Concept
PV*SOL® Pro is a program for the design and simulation of grid-connected and off-grid photovoltaic systems.

You can create your system using a wide range of modules (including thin-film and crystalline) and the program determines the size of the system with the roof layout tool. After testing all the relevant physical parameters, the program automatically selects the inverter and PV array configuration.

This dynamic simulation program has been developed for engineers, designers, installers, roofing specialists and electrical contractors or building technicians.

Determining the Energy Requirement
With PV*SOL® Pro loads can be determined in two different ways. For appliances where the electricity consumption over a long period of time is known, the energy requirement for the period is automatically determined by selecting a pre-defined consumption profile and entering the annual electricity consumption. Consumption profiles can also be created by the user and saved. For appliances with low electricity consumption, the energy requirement over a period of time is determined by entering the parameters for the individual appliances. Individual appliances can be classified by four different types of appliance. For example, with the appliance type “Light” a selection can be made that the appliance switches on automatically depending on the levels of sunlight.

Quick Design
The Quick Design facility allows system dimensioning with the entry of just a few parameters, which means that the program determines the required PV array output and, for off-grid systems, the battery capacity. The energy requirement is determined by the entry of individual appliances, the selection of the climate data record and the parameters for the installation of the PV modules. After the user has selected the PV module and battery types, the program determines the number of modules and batteries, based on the period of autonomy and the system recovery period.

Module-Inverter Configuration
After setting up a new project with the Quick Design facility, the different configurations for the PV generator and the selected inverters are show in all the possible combinations. The configurations are sorted by the dimensioning factor, the number of modules in series per string and the number of modules per inverter.

Simulation
The calculations are based on hourly balances. The output of a PV system, which is determined by the simulation of a period of one year, is based on a mathematical model which allows the exact reproduction of the characteristic curve for each of the PV modules contained in the database. This also allows the precise calculation of outputs for thin-film modules. If different module types or differently oriented arrays are used within a PV system, the program simulates this by combining module groups into PV sub-arrays.
Economic Efficiency Calculation
Detailed costing for modules, inverters or installation can be entered here. In respect of any loans, the discounts, depreciation and tax payments, as well as the month the system first goes into operation, can be accounted for. Different levels of payments for electricity supply can be entered, e.g. for systems up to 30 kW and over, and the bands for roof, façade or ground mounted systems can be entered and changed as required. In addition to the capital value of a system, PV*SOL also determines the electricity production costs and the amortization period.

Climate Data
Climate data for irradiation and air temperature in hourly intervals for a period of one year is delivered with the program for over 2,000 US locations and thousands of other international locations. The integrated module MeteoSyn can also generate hourly values from monthly data entered by the user. In addition, the German Weather Service's TRY format climate files can be imported into the program. And with the Swiss program METEONORM worldwide climate data can be created and imported into PV*SOL Pro.

Shade Editor
PV*SOL® Pro’s shade editor can be used to make the corresponding entries for each sub-array in respect of possible shading by the horizon and by buildings or trees. Users can also import shade files from tools such as SunEye and PathFinder.

Results
The following results can be produced in graphical format, in a comprehensive project report with illustrations for presentation to customers, or in a results overview:
• Projected Specific Annual Yield
• Final Yield
• Performance Ratio
• System Efficiency
• PV Generator Efficiency
• Solar Fraction
• Energy and Other Values in Graph and Table Format
• Economic Efficiency Calculation
Further detailed results for system analysis can also be selected.