce_year=1990,
                                   map_variables=True)
 
 df = pd.DataFrame({'ghi': tmy['ghi'], 'dhi': tmy['dhi'], 'dni': tmy['dni'],
diff --git a/docs/examples/irradiance-decomposition/plot_diffuse_fraction.py b/docs/examples/irradiance-decomposition/plot_diffuse_fraction.py
index 03eb943af3..30d1385f87 100644
--- a/docs/examples/irradiance-decomposition/plot_diffuse_fraction.py
+++ b/docs/examples/irradiance-decomposition/plot_diffuse_fraction.py
@@ -14,18 +14,20 @@
 # GHI into the diffuse and direct components. The separate components are
 # needed to estimate the total irradiance on a tilted surface.
 
+import pathlib
 from matplotlib import pyplot as plt
 import pandas as pd
 from pvlib.iotools import read_tmy3
 from pvlib.solarposition import get_solarposition
-from pvlib import irradiance, tools
+from pvlib import irradiance
+import pvlib
 
 # For this example we use the Greensboro, North Carolina, TMY3 file which is
 # in the pvlib data directory. TMY3 are made from the median months from years
 # of data measured from 1990 to 2010. Therefore we change the timestamps to a
 # common year, 1990.
-tmy3_filepath = tools.get_test_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
-greensboro, metadata = read_tmy3(tmy3_filepath, coerce_year=1990,
+DATA_DIR = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__file__).parent / 'data'
+greensboro, metadata = read_tmy3(DATA_DIR / '723170TYA.CSV', coerce_year=1990,
                                  map_variables=True)
 
 # Many of the diffuse fraction estimation methods require the "true" zenith, so
diff --git a/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_seasonal_tilt.py b/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_seasonal_tilt.py
index fb2cb9a92f..afe610f6d2 100644
--- a/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_seasonal_tilt.py
+++ b/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_seasonal_tilt.py
@@ -12,9 +12,11 @@
 # to use a custom Mount class to use the Seasonal Tilt strategy
 # with :py:class:`~pvlib.modelchain.ModelChain`.
 
-from pvlib import pvsystem, location, modelchain, iotools, tools
+import pvlib
+from pvlib import pvsystem, location, modelchain, iotools
 from pvlib.temperature import TEMPERATURE_MODEL_PARAMETERS
 import pandas as pd
+import pathlib
 import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
 from dataclasses import dataclass
 
@@ -41,8 +43,8 @@ def get_orientation(self, solar_zenith, solar_azimuth):
 # First let's grab some weather data and make sure our mount produces tilts
 # like we expect:
 
-tmy3_filepath = tools.get_test_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
-tmy, metadata = iotools.read_tmy3(tmy3_filepath, coerce_year=1990,
+DATA_DIR = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__file__).parent / 'data'
+tmy, metadata = iotools.read_tmy3(DATA_DIR / '723170TYA.CSV', coerce_year=1990,
                                   map_variables=True)
 # shift from TMY3 right-labeled index to left-labeled index:
 tmy.index = tmy.index - pd.Timedelta(hours=1)
diff --git a/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_transposition_gain.py b/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_transposition_gain.py
index 80435ac80a..4ce558b47c 100644
--- a/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_transposition_gain.py
+++ b/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_transposition_gain.py
@@ -19,19 +19,21 @@
 # insolation is calculated for each strategy to show how orientation affects
 # seasonal irradiance collection.
 
+import pvlib
 from pvlib import location
 from pvlib import irradiance
 from pvlib import tracking
-from pvlib import tools
 from pvlib.iotools import read_tmy3
 import pandas as pd
 from matplotlib import pyplot as plt
+import pathlib
 
-# get full path to the example file
-tmy3_filepath = tools.get_test_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
+# get full path to the data directory
+DATA_DIR = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__file__).parent / 'data'
 
 # get TMY3 dataset
-tmy, metadata = read_tmy3(tmy3_filepath, coerce_year=1990, map_variables=True)
+tmy, metadata = read_tmy3(DATA_DIR / '723170TYA.CSV', coerce_year=1990,
+                          map_variables=True)
 # TMY3 datasets are right-labeled (AKA "end of interval") which means the last
 # interval of Dec 31, 23:00 to Jan 1 00:00 is labeled Jan 1 00:00. When rolling
 # up hourly irradiance to monthly insolation, a spurious January value is
diff --git a/docs/examples/soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py b/docs/examples/soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py
index 1eb51835d6..9103fa0207 100644
--- a/docs/examples/soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py
+++ b/docs/examples/soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py
@@ -21,18 +21,18 @@
 # PM2.5 and PM10 data come from the EPA. First, let's read in the
 # weather data and run the HSU soiling model:
 
