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How do I use the Sunny Tripower inverters by SMA in PV*SOL?
The Sunny Tripower inverters have two asymmetrical MPP trackers and there are thus a few things that need to be taken into consideration with the design.
In the 2D planning you have to design two sub arrays: one for the modules that you want to connect to the input A of the inverter, and one for the rest of the modules which you want to connect with input B.
The main inverter (input A) is saved in PV*SOL's inverter database with a reference for the inverter type. In addition, for the second array, the Tripower Extraeingang inverter (input B) must be selected (for all models the same).
Input B can bear up to 8.8 kW in a maximum of one string. This actual installed power must then be withdrawn from input A. If you want to configure input B with more than 2 kW, you will need to go to Databases > Inverter > Grid Connected and select the inverters that match the power values correspondingly (input A low, input B high) and save in the database as a user-created data record using 'Save As'.
As a rule, the majority of modules should be connected to input A, and the rest of the modules to input B (e.g. with 60 modules - 2 strings with 24 modules to input A and 1 string with 12 modules to input B).
In 3D planning you have to select the self-created Tripower records as appropriate inverter combination.
It is recommended that a test using the manufacturer's design tool is carried out.
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Why do I get such great differences in yield in the simulation of different modules, although they have the same power and similar characteristics?
Usually the reason for that is the part load operation behaviour of the modules. The specific data for every module are entered in the database by the manufacturers. They have the option to enter a specific part load operation point for their modules in our database. Then a specific part load operation curve is calculated for the module. If the manufacturer doesn't enter the specific part load operation point and select the "standard part load operation" option a curve for the cell type is used (e.g. monocrystalline) for the calculation. To ensure that the program never simulates yields which are not achievable in reality, the standard part load operation curve is always a worst case scenario. Which part load operation curve is used for the selected modules can be seen on the "U/I Char. -Part Load" tab under "Databases" => "PV modules".
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Why is the specific annual yield for amorphous modules better than for monocrystalline modules, even when the systems are the same size?
The decisive factor for the yield is the part load efficiency. In this area, amorphous modules usually have a better efficiency than monocrystalline modules. The part load efficiency is presented in the efficiency characteristic curve which can be displayed under Databases > PV Module > 'U/I Char. - Part Load' by clicking the 'Efficiency Char. Curve' button.
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How are thin-film modules treated in PV*SOL calculations?
All modules are calculated with the part-load characteristic curve (efficiency or ETA curve). The specific part load operation for the modules is in some cases given by the manufacturer (see Databases > PV Module > 'U/I Char. - Part Load'). In all other cases a characteristic curve is used that is specific to the cell type. It is possible to select from 11 different cell types. For the 5 thin film types: amorph, HIT, CIS, CdTe and triple a-Si, standard characteristic curves are available for typical part load operation. For the other 6 cell types the standard operation for monocrystalline modules is used.
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How do I view the part load data for a module?
For part load data, follow this file path: Main menu > Databases > PV Module
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How do I get results for the module temperature during operation?
For module temperature, run a simulation and select the graphical results (Results>Energy and climate data). Now select 'Module Temperature'.
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Can the AC Cabling losses be accounted for in the programme?
The DC cabling losses can be entered in the programme. It would be good if the AC cabling losses could also be accounted for (e.g. cable length to the meter etc.) At present this is not possible, but it is planned to include this function in future versions of PV*SOL.
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Is there a limit to the system output in PV*SOL?
In PV*SOL Express you can plan PV systems up to 1 MWp.
In the 2D planning of PV*SOL Pro and Expert there is a limit of 65535 modules per sub-array. In the 3D visualization of PV*SOL Expert the module number is limited to 2000. There is a limit of 6 sub-arrays. For example, if the selected module is 200W, it is only possible to enter a target system output of 6 x 65535 x 200W = 78.6MW.
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How are the terms Gross PV Surface Area and PV Solar Surface Area defined? Why are the values different in some cases?
