MATLAB – MATLAB®
is a high-level language and interactive environment for numerical computation,
visualization, and programming. Using MATLAB, you can analyze data, develop
algorithms, and create models and applications. The language, tools, and
built-in math functions enable you to explore multiple approaches and reach a
solution faster than with spreadsheets or traditional programming languages,
such as C/C++ or Java™.
INSEL - is software for planning,
monitoring and visualizing energy systems. For this purpose INSEL provides
state-of-the-art functions in the form of blocks that can be linked to a
concrete solution, for example for simulating meteorological data, electrical
and thermal energy components etc.
Web: http://www.insel.eu/
TRNSYS - (TRaNsient SYstem Simulation
Program) is an energy simulation program whose modular system approach makes it
one of the most flexible tools available. It includes a graphical interface, a
simulation engine, and a library of components that range from various building
models to standard HVAC equipment to renewable energy and emerging
technologies. TRNSYS also includes a method for creating new components that do
not exist in the standard package. This simulation package has been used for
more than 25 years for HVAC analysis and sizing, multi zone airflow analyses,
electric power simulation, solar design, building thermal performance, analysis
of control schemes, etc. A special library of components is available to
simulate renewable energy-based power generation: PV systems, batteries, wind
turbines, fuel cells.
ECONOMIC EVALUATION TOOLS
HOMER - the HOMER energy modeling software
is a powerful tool for designing and analyzing hybrid power systems, which
contain a mix of conventional generators, cogeneration, wind turbines, solar
photovoltaic, hydropower, batteries, fuel cells, hydropower, biomass and other
inputs. It is currently used all over the world by tens of thousands of people.
Solar Advisor Model (SAM) - The System
Advisor Model (SAM) is a performance and economic model designed to facilitate
decision making for people involved in the renewable energy industry, ranging
from project managers and engineers to incentive program designers, technology
developers, and researchers.
RETScreen® - RETScreen® International is a
clean energy awareness, decision-support and capacity building tool. The core
of the tool consists of standardized and integrated clean energy project
analysis software that can be used world-wide to evaluate the energy
production, life-cycle costs and greenhouse gas emission reductions for various
types of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies (RETs).
EnergyPeriscope
- Building on more than a decade of front-line experience working with solar
& renewable energy professionals, EnergyPeriscopeTM is designed
to speed up and enhance the sales process. Easily crunch the numbers, generate
professional sales proposal materials, and manage your sales activities.
INDUSTRY RELATED TOOLS
APOS photovoltaic StatLab - APOS
photovoltaic StatLab is a software tool for the statistical analysis and the
quality assessment of photovoltaic (PV) modules. It makes advanced statistical
methodology available for non-statisticians. Based on joined research of RWTH
Aachen University and TÜV Rheinland Group, it calculates acceptance sampling
plans to assess the quality of the power output of modules. Standard approaches
as well as innovative procedures taking into account flash data tables are
implemented. It provides easy data handling and data analysis of flash data and
lab (control) measurements.
Organic
Photovoltaic Analysis Platform - Organic Photovoltaic Analysis
Platform (OPVAP) is a group of software used in the field of solar cells, which
include analyzing experimental data, calculating optimum architecture based on
your materials, and even some research assistant tools such as PicureProcess.
PV Cost Simulation Tool - Photovoltaic
cost simulation tool is a virtual fab where every manufacturing steps,
equipment and materials can be defined. Material and equipment suppliers can
simulate their own products and measure the impact in a virtual process flow.
Innovative manufacturing solutions can be modeled and instantly simulate the
consequences on cost and return on investment.
ANALYSIS AND PLANNING TOOLS
pvPlanner
- a fast and highly accurate PV calculator of potential electricity production.
It can compare PV output on the basis of different technology options such as
module type, inverter efficiency, and mounting type. It also allows for easy
comparison among sites in Europe, Africa, Asia, West Australia and South
America. pvPlanner contains interactive editor for purposes of shading
analysis.