+import pathlib
 from matplotlib import pyplot as plt
 from pvlib import soiling
 import pvlib
 import pandas as pd
 
-# get full path to the example file
-soiling_hsu_filepath = \
-    pvlib.tools.get_test_dataset_path('soiling_hsu_example_inputs.csv')
+# get full path to the data directory
+DATA_DIR = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__file__).parent / 'data'
 
 # read rainfall, PM2.5, and PM10 data from file
-imperial_county = pd.read_csv(soiling_hsu_filepath, index_col=0,
-                              parse_dates=True)
+imperial_county = pd.read_csv(DATA_DIR / 'soiling_hsu_example_inputs.csv',
+                              index_col=0, parse_dates=True)
 rainfall = imperial_county['rain']
 depo_veloc = {'2_5': 0.0009, '10': 0.004}  # default values from [1] (m/s)
 rain_accum_period = pd.Timedelta('1h')     # default
diff --git a/docs/sphinx/source/user_guide/clearsky.rst b/docs/sphinx/source/user_guide/clearsky.rst
index ae0c609f5a..e32351ee6b 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/source/user_guide/clearsky.rst
+++ b/docs/sphinx/source/user_guide/clearsky.rst
@@ -30,6 +30,8 @@ We'll need these imports for the examples below.
 
 .. ipython::
 
+    In [1]: import os
+
     In [1]: import itertools
 
     In [1]: import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
@@ -38,7 +40,7 @@ We'll need these imports for the examples below.
 
     In [1]: import pvlib
 
-    In [1]: from pvlib import clearsky, atmosphere, solarposition, tools
+    In [1]: from pvlib import clearsky, atmosphere, solarposition
 
     In [1]: from pvlib.location import Location
 
@@ -128,9 +130,13 @@ the year. You could run it in a loop to create plots for all months.
 
     In [1]: import calendar
 
+    In [1]: import os
+
     In [1]: import h5py
 
-    In [1]: filepath = tools.get_test_dataset_path('LinkeTurbidities.h5')
+    In [1]: pvlib_path = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(pvlib.clearsky.__file__))
+
+    In [1]: filepath = os.path.join(pvlib_path, 'data', 'LinkeTurbidities.h5')
 
     In [1]: def plot_turbidity_map(month, vmin=1, vmax=100):
        ...:     plt.figure();
@@ -204,11 +210,13 @@ wavelengths [Bir80]_, and is implemented in
 
 .. ipython::
 
+    In [1]: pvlib_data = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(pvlib.__file__), 'data')
+
     In [1]: mbars = 100  # conversion factor from mbars to Pa
 
-    In [1]: tmy_file_path = tools.get_test_dataset_path('703165TY.csv')  # TMY file
+    In [1]: tmy_file = os.path.join(pvlib_data, '703165TY.csv')  # TMY file
 
-    In [1]: tmy_data, tmy_header = read_tmy3(tmy_file_path, coerce_year=1999, map_variables=True)
+    In [1]: tmy_data, tmy_header = read_tmy3(tmy_file, coerce_year=1999, map_variables=True)
 
     In [1]: tl_historic = clearsky.lookup_linke_turbidity(time=tmy_data.index,
        ...:     latitude=tmy_header['latitude'], longitude=tmy_header['longitude'])
diff --git a/pvlib/clearsky.py b/pvlib/clearsky.py
index d204931f6d..ffc7ac9b55 100644
--- a/pvlib/clearsky.py
+++ b/pvlib/clearsky.py
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 to calculate clear sky GHI, DNI, and DHI.
 """
 