The PV Solar Surface Area is the area that forms the basis of the manufacturer's measurement of module efficiency. For simulation, the program determines the Solar Surface Area from the calculated power and efficiency (ETA), using the following formula:
PV Solar Surface Area = Nominal output (STC) / (1000 W/m˛ * ETA(STC))
In some cases, the resulting figure is different from the Gross PV Surface Area. If, for example, the manufacturer does not take the module frame into account when calculating the ETA (STC), in order to obtain a better ETA (STC), the Solar Surface Area will be smaller. For a Solar Surface Area that corresponds to the Gross PV Surface Area, you should click on the calculator symbol to calculate the Module Efficiency.
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Can ground and frame-mounted systems be simulated with PV*SOL?
Yes. In PV*SOL Pro 4.5 go to the menu System > Technical Data and then choose the 'PV Array' tab. For mounted systems select the installation type 'Free-Standing'. The height above ground can be defined in the 'Losses' window.
In PV*SOL Expert 5.0 and 5.5 it is possible to create frame-mounted systems in 3D visualisation. The shading can also be correctly calculated by the program and does not need to be entered manually.
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How do I calculate the optimum row distance between modules for free standing arrays?
In PV*SOL Pro or PV*SOL Expert without 3D visualisation - go to System>Technical Data, select 'Free Standing' as the installation type, select 'Roof Parameters'; in PV*SOL Expert - select 'System Planning without 3D Visualisation', then go to System>Technical Data, select 'Free Standing' as the installation type, select 'Roof Parameters'.
The minimum distance between the module strings is determined in this dialogue. The calculation is based on the module strings being spaced so that at 12.00 noon mid-winter the modules do not mutually shade each other.
Mutual shading by the modules is not automatically accounted for in the shade editor. The suggested distance is calculated from the installation angle (Beta), the angle of the sun (Gamma) on 21.12 at 12.00 noon and the installation height (b) of the modules.
- Now close the row distance dialogue box (by clicking 'close').
- Now right click on any of the solar cells in the roof diagram and select 'Edit PV area'.
- A new dialogue box appears - Module Coverage. In this box you can either select 'Calculate optimum row distance' and the above listed methodology from the help menu will be employed, or you can manually enter your own distances for columns and rows.
- Put in your numbers, select 'ok' and the roof layout will change accordingly.
- You will now need to 'ok' this and run the 'check' option on the technical dialogue screen, making any necessary changes (red figures indicate issues).
- Then select 'Simulation' (also from the technical dialogue) and compare results.
- Obviously you will need to alter the system cost for each report according to the number of modules used and the inverter types necessary for each.
Spacing can now be calculated in 3D in PV*SOL Expert 5.0/5.5. The difference is that mutual shading is also accounted for and the modules can be aligned 10 degrees either side of South.
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How do I create a load profile?
To access the database of load profiles, go to: Database > Load Profiles. The electrical load profile dialogue will then appear. This shows an hourly breakdown of consumption and the annual consumption in both chart and table format.
With the 'Load' and 'Save' buttons you can open the Load and Save File dialogue and you are able to load a file from the database or save a file to the database.
By clicking on the tabs above the chart you can view the various loads for the type of day selected, both in chart and table format.
If you want to edit the profile values, you can do this in the table. Click on the value to be changed within the table. The hour and its corresponding value are highlighted. The value appears in the field at the head of the table. You can then key in the new value. Then click on any other value in the table, and the new value is loaded and appears in the chart.
If the values split over 24 hours do not add up to 100%, the programme will do this if you click on the 100% button.
With the 'Copy' and 'Add' buttons you are able to copy a consumption profile for one typical day to another. Load the profile that you want to copy by clicking on the tab above the chart. Then Click on Copy. Change the profile that you want to overwrite with the profile you have copied (click on the tab above the chart). Finally, click on Add.
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How do I access Photoplan?
In PV*SOL Expert, open the program and begin a new project select 'System Planning without 3D Visualisation'. Then press 'OK';
Then (in both PV*SOL Pro or Expert) go to 'System' > 'Technical Data';
Click on the tab labelled 'PV Array' at the bottom of the dialogue box;
Now click on 'Create preview of roof layout with Photoplan';
Then click on the button on the right labelled 'Photoplan' and Photoplan will open. We strongly suggest that before using Photoplan, you familiarise yourself with the training videos which are available in the help section.
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Can I plan the roof coverage for a PV system from the roof dimensions?