Archelios
- Archelios is developed since 2001 by CYTHELIA. This PV solar software was at
first designed for educational purposes, to teach students notions about solar
radiation. It has been constantly enriched ever since. This PV solar software
is ideal for evaluating solar radiation of a site, to design a photovoltaic
system and calculate the energy produced and the profitability.
String Design Tool - One of the most
important aspects of designing a solar array is sizing module strings to
operate within the parameters of the selected inverter. Renewable Energy
Associates has developed a tool to help in that process. Most inverter
manufacturers offer some type of sizing tool, whether it’s simple or advanced,
it’s usually limited to selecting only their products. The REA System Sizing
Tool lets you select from a wide variety of products and manufacturer’s and is
completely free.
PV*SOL - PV*SOL is a multi-product suite
of software for the design, simulation and financial analysis of photovoltaic
systems ranging from small off-grid residential systems to large commercial
grid-connected and utility-scale systems. The range of PV*SOL programs include:
PV*SOL basic for the quick design, financial analysis and creation of customer
proposals for residential and small commercial PV systems up to 300kW. PV*SOL
Pro for the detailed analysis of complex PV systems of up to 100MW comprised of
up to six different arrays, each can be designed using different sizes,
orientations, modules, inverters and losses. PV*SOL Expert which contains all
the capabilities of PV*SOL Pro plus the added capability of 3D array design and
detailed near shade analysis. The calculations installers, engineers and
designers can make are based on hourly data and results can be presented in 3D
graphic form, in a detailed project report or in a results summary.
BlueSol
- BlueSol is a software for the design of photovoltaic systems in every country
in the world. It allows you to perform the entire process of designing a PV
system, from the preliminary assessment of producibility to the realization of
the project documentation. BlueSol top features are: use of wizards or direct
editing for the dimensioning of the photovoltaic system; insertion and
verification of cables and electrical components; integrated CAD system to
arrange modules, strings, cables, panels and inverters in the planimetry; 3D
visualization of layout with simulations of shading of near obstacles and
assessments of irradiations on surfaces; electrical scheme automatically
created; irradiations specified by the user, from NASA-SSE world wide data, or
imported from PVGIS; default and user templates of documents with integrated
word processor.
PV F-CHART - is a comprehensive
photovoltaic system analysis and design program. The program provides
monthly-average performance estimates for each hour of the day. The
calculations are based upon methods developed at the University of Wisconsin
which use solar radiation utilizability to account for statistical variation of
radiation and the load.
Solmetric PV Designer™ - If you design
residential and smaller commercial systems of 15 kW or less with either a
single inverter or multiple inverters, PV Designer is the design tool of
choice. The software is easy to learn and easy to use, and allows detailed
analysis practical for all installers, not just engineers of big commercial
systems.
Solmetric
PV Analyzer - The Solmetric PV Analyzer is an I-V curve tracer with
advanced modeling that enables unprecedented accuracy and insight into PV array
performance during commissioning, O&M, auditing, and troubleshooting. For
each string, the PV AnalyzerTM measures I-V (current vs voltage) and
P-V (power vs voltage) curves with a single button press in less than 250ms.
The measured results are compared to the expected performance based on actual
instantaneous irradiance and module temperature and a sophisticated model of
the system. The I-V unit communicates wirelessly to a Windows tablet or laptop
(not included) enhancing safety, outdoor readability, and the ability to do
detailed analysis in the field. I-V curves are the preferred method for
verifying array performance during the commissioning phase of a project because
they give the most detailed electrical characterization of the array.
Populations of curves can be analyzed quickly for outliers and data can be
archived as a baseline for future reference if performance questions arise.
DDS-CAD PV - with DDS-CAD PV, complete
photovoltaic systems (roof-mounted, roof and facade installation as well as in
open spaces) can be professionally planned and visualized in high quality.
Polysun
- Polysun Photovoltaic Software provides you with invaluable help in planning,
designing and defining your system to the highest standards. Polysun enables
you to figure out solar yields and energy savings and get an accurate cost
analysis in a matter of minutes.
