Software for the planning of a photovoltaic installation

The planning software for a photovoltaic installation is a quick help informatics tool and destined for the architects and engineers use. It allows studying, comparing, and optimizing different solutions.

Depending on the software, different functions are available like the choice of form type (photovoltaic elements database), shade simulation, cost of planning and installation, meteorological data, etc.
They are in general adapted to a system that is grid-connected or isolated.

Software for the choice of the inverters

For the inverter choice, freely downloaded software exist on the website of the different producers.

Software for the meteorological data and the site

Meteonorm contains a data bank that stores weather data from over 7'400 weather stations through out the globe. By means of the algorithms contained in the program hourly values can be produced related to the global solar radiation, temperature and other meteorological parameters. The user can down load the measurement data or interpolate the meteorological data coming from the nearest known stations. These hourly values can be applied to any inclined surface and through a graphic editor it is possible to simulate the influence of the horizon profile.

Software for a PV installation assembly

The simplest way to realize a local assembly is to use an inverter with display.

The parameters of the continuous and alternate part, for example like the power, current, tension, etc can be instantly visualized and/or saved in the inverter memory or in an external datalogger.

For the analysis of the function control data for private or the promotion/education of the public, you can return to the software and dataloggers that allows data visualization on a computer. The assembly can be performed with a local reading (RS232) or a distance reading (by web, cable, GSM, etc.).

A new service based on satellite assembly is available in Europe and is called SPYCE (Satellite Photovoltaic Yield Control & Evaluation).

List of softwares used for the planning of a PV installation