If you want to determine the possible number of modules by using the roof dimensions you have to select the option 'Determine Output from Roof Layout' in the 'Technical Data' window (for PV*SOL Expert, first start a new project and select 'Start new project without 3D visualisation'). The button 'Roof Parameters' beside this is then activated. Click the button to access the 'Roof View' window.
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Can you model a v-shaped roof (or two roofs with different orientations) in 2D in PV*SOL?
Yes. In PV*SOL Pro or PV*SOL Expert 2D, in the Technical dialogue, set number of arrays to 2. Each array can have an independent orientation.
On the Inverter page, select 'One system inverter'.
In older versions of the Expert software, this facility is not available in 3D. Each mounting surface array requires a separate inverter.
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Where can roof-parallel or roof-integrated module installation situations be specified during 3D planning in PV*SOL Expert?
Whether the system is roof-integrated or roof-parallel does not play a decisive role in visual planning in the 3D tool, and thus the 3D tool does not yet differentiate between the two. Categorization of the system as being roof-integrated or roof-parallel only occurs after 3D planning has been completed and you have returned to PV*SOL in the dialogue 'Losses' under 'Installation Type'. Please select the option 'With Ventilation' if your system is installed on a substructure parallel to the roof cladding or 'Without Ventilation' if the system is integrated into the roof cladding. The calculation then takes the corresponding temperature situation into account. You can access the dialogue 'Losses' via the losses icon in the PV*SOL Expert main menu (a white bar in a red circle).
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Can you print the roof layout in PV*SOL?
Yes. You can print the roof layout as a separate document via the menu 'Results' > 'Project Report' > 'Roof Layout'. This function is only active if the roof layout has been used for the project planning. Alternatively, the roof layout can be integrated in the detailed project report via the menu 'Results' > 'Project Report' > 'Detailed Project Report'. For PV*SOL Expert, the above applies to systems in 2D only.
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Can PV*SOL calculate systems with tracking?
Yes. In the dialogue 'Technical Data' > 'PV Array' you can select between single and dual axis tracking:
- With single axis tracking, an azimuth of -90° to 90° is taken into account, with a vertical rotation axis.
- Dual axis tracking calculates the situation with movement of both rotation axes.
In both cases, the technical limits of the tracking system are not taken into account. This means that if the tracking system can only be rotated up to a certain angle, this is not taken into consideration by the software.
To use this feature in PV*SOL Expert please select system planning without 3D visualisation.
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The PV module tolerances can be entered in the program. Why aren't the tolerances given in the results?
At the current time, module tolerances are not taken into account in the calculations carried out during simulation. However, we expect that they will be in a future version of the software.
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Why does PV*SOL Expert with 3D visualisation show a yield reduction of 1% to 2% due to shading even if no shading objects have been defined?
A horizon with an elevation angle of 2° all round is entered as a shading object as a default in the PV*SOL Expert software. This setting leads to a small yield reduction due to horizon shading. It has been selected because all locations worldwide, and residential areas in particular, effectively never have a horizon that is completely free of shading. If you wish to delete the horizon object, please select the 'Horizon' menu item in the terrain view and delete it by changing the elevation angle from 2.00° to 0°.
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Would it be possible to guarantee that the predictions generated using PV*SOL Expert will be matched by the actual output after installation?
There is no guarantee of predictions because we have no control on user inputs nor on the margins of error on monitoring equipment used in functional installations, nor can simulated irradiation predictions be guaranteed for any moment in the year as they are averaged values.
Furthermore, the manufacturer's equipment data will have tolerances and the degradation of new cell types is relatively unknown in a 25 year context.
Please see also the default caveat printed in all reports.
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Does the PV*SOL system schematic show isolators as required by MCS on the report to the customer?
No, but we have created a modified schematic which shows isolators at various points. This is can be pasted into the report once it is exported into MS Word. It is available on request by email on software@solardesign.co.uk.
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How can I find out whether the latest version of the module database is installed on my PC?
The program will automatically check for updates and additions to the database if you select the option 'Automatically 1x per Day on Starting PV*SOL' in the menu 'Options' > 'Settings' > 'Update Check'.
You are also able to carry out an 'Update Check' manually by clicking on the button 'Check Now' in the same dialogue. Internet access is required for both of the above options.