+import os
 from collections import OrderedDict
 import calendar
 
@@ -13,7 +14,7 @@
 import h5py
 
 from pvlib import atmosphere, tools
-from pvlib.tools import _degrees_to_index, get_test_dataset_path
+from pvlib.tools import _degrees_to_index
 
 
 def ineichen(apparent_zenith, airmass_absolute, linke_turbidity,
@@ -188,7 +189,8 @@ def lookup_linke_turbidity(time, latitude, longitude, filepath=None,
     # 1st column: 179.9583 W, 2nd column: 179.875 W
 
     if filepath is None:
-        filepath = get_test_dataset_path('LinkeTurbidities.h5')
+        pvlib_path = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
+        filepath = os.path.join(pvlib_path, 'data', 'LinkeTurbidities.h5')
 
     latitude_index = _degrees_to_index(latitude, coordinate='latitude')
     longitude_index = _degrees_to_index(longitude, coordinate='longitude')
diff --git a/pvlib/location.py b/pvlib/location.py
index 6748baa024..6e8e89ee00 100644
--- a/pvlib/location.py
+++ b/pvlib/location.py
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 
 # Will Holmgren, University of Arizona, 2014-2016.
 
+import os
 import datetime
 
 import pandas as pd
@@ -11,8 +12,7 @@
 import h5py
 
 from pvlib import solarposition, clearsky, atmosphere, irradiance
-from pvlib.tools import _degrees_to_index, get_test_dataset_path
-
+from pvlib.tools import _degrees_to_index
 
 class Location:
     """
@@ -426,7 +426,8 @@ def lookup_altitude(latitude, longitude):
 
     """
 
-    filepath = get_test_dataset_path('Altitude.h5')
+    pvlib_path = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
+    filepath = os.path.join(pvlib_path, 'data', 'Altitude.h5')
 
     latitude_index = _degrees_to_index(latitude, coordinate='latitude')
     longitude_index = _degrees_to_index(longitude, coordinate='longitude')
diff --git a/pvlib/pvsystem.py b/pvlib/pvsystem.py
index d9d86a7244..bdab5d604d 100644
--- a/pvlib/pvsystem.py
+++ b/pvlib/pvsystem.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 import functools
 import io
 import itertools
+import os
 from urllib.request import urlopen
 import numpy as np
 from scipy import constants
@@ -19,7 +20,7 @@
 
 from pvlib import (atmosphere, iam, inverter, irradiance,
                    singlediode as _singlediode, spectrum, temperature)
-from pvlib.tools import _build_kwargs, _build_args, get_test_dataset_path
+from pvlib.tools import _build_kwargs, _build_args
 
 
 # a dict of required parameter names for each DC power model
@@ -2370,19 +2371,24 @@ def retrieve_sam(name=None, path=None):
 
     if name is not None:
         name = name.lower()
+        data_path = os.path.join(
+            os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__)), 'data')
         if name == 'cecmod':
-            csvdata = 'sam-library-cec-modules-2019-03-05.csv'
+            csvdata = os.path.join(
+                data_path, 'sam-library-cec-modules-2019-03-05.csv')
         elif name == 'sandiamod':
-            csvdata = 'sam-library-sandia-modules-2015-6-30.csv'
+            csvdata = os.path.join(
+                data_path, 'sam-library-sandia-modules-2015-6-30.csv')
         elif name == 'adrinverter':
-            csvdata = 'adr-library-cec-inverters-2019-03-05.csv'
+            csvdata = os.path.join(
+                data_path, 'adr-library-cec-inverters-2019-03-05.csv')
         elif name in ['cecinverter', 'sandiainverter']:
             # Allowing either, to provide for old code,
             # while aligning with current expectations
-            csvdata = 'sam-library-cec-inverters-2019-03-05.csv'
+            csvdata = os.path.join(
+                data_path, 'sam-library-cec-inverters-2019-03-05.csv')
         else:
             raise ValueError(f'invalid name {name}')
-        csvdata = get_test_dataset_path(csvdata)
     elif path is not None:
         if path.startswith('http'):
             response = urlopen(path)
diff --git a/pvlib/spectrum/mismatch.py b/pvlib/spectrum/mismatch.py
index c854b37411..a7e7cf0851 100644
--- a/pvlib/spectrum/mismatch.py
+++ b/pvlib/spectrum/mismatch.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 import numpy as np
 import pandas as pd
 from scipy.interpolate import interp1d
+import os
 
 from warnings import warn
 
@@ -118,9 +119,10 @@ def get_am15g(wavelength=None):
     '''
     # Contributed by Anton Driesse (@adriesse), PV Performance Labs. Aug. 2022
 
-    am15g_file = pvlib.tools.get_test_dataset_path('astm_g173_am15g.csv')
+    pvlib_path = pvlib.__path__[0]
+    filepath = os.path.join(pvlib_path, 'data', 'astm_g173_am15g.csv')
 
