Solar System Design
Calculation Software PV
Design Software Free
Below is a list of free solar calculators that can be used in the design of solar PV systems. These calculators are free to use or download, all excellent resources for anyone looking to install or understand more about solar PV systems.
PVGIS
Estimation Utility
The PVGIS Estimation Utility is a great way to understand a proposed solar PV system's relationship with the sun based on it's location. If you have an understanding of this relationship as well as access to the historical solar radiation data for your location that the PVGIS provides, you can prepare power output estimates (kWh), optimize system designs, and have a very good idea of how a solar PV system will perform at a given location before a solar PV system is commissioned.
Using this utility will give you the basic information needed to work out (1) the optimum pitch of a solar PV array based on it's location and height above sea level, (2) the amount of solar radiation available to a given location and (3) an estimated power output figure for your proposed solar PV system. Understanding the movement of the sun over a solar PV installation site is key to optimizing the performance and power generation of a PV system, the PVGIS is a great tool to use for this.
Energy Saving Trust
Solar Energy Calculator
The Energy Saving Trust and Solar Juice have built a very neat solar energy calculator that factors nearly everything needed to get investment information for a small (sub 4kWp) solar PV system not just for anticipated solar PV system power outputs but also for real monetary returns in terms of Feed in Tariff payments, energy bill savings and exported energy.
To use the calculator you will need to know the basic information about the PV mounting area, the proposed PV system size, an idea of monthly electricity bills and an estimated cost of the new PV system.
SMA Sunny Design
Solar Energy Calculator
SMA is the world's leading manufacturer of solar PV inverters and solar PV monitoring systems. SMA's Sunny Design software is free to download and an incredibly powerful solar PV calculation tool.
SMA Sunny Design software generates detailed .PDF reports based on simple inputs such as the number and type of panels used in the design, the basic location details, the aspect i.e. (N, S, E, W), and the roof pitch. The software also helps in cable size calculations to minimize power losses.
A nice feature we have found when using this software is the ability to directly compare the performance of different solar panel types, makes, and models directly against the details of the solar PV installation site. Most solar PV manufacturers' panels and modules are already listed in the SMA Sunny Design database, you also have the option to input your solar PV module data.
PV Watts
<1 min to estimate
In short: PVWatts is a profoundly valuable tool that can show you a nearby gauge of yearly power creation from a sun-oriented cluster of a given size. In any case, by utilizing a figuring-out stunt and separating your yearly energy utilization by how much sun-oriented energy 1 kilowatt of boards can make, you get your ideal framework size. Begin at the top to find out about how PVWatts functions, or get out ahead to utilize the device to measure your framework.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s( NREL) PVWatts tool is the gold standard for estimating solar panel products without actually surveying a home’s roof with LIDAR or some other technology. Also, it’s FREE to use, unlike numerous of those other results.
By inputting many variables, including your position, roof pitch, panel type, and system size, you can get enough accurate vaticination of solar energy affairs for your solar system.
Free Solar PV Design Software
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
SketchUp Go
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.
Carbide Depot Trigonometry Calculator
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.
MyElectrical Cable Size Calculator
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.
Free Solar Panel Quote & System Design Service
Now you know what's possible, why not use our free quote and system design service to get your energy crises to minimize through the installation of a solar power system from us?
Quotations for every client and System Designs (for specific e.g. corporate sectors or large-scale projects) are provided Free of charge based on aerial photography and the information of load details that you provide.