REA System Sizing Tool - The REA System
Sizing Tool lets you select from a wide variety of products and manufacturer’s.
The tool is free and available for download through the link above.
PVSYST - is a PC software package for the
study, sizing, simulation and data analysis of complete PV
systems. It is suitable for grid-connected, stand-alone and DC-grid
(public transport) systems, and offers an extensive meteorological and
PV-components database. This software is oriented towards architects,
engineers, and researchers, and holds very helpful tools for education.
Web: www.pvsyst.com/en/
Solar Pro - Company Laplace System offers
diverse software tools. Photovoltaic simulation software Solar Pro is
also suitable for shadowing analysis.
MONITORING AND CONTROL TOOLS
SPYCE - Satellite Photovoltaic Yield
Control & Evaluation is a satellite based tool for remote monitoring and
solar yield analysis of photovoltaic systems. SPYCE (Satellite Photovoltaic
Yield Control & Evaluation) is based on more than ten years of research by
well-known European institutions. The SPYCE methodology was developed by the EU
project PVSAT. Some of SPYCE's features are: Automatic failure detection and
alarm dramatically minimizes any down time. Failures may be detected before
expiry of warranty. No on-site radiation measurements are required. The SPYCE
website allows access to the system's yields, reference values and analyses at
any time.
Web: http://spyce.ch/
pvSpot
- pvSpot is an online tool that offers accurate yield-to-yield comparison
instead of yield-to-irradiance comparison. The main advantage of pvSpot is that
it provides an independent and reliable analysis of performance of a PV system.
pvSpot uses real-time satellite-based solar and meteo data and a new generation
software to calculate the expected energy yield of a PV system and does not
require installation of any data logger or ground sensors. Hence, simulated
yield is not influenced by faulty or ill-maintained sensors. pvSpot removes the
cost barrier associated with effective monitoring of PV systems.
PV Studio Software - This program will allow the installers to
minimize the time involved in designing a system and maximize the output
production of their system. With this program the user can design the shape of
the roof, select their inverters and panels, and arrange the panels all on one
page.
NERL PVWatts Calculator - NREL's PVWattsTM
calculator determines the energy production and cost savings of grid-connected
photovoltaic (PV) energy systems throughout the world. It allows homeowners,
installers, manufacturers, and researchers to easily develop estimates of the
performance of hypothetical PV installations. The PVWatts calculator works by
creating hour-by-hour performance simulations that provide estimated monthly
and annual energy production in kilowatts and energy value. Users can select a
location and choose to use default values or their own system parameters for
size, electric cost, array type, tilt angle, and azimuth angle. In addition,
the PVWatts calculator can provide hourly performance data for the selected
location.
SITE ANALYSIS TOOLS
Autodesk ECOTECT Analysis - is an industry
leading building analysis program that allows designers to work easily in 3D
and apply all the tools necessary for an energy efficient and sustainable future.
METEONORM
- Global Meteorological Database for Solar Energy and Applied Meteorology.
METEONORM is a comprehensive climatological database for solar energy
applications: a meteorological database containing comprehensive climatological
data for solar engineering applications at all points of the globe between the
polar circles; a computer program for climatological calculations; a data
source for engineering design programs in the passive, active and photovoltaic
application of solar energy with comprehensive data interfaces; a
standardization tool permitting developers and users of engineering design
programs access to a comprehensive, uniform data basis.
SunEye
210 Shade Tool - The
patented SunEye-210 is the world-leading shade measurement tool for solar site
assessment. This hand-held electronic tool assesses the available solar energy
by day, month, and year with the press of a button by measuring the shading
patterns of a particular site. The SunEye® enables the best
solar designs and the highest ROI for solar professionals and their customers.
It helps win competitive bids, saves time and money, and gives confidence in
performance guarantees. The award-winning SunEye incorporates a
calibrated fisheye camera, electronic compass, tilt sensor, and optional GPS to
give immediate measurements in the field. The one-handed operation, rugged
enclosure, outdoor readable display, hard carrying case, and 2 year warranty
make it a reliable partner in the field.