-    am15g = pd.read_csv(am15g_file, index_col=0).squeeze()
+    am15g = pd.read_csv(filepath, index_col=0).squeeze()
 
     if wavelength is not None:
         interpolator = interp1d(am15g.index, am15g,
diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
index 842a2896ba..50b17f3808 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
@@ -98,7 +98,6 @@ def test_degrees_to_index_1():
     with pytest.raises(IndexError):  # invalid value for coordinate argument
         tools._degrees_to_index(degrees=22.0, coordinate='width')
 
-
 @pytest.mark.parametrize('location', [tuple(), ('data',)])
 def test_get_test_dataset_path_passes(location):
     expected_dataset = '723170TYA.CSV'
diff --git a/pvlib/tools.py b/pvlib/tools.py
index 0ca074cda0..355a3a1ea1 100644
--- a/pvlib/tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tools.py
@@ -491,7 +491,7 @@ def get_test_dataset_path(dataset, location='data'):
     location : str or PurePath, default 'data'
         PVLIB subfolder where dataset can be found.
         This value can be:
-
+        
         +-------------------------+------------------------------+
         | ``location``            | Description                  |
         +=========================+==============================+

From 8c78cb443e3bfe040e169cbfaf31c0fb7dc56cb7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2023 19:36:11 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 19/24] Revert "Will this fix the table?"

This reverts commit 311f7657b08c40b41e84da1d252e8d27697eaa24.
---
 pvlib/tools.py | 1 -
 1 file changed, 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/pvlib/tools.py b/pvlib/tools.py
index 355a3a1ea1..133e122cd0 100644
--- a/pvlib/tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tools.py
@@ -491,7 +491,6 @@ def get_test_dataset_path(dataset, location='data'):
     location : str or PurePath, default 'data'
         PVLIB subfolder where dataset can be found.
         This value can be:
-        
         +-------------------------+------------------------------+
         | ``location``            | Description                  |
         +=========================+==============================+

From 6215608d66fe6a4d922502a28aa7263707879827 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2023 19:41:36 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 20/24] Delete custom path behaviour, rename to
 get_example_dataset_path

Co-Authored-By: Kevin Anderson <57452607+kandersolar@users.noreply.github.com>
Co-Authored-By: Will Holmgren <william.holmgren@gmail.com>
---
 docs/sphinx/source/conf.py               |  2 +-
 docs/sphinx/source/reference/iotools.rst |  2 +-
 pvlib/tests/test_tools.py                | 12 ++++++------
 pvlib/tools.py                           | 20 ++++++--------------
 4 files changed, 14 insertions(+), 22 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/sphinx/source/conf.py b/docs/sphinx/source/conf.py
index 74234545d3..80cd67fbfc 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/source/conf.py
+++ b/docs/sphinx/source/conf.py
@@ -369,7 +369,7 @@ def setup(app):
     # objects to exclude from implicit backreferences
     # https://sphinx-gallery.github.io/stable/configuration.html
     # Section #add-mini-galleries-for-api-documentation
-    'exclude_implicit_doc': {r'pvlib\.tools\.get_test_dataset_path'},
+    'exclude_implicit_doc': {r'pvlib\.tools\.get_example_dataset_path'},
 }
 # supress warnings in gallery output
 # https://sphinx-gallery.github.io/stable/configuration.html
diff --git a/docs/sphinx/source/reference/iotools.rst b/docs/sphinx/source/reference/iotools.rst
index 0268cba2ae..bb1635f4bf 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/source/reference/iotools.rst
+++ b/docs/sphinx/source/reference/iotools.rst
@@ -51,4 +51,4 @@ Functions for locating the example data files included in pvlib.
 .. autosummary::
    :toctree: generated/
 
-   tools.get_test_dataset_path
+   tools.get_example_dataset_path
diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
index 50b17f3808..7ac05836c9 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
@@ -99,22 +99,22 @@ def test_degrees_to_index_1():
         tools._degrees_to_index(degrees=22.0, coordinate='width')
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize('location', [tuple(), ('data',)])
-def test_get_test_dataset_path_passes(location):
+def test_get_example_dataset_path_passes(location):
     expected_dataset = '723170TYA.CSV'
     assert pathlib.Path(pvlib.__path__[0], 'data',
                         expected_dataset).exists()
-    assert tools.get_test_dataset_path(expected_dataset, *location) \
+    assert tools.get_example_dataset_path(expected_dataset, *location) \
            .name == expected_dataset
-    assert tools.get_test_dataset_path(pathlib.Path(expected_dataset)) \
+    assert tools.get_example_dataset_path(pathlib.Path(expected_dataset)) \
            .name == expected_dataset
-    assert tools.get_test_dataset_path(expected_dataset).exists()
+    assert tools.get_example_dataset_path(expected_dataset).exists()
 