If the software and database installed on your PC are the latest versions, you will receive the following message: 'The latest versions of both PV*SOL and the Database are installed.' Otherwise the following message will appear: 'A database with a more up to date version is available.' By clicking on 'Install Now…' you can start the update.
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The automatic database update is not working. Which settings should be changed so that the database can be updated?
The automatic update function from within PV*SOL does not work if the PC you are using does not use the standard internet settings. We can provide you with the latest module and inverter database for PV*SOL by download link, so that the database can be imported locally. Please use the following link to load the latest database and then save the PVSOL.mdb file locally on your PC: www.solar-software.de/update/pvsol/db2/pvsol.mdb
Please also remove the tick set against the (Internet) Updates option "Automatically 1x per Day on Starting PV*SOL" (menu: Options > Settings; Update Check worksheet). Please then enter the local path, where the PVSOL.mdb file has been saved, in the field under "Database Import/Local Directory". You can then start the Database Import facility.
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The manufacturer's module nominal output data appears to be incorrect. Why is this?
The output given by manufacturers is often rounded up. The actual nominal output, as calculated in PV*SOL, results from the MPP current and MPP voltage under standard test conditions.
If the manufacturer's data is shown incorrectly, this is corrected by the manufacturer submitting new information direct via a special web interface. Such new data is then uploaded daily. A special web interface address is available to manufacturers upon request. See our FAQ on adding a new module or inverter to the database.
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How do I add modules or inverters I want to use to the database?
Manufacturers of solar panels and grid-connected inverters can add the technical data of their products themselves to the PV*SOL online database. The best thing to do would be to contact the manufacturers and to ask them to do this. If they send an email to database@valentin.de with their company contact details, then they will be provided with the login details.
In any case, you can easily add your own custom modules and inverters via the PV*SOL database by following the pathway below:
Main menu > Database > Module/Inverter
Select a similar product from another manufacturer that is already saved in the database and overwrite all different values. Finally select 'Save As' to use the product for your own calculations.
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Can data (climate and project data, component database) be accessed centrally by a number of PV*SOL programs installed locally?
In theory, yes. To do so, you have to set the required central file path under 'Options' > 'Paths' and then copy the locally installed files from the local folder into the new central folder.
Please note the following potential problems:
- Special network configurations, server operating systems or access rights can prevent access. Unfortunately, Valentin cannot guarantee operability under your network conditions.
- The automatic database update for the component database (module and inverter data) may not function because special network configurations or security systems, e.g. firewalls, on the server do not allow this.
- You should make sure that only one user at a time carries out the automatic update for the component database.
- Simultaneous access by a number of users to the same project is not supported by the software. This can lead to data losses.
Please note that in case of problems with the network configuration we cannot give support. Many PV*SOL customers do, however, successfully use centrally stored data.
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Where does the data for determining the CO2 savings come from? ('CO2 Emissions avoided' in the project report.)
The database delivered with the program includes values from GEMIS (Global Emission Model for Integrated Systems) which were first published in 1990 by the German state of Hessen (Environment, Energy and Federal Affairs Ministry). You can view and change the values via the menu 'Databases' > 'Pollutant Mix'. Further information on GEMIS is available here:
http://www.oeko.de/service/gemis/en/index.htm
The pollution data in PV*SOL is based on German figures. However, we have calculated UK figures for our customers; please follow the link below:
www.solardesign.co.uk/pvsol_emission_factors2.htm
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Is Solmetric data compatible with PV*SOL?
As far as we know the software doesn't accept Solmetric data directly unless Solmetric now permit a compatible data file with the suffix *.sch. Otherwise you have to perform a manual entry and export the data from Solmetric as a spreadsheet and then import this data into PV*SOL - either in 2D or 3D. Alternatively you can perform a freehand sketch.
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The climate data are important for the algorithms in PV*SOL. Is it possible to view the climate data?
The climate data are stored in a database and can be viewed by using the menu item "Results" - "Energy and Climate Data". Select the desired data category, like "Radiation", "Wind" or "Temperature" and press the "OK" button. To view more detailed results you can scale the graph via the "Axes" - "X-Axis" menu. Choose your desired time and display interval. The graph can also be viewed in tabular format. To do this click on the "Table" button. The table can be exported for further processing, e.g. in Microsoft Excel.
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