Shadow Analyzer - Shadow Analyzer is an
advanced parametric CAD tool for professionals in the area of Solar Energy
Engineering and Architecture.
Shadows - Shadows is a program used to
design sundials and astrolabes and it is very useful also in solar energy
engineering. Simulates, displays and animates the shadow of the style and
offers complete ephemeris of the Sun and draws the Solar Diagram.
Amethyst ShadowFX - Amethyst ShadowFX is a
sun and shadow modeling program for architects and town planners. Amethyst
ShadowFX enables you to easily generate shadow profiles cast by buildings and
other objects for any latitude, longitude and time of year.
Sombrero - A PC-tool to calculate shadows
on arbitrarily oriented surfaces. For both, active use of solar energy
(domestic hot water, photovoitaics) as well as for passive solar architecture,
shading or lighting of planes plays an important role Sombrero provides
quantitative results for the shading of collectors or windows by buildings,
trees, overhangs or the horizon.
Solar
Pathfinder - The
standard for accurate solar site analysis. The Solar Pathfinder™ is
non-electronic. Simple and straight-forward
in its engineering, it requires no special skills or technical know-how.
One simple tracing does the job and becomes the permanent record for the solar
data. When properly cared for, the unit will give the user years of accurate
site analysis. The Solar Pathfinder™ uses a highly polished, transparent,
convex plastic dome to give a panoramic view of the entire site. All the trees,
buildings or other obstacles to the sun are plainly visible as reflections on
the surface of the dome.
WindSpeedByZip is a tool for Architects, Engineers and
Builders to easily determine the 3-second gust basic wind speed.
Pictometry – Pictometry has taken the elusiveness
out of “getting ‘the big picture’”. Now, everyone can ‘get it’ – and see
solutions at every turn.
Web: www.pictometry.com
SketchUp - The easiest way to draw in 3D.
The Weather Channel – The Weather Channel (TWC) is an American cable and
satellite television network that, since May 2, 1982, broadcasts weather forecasts
and weather-related news, along with documentaries and entertainment
programming related to weather, 24 hours a day.
SOLAR RADIATION MAPS
Focus Solar - at Focus Solar, we master
the art of solar resource estimation. That's the study of how much energy is
provided by the sun under different weather conditions. The use of satellite
earth observations has brought a whole new dimension to solar resource
assessment. Solar home systems and solar power plants can now be planned,
operated, and optimized with the support of high-tech instruments from NASA's
weather satellites.
SolarGIS
- free solar radiation maps for solar energy community, poster-size high
resolution printed maps of various countries and regions, online interactive
solar maps and data for site prospecting – iMaps.
3TIER
- Renewable Energy & Information Services.
Photovoltaic
Geographical Information System - PVGIS, Geographical Assessment of
Solar Resource and Performance of Photovoltaic Technology. Calculations for
European territory, Mediterranean region and Africa are available.
ONLINE TOOLS
PV-Phil - Are you looking for the perfect
possibility to plan PV systems for free? PHIL offers unprecedented calculation
methods and is absolutely free of charge.
SolarDesignTool
- SolarDesignTool.com is an online PV design web app that makes it easy for
anyone to design and configure optimal solar electric power systems and panel
layouts. The solar design software has a number of features including string
configuration for string inverter and distributed MPPT inverter systems, branch
configuration for micro inverter systems, automatic optimal panel layout
generation, remote design using 3D models derived from satellite and aerial
imagery, and an embedded drawing tool to quickly sketch or modify installation
areas. The tool's mission is to automate system design and make this technology
available at an affordable price to independent contractors.
PVwizard
- PVwizard is a web portal focused on assisting all solar power owners keep a
vigilant watch over the healthy operation of their system. The basic on-demand
benchmark calculator is free always.
Web: http://pvwizard.com/
Roof
Azimuth Tool - An online
tool for locating a rooftop and estimating its azimuth using aerial images
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