 
-def test_get_test_dataset_path_fails_on_not_found():
+def test_get_example_dataset_path_fails_on_not_found():
     error_prompt = "Dataset has not been found in pvlib at .*. " \
                    "Please check dataset name."
     nonexistent_file = "_Texto_cualquiera.-formato-"
     assert not pathlib.Path(pvlib.__path__[0], 'data',
                             nonexistent_file).exists()
     with pytest.raises(ValueError, match=error_prompt):
-        tools.get_test_dataset_path(nonexistent_file)
+        tools.get_example_dataset_path(nonexistent_file)
diff --git a/pvlib/tools.py b/pvlib/tools.py
index 133e122cd0..2b18e2c3af 100644
--- a/pvlib/tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tools.py
@@ -474,36 +474,28 @@ def _first_order_centered_difference(f, x0, dx=DX, args=()):
     return df / 2 / dx
 
 
-def get_test_dataset_path(dataset, location='data'):
+def get_example_dataset_path(dataset):
     """
     Return a filepath to a dataset bundled with PVLIB with name `dataset`.
-    This utility is intended to be used in tests and examples:
+    This utility is intended to be used in examples:
 
         .. ipython:: python
 
             import pvlib
-            pvlib.tools.get_test_dataset_path('surfrad-slv16001.dat')
+            pvlib.tools.get_example_dataset_path('surfrad-slv16001.dat')
 
     Parameters
     ----------
     dataset : str or PurePath
         Name of dataset file.
-    location : str or PurePath, default 'data'
-        PVLIB subfolder where dataset can be found.
-        This value can be:
-        +-------------------------+------------------------------+
-        | ``location``            | Description                  |
-        +=========================+==============================+
-        | ``'data'`` (default)    | currently all files are here |
-        +-------------------------+------------------------------+
 
     Returns
     -------
     path : PurePath
-        Path pointing to dataset file in PVLIB.
+        Path pointing to an example dataset file in PVLIB.
     """
-    dataset = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__path__[0], location, dataset)
+    dataset = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__path__[0], 'data', dataset)
     if not dataset.exists():
         raise ValueError(f"Dataset has not been found in pvlib at {dataset}. "
-                         "Please check dataset name and location.")
+                         "Please check dataset name.")
     return dataset

From aa08e09cbed8d90f15dfcf962261fce54a3417ba Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2023 19:52:14 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 21/24] Use function in tests only

---
 docs/examples/adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py     |  8 +++-----
 .../irradiance-decomposition/plot_diffuse_fraction.py |  7 +++----
 .../irradiance-transposition/plot_seasonal_tilt.py    |  9 ++++-----
 .../plot_transposition_gain.py                        | 11 +++++------
 .../soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py         | 11 ++++++-----
 5 files changed, 21 insertions(+), 25 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/examples/adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py b/docs/examples/adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py
index b0abede934..112f1cd1d8 100644
--- a/docs/examples/adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py
+++ b/docs/examples/adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py
@@ -12,12 +12,11 @@
 Author: Anton Driesse
 """
 
-import os
 import pandas as pd
 import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
 
 import pvlib
-from pvlib import iotools, location
+from pvlib import iotools, location, tools
 from pvlib.irradiance import get_total_irradiance
 from pvlib.pvarray import pvefficiency_adr
 
@@ -26,10 +25,9 @@
 # Read a TMY3 file containing weather data and select needed columns
 #
 
-PVLIB_DIR = pvlib.__path__[0]
-DATA_FILE = os.path.join(PVLIB_DIR, 'data', '723170TYA.CSV')
+tmy3_filepath = tools.get_test_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
 
-tmy, metadata = iotools.read_tmy3(DATA_FILE, coerce_year=1990,
+tmy, metadata = iotools.read_tmy3(tmy3_filepath, coerce_year=1990,
                                   map_variables=True)
 
 df = pd.DataFrame({'ghi': tmy['ghi'], 'dhi': tmy['dhi'], 'dni': tmy['dni'],
diff --git a/docs/examples/irradiance-decomposition/plot_diffuse_fraction.py b/docs/examples/irradiance-decomposition/plot_diffuse_fraction.py
index 30d1385f87..dd12f13a52 100644
--- a/docs/examples/irradiance-decomposition/plot_diffuse_fraction.py
+++ b/docs/examples/irradiance-decomposition/plot_diffuse_fraction.py
@@ -14,20 +14,19 @@
 # GHI into the diffuse and direct components. The separate components are
 # needed to estimate the total irradiance on a tilted surface.
 
