Solar panel array design software

A helpful calculator that will provide the base information needed to get the most out of the calculators described above in relation to individual roofspaces. Unable to design non square PV arrays for example when mounting solar panels on gable ends. SAP calculations underestimate anticipated system outputs especially for systems installed in the south of the UK.

The design tools and software listed below are free general tools that also lend themselves nicely to be used as solar PV system design tools.

Google Sketchup is a fantastic free design and drawing tool that enables the user to create very accurate 3D models and drawings. The interface is intuitive and the program is very quick and easy to learn, much more akin to drawing on paper than you might find with CAD type programs. We regularly use Sketchup in our PV system designs and when designing custom components. Using sketchup is a great way to involve clients in the design process and illustrate how solar PV systems will look and integrate into properties before ordering.

It also gives the PV system designer the ability to deal with every minor detail of an installation in advance, saving time and potential complications for the installers on-site. Nearly all the good stuff comes with the free version. Google Earth is a firm favorite of ours and a free software program that we couldn't do without.

A huge amount of preparation work can be carried out in advance of a solar site survey using the aerial images and location details that are provided by Google Earth. Google Earth allows you to search for and zoom into a location using a postcode, an address, a town name, grid co-ordinates etc and see a detailed view of what's there from above a satellite view.

For those involved with solar installations nearly all the information and tools you need to know about a location pre-survey is available via Google Earth at the click of a mouse. We have been using this simple but effective free web tool for years. Always available with no annoying ads. Perfect for quickly working out roof measurements and roof pitches. Carbide Depot have also built a length, area conversion tool and loads of other calculators and tools to use when working with metal.

Another free tool we have been using for years, unlike other cable size calculation tools this cable size calculator allows you to work with industrial sized cables and get the complete picture of how a specified cable will perform in terms of voltage drop, within its location and the proximity of other cables all on a single page.

The most thorough cable size calculator we have found. MyElectrical has also built useful tools for conduit sizing and unit conversion. The success of any renewable energy project is always in the quality and robustness of the system design, our experienced in-house design team has been designing innovative and ground breaking solar PV and other renewable energy systems since We work with installers and developers as well as private clients and businesses, so if you need any technical information prepared then contact us, we have specialist knowledge and experience at your disposal, you will find us easy to work with and happy to help.

If we are supplying systems and equipment to Solar PV installers or for DIY solar installations, we are always happy to include system designs, testing and bespoke documentation as part of the package.

Further reading and calculators related to designing, installing, repairing and maintaining solar photovoltaic and electrical systems:.

Under 16Amps Per Phase, grid synchronised. Overview of the basic components needed to install a complete solar PV system. Introduction to solar PV panels.

Interesting times Aurora helps you easily integrate disparate data sources, design accurate solar installations, and automate complex workflows. See how solar software can help streamline your operations and increase sales.

Download the guide to get a detailed list and description of the features you need to consider when evaluating solar software. With Aurora, Lumina was able to decrease their design timelines, reduce change orders, and increase sales.

Infinity integrated Aurora into many of their tools and started using Aurora designs on the front-end of their sales process. Infinity now does all of their site surveys virtually, has significantly reduced change orders, and cut down on their sales-to-install timeline by weeks. Despite a fully virtual process, Baker was able to speed up their sales cycle significantly and continued to grow their business.

Semper has almost eliminated change orders and redesigns, and has increased their sale-to-permit timeline by weeks. Its a great experience for everyone: the rep, the company, the customer. MaxDesign is another good solar design or solar PV design software for Windows. This software makes the designing of solar photovoltaic system easier. Plus, this application can also be used in a networked environment, where multiple users can work together.

In this software, you can design a solar or PV system design either by using the Automatic method which is much more convenient or the Manual method where you need to provide every detail about the system.

In both manual and Automatic methods, first, you need to create a project by providing various Customer and Project data such as Name , Address , Town , Country , Phone number , etc. After creating a Project, you can go to the Automatic or Manual tab. The PV module tab lets you select solar panel manufacturer , panel model , and the number of panels required for the project.

All other specification regarding the panels will automatically appear on the interface. After setting up all the required parameters, press the Start button to launch the system design information. The Result will open in Layout result tab where you get different possible combinations of Inverter, string, panel, etc. Plus, you can also view the basic system design of all combinations as well to get a better idea of the design.

The last tab that is Summary contains the estimated output performance of the system like generated output , AC output , module quantity , etc. In the Manual method , you need to fill every detail about your system manually like Inverter series , Inverter Type , Quantity of strings , Generator Surface , Line material , Cable length , Cross-section , and lot more. This mode also provides some help to design an optimum system by showing you the output response as soon as you select or enter a parameter in this mode.

The final result or the whole project can be saved as. It is mainly designed to calculate performance and financial models for renewable and solar energy projects. Using it, you can predict energy cost , operating cost , system design parameters , etc. It is a very broad software with a lot of sections, but its basic structure consists of mainly three main parts namely, User Interface , Calculation Engine , and Programming Interface.

To use this software, first, you need to select a performance model Photovoltaic, Wind, Biomass, Geothermal, etc.

After that, select a financial model like Residential , Commercial , Third Party ownership , etc. According to selected performance and financial models, various variable fields will appear that you need to fill like location and resources , system design , financial parameters , System Cost Array , etc.

Fill all variable fields and run Simulation by pressing the Simulate Button. Simulation gives you all necessary results which are necessary for a solar model design like Monthly energy production , Annual energy production , Project after-tax cash flow , PPA revenue , Total revenue , etc. You can save these results as SAM project File. Passionate about tech and science, always look for new tech solutions that can help me and others.

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