-import pathlib
 from matplotlib import pyplot as plt
 import pandas as pd
 from pvlib.iotools import read_tmy3
 from pvlib.solarposition import get_solarposition
 from pvlib import irradiance
-import pvlib
+from pvlib import tools
 
 # For this example we use the Greensboro, North Carolina, TMY3 file which is
 # in the pvlib data directory. TMY3 are made from the median months from years
 # of data measured from 1990 to 2010. Therefore we change the timestamps to a
 # common year, 1990.
-DATA_DIR = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__file__).parent / 'data'
-greensboro, metadata = read_tmy3(DATA_DIR / '723170TYA.CSV', coerce_year=1990,
+tmy3_filepath = tools.get_test_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
+greensboro, metadata = read_tmy3(tmy3_filepath, coerce_year=1990,
                                  map_variables=True)
 
 # Many of the diffuse fraction estimation methods require the "true" zenith, so
diff --git a/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_seasonal_tilt.py b/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_seasonal_tilt.py
index afe610f6d2..722891fe4a 100644
--- a/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_seasonal_tilt.py
+++ b/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_seasonal_tilt.py
@@ -12,11 +12,9 @@
 # to use a custom Mount class to use the Seasonal Tilt strategy
 # with :py:class:`~pvlib.modelchain.ModelChain`.
 
-import pvlib
-from pvlib import pvsystem, location, modelchain, iotools
+from pvlib import pvsystem, location, modelchain, iotools, tools
 from pvlib.temperature import TEMPERATURE_MODEL_PARAMETERS
 import pandas as pd
-import pathlib
 import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
 from dataclasses import dataclass
 
@@ -43,9 +41,10 @@ def get_orientation(self, solar_zenith, solar_azimuth):
 # First let's grab some weather data and make sure our mount produces tilts
 # like we expect:
 
-DATA_DIR = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__file__).parent / 'data'
-tmy, metadata = iotools.read_tmy3(DATA_DIR / '723170TYA.CSV', coerce_year=1990,
+tmy3_filepath = tools.get_test_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
+tmy, metadata = iotools.read_tmy3(tmy3_filepath, coerce_year=1990,
                                   map_variables=True)
+
 # shift from TMY3 right-labeled index to left-labeled index:
 tmy.index = tmy.index - pd.Timedelta(hours=1)
 weather = pd.DataFrame({
diff --git a/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_transposition_gain.py b/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_transposition_gain.py
index 4ce558b47c..ef7c57a110 100644
--- a/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_transposition_gain.py
+++ b/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_transposition_gain.py
@@ -19,21 +19,20 @@
 # insolation is calculated for each strategy to show how orientation affects
 # seasonal irradiance collection.
 
-import pvlib
 from pvlib import location
 from pvlib import irradiance
 from pvlib import tracking
+from pvlib import tools
 from pvlib.iotools import read_tmy3
 import pandas as pd
 from matplotlib import pyplot as plt
-import pathlib
 
-# get full path to the data directory
-DATA_DIR = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__file__).parent / 'data'
+# get full path to the example file
+tmy3_filepath = tools.get_test_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
 
 # get TMY3 dataset
-tmy, metadata = read_tmy3(DATA_DIR / '723170TYA.CSV', coerce_year=1990,
-                          map_variables=True)
+tmy, metadata = read_tmy3(tmy3_filepath, coerce_year=1990, map_variables=True)
+
 # TMY3 datasets are right-labeled (AKA "end of interval") which means the last
 # interval of Dec 31, 23:00 to Jan 1 00:00 is labeled Jan 1 00:00. When rolling
 # up hourly irradiance to monthly insolation, a spurious January value is
diff --git a/docs/examples/soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py b/docs/examples/soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py
index 9103fa0207..eda827f0ed 100644
--- a/docs/examples/soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py
+++ b/docs/examples/soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py
@@ -21,18 +21,19 @@
 # PM2.5 and PM10 data come from the EPA. First, let's read in the
 # weather data and run the HSU soiling model:
 
-import pathlib
 from matplotlib import pyplot as plt
 from pvlib import soiling
 import pvlib
 import pandas as pd
 
-# get full path to the data directory
-DATA_DIR = pathlib.Path(pvlib.__file__).parent / 'data'
+# get full path to the example file
+soiling_hsu_filepath = \
+    pvlib.tools.get_test_dataset_path('soiling_hsu_example_inputs.csv')
 
 # read rainfall, PM2.5, and PM10 data from file
-imperial_county = pd.read_csv(DATA_DIR / 'soiling_hsu_example_inputs.csv',
-                              index_col=0, parse_dates=True)
+imperial_county = pd.read_csv(soiling_hsu_filepath, index_col=0,
+                              parse_dates=True)
+
 rainfall = imperial_county['rain']
 depo_veloc = {'2_5': 0.0009, '10': 0.004}  # default values from [1] (m/s)
 rain_accum_period = pd.Timedelta('1h')     # default

From 61571be6184d074ed8093fec80635db7c009e6be Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2023 19:54:03 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 22/24] Forgot to update tests

---
 pvlib/tests/test_tools.py | 6 ++----
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-)

diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
index 7ac05836c9..367a295a6c 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_tools.py
@@ -98,13 +98,11 @@ def test_degrees_to_index_1():
     with pytest.raises(IndexError):  # invalid value for coordinate argument
         tools._degrees_to_index(degrees=22.0, coordinate='width')
 
-@pytest.mark.parametrize('location', [tuple(), ('data',)])
-def test_get_example_dataset_path_passes(location):
+
+def test_get_example_dataset_path_passes():
     expected_dataset = '723170TYA.CSV'
     assert pathlib.Path(pvlib.__path__[0], 'data',
                         expected_dataset).exists()
-    assert tools.get_example_dataset_path(expected_dataset, *location) \
-           .name == expected_dataset
     assert tools.get_example_dataset_path(pathlib.Path(expected_dataset)) \
            .name == expected_dataset
     assert tools.get_example_dataset_path(expected_dataset).exists()

From caec4f458c50ff274268c55c18430fc2e2bdc5a7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2023 20:15:51 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 23/24] solve stupid errors

---
 docs/examples/adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py             | 2 +-
 .../irradiance-decomposition/plot_diffuse_fraction.py         | 2 +-
 docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_seasonal_tilt.py  | 2 +-
 .../irradiance-transposition/plot_transposition_gain.py       | 2 +-
 docs/examples/soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py       | 2 +-
 docs/examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py       | 4 ++--
 6 files changed, 7 insertions(+), 7 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/examples/adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py b/docs/examples/adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py
index 112f1cd1d8..315492f2ba 100644
--- a/docs/examples/adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py
+++ b/docs/examples/adr-pvarray/plot_simulate_system.py
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 # Read a TMY3 file containing weather data and select needed columns
 #
 
-tmy3_filepath = tools.get_test_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
+tmy3_filepath = tools.get_example_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
 
 tmy, metadata = iotools.read_tmy3(tmy3_filepath, coerce_year=1990,
                                   map_variables=True)
diff --git a/docs/examples/irradiance-decomposition/plot_diffuse_fraction.py b/docs/examples/irradiance-decomposition/plot_diffuse_fraction.py
index dd12f13a52..03d2966cf8 100644
--- a/docs/examples/irradiance-decomposition/plot_diffuse_fraction.py
+++ b/docs/examples/irradiance-decomposition/plot_diffuse_fraction.py
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 # in the pvlib data directory. TMY3 are made from the median months from years
 # of data measured from 1990 to 2010. Therefore we change the timestamps to a
 # common year, 1990.
-tmy3_filepath = tools.get_test_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
+tmy3_filepath = tools.get_example_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
 greensboro, metadata = read_tmy3(tmy3_filepath, coerce_year=1990,
                                  map_variables=True)
 
diff --git a/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_seasonal_tilt.py b/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_seasonal_tilt.py
index 722891fe4a..a46e81619e 100644
--- a/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_seasonal_tilt.py
+++ b/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_seasonal_tilt.py
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ def get_orientation(self, solar_zenith, solar_azimuth):
 # First let's grab some weather data and make sure our mount produces tilts
 # like we expect:
 
-tmy3_filepath = tools.get_test_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
+tmy3_filepath = tools.get_example_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
 tmy, metadata = iotools.read_tmy3(tmy3_filepath, coerce_year=1990,
                                   map_variables=True)
 
diff --git a/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_transposition_gain.py b/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_transposition_gain.py
index ef7c57a110..047eac0e11 100644
--- a/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_transposition_gain.py
+++ b/docs/examples/irradiance-transposition/plot_transposition_gain.py
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
 from matplotlib import pyplot as plt
 
 # get full path to the example file
-tmy3_filepath = tools.get_test_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
+tmy3_filepath = tools.get_example_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
 
 # get TMY3 dataset
 tmy, metadata = read_tmy3(tmy3_filepath, coerce_year=1990, map_variables=True)
diff --git a/docs/examples/soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py b/docs/examples/soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py
index eda827f0ed..ddd499321b 100644
--- a/docs/examples/soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py
+++ b/docs/examples/soiling/plot_fig3A_hsu_soiling_example.py
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
 
 # get full path to the example file
 soiling_hsu_filepath = \
-    pvlib.tools.get_test_dataset_path('soiling_hsu_example_inputs.csv')
+    pvlib.tools.get_example_dataset_path('soiling_hsu_example_inputs.csv')
 
 # read rainfall, PM2.5, and PM10 data from file
 imperial_county = pd.read_csv(soiling_hsu_filepath, index_col=0,
diff --git a/docs/examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py b/docs/examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py
index 0e9deafa9a..6d8a2c8ca4 100644
--- a/docs/examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py
+++ b/docs/examples/soiling/plot_greensboro_kimber_soiling.py
@@ -33,10 +33,10 @@
 from matplotlib import pyplot as plt
 from pvlib.iotools import read_tmy3
 from pvlib.soiling import kimber
-from pvlib.tools import get_test_dataset_path
+from pvlib.tools import get_example_dataset_path
 
 # get full path to the dataset file
-tmy_filepath = get_test_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
+tmy_filepath = get_example_dataset_path('723170TYA.CSV')
 
 # get TMY3 data with rain
 greensboro, _ = read_tmy3(tmy_filepath, coerce_year=1990,

From e8c615e4591b62166cdb34dd4cc829f25585242b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: echedey-ls <80125792+echedey-ls@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Aug 2023 12:23:58 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 24/24] Update whatsnew entries

---
 docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.10.0.rst | 3 ---
 docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.10.2.rst | 5 ++++-
 2 files changed, 4 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.10.0.rst b/docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.10.0.rst
index 5af3b3dc50..4a55e61428 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.10.0.rst
+++ b/docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.10.0.rst
@@ -74,9 +74,6 @@ Enhancements
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~
 * Added `map_variables` parameter to :py:func:`pvlib.iotools.read_srml`
   and :py:func:`pvlib.iotools.read_srml_month_from_solardat` (:pull:`1773`)
-* Add :py:func:`pvlib.tools.locate_example_dataset` to get example and test
-  files under `pvlib/data` path.
-  (:issue:`924`, :pull:`1763`)
 * Added two new irradiance decomposition models: :py:func:`pvlib.irradiance.orgill_hollands` (:pull:`1730`)
   and :py:func:`pvlib.irradiance.louche` (:pull:`1705`).
 * The return values of :py:func:`pvlib.pvsystem.calcparams_desoto`,
diff --git a/docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.10.2.rst b/docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.10.2.rst
index dacfe27f53..6801232616 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.10.2.rst
+++ b/docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.10.2.rst
@@ -17,7 +17,9 @@ Enhancements
   (:pull:`1800`)
 * Added option to infer threshold values for 
   :py:func:`pvlib.clearsky.detect_clearsky` (:issue:`1808`, :pull:`1784`)
-
+* Add :py:func:`pvlib.tools.locate_example_dataset` to get example and test
+  files under `pvlib/data` path.
+  (:issue:`924`, :pull:`1763`)
 
 Bug fixes
 ~~~~~~~~~
@@ -43,3 +45,4 @@ Contributors
 * Adam R. Jensen (:ghuser:`AdamRJensen`)
 * Abigail Jones (:ghuser:`ajonesr`)
 * Taos Transue (:ghuser:`reepoi`)
+* Echedey Luis (:ghuser:`echedey-ls`)