Pv sol

sambotc · May 31, 2012

I'm in Devon Finchy, so don't think i'll be undercutting you any time soon!

Fair enough I guess, I just begrudge paying extortionate amounts of money for specialist software when the market is as slow as it is, especially when you have to pay for updates etc. I'm currently sat here trying to work out how sketch up works!

I want to offer a good service to customers and SAP alone isn't going to do that, sounds like you've come up with quite a good system which is a good compromise?

JulianC · May 31, 2012

As seemingly the world's only PVSyst user I can recommend it - all the usual system design tools, with simulations based on historic weather data for an area and a 3D CAD-style modelling option for shading. Very powerful package but takes a little getting used to. No frequent expensive upgrades either. What is it with PVSol that sees people needing to keep spending money on it? (Genuine question - I've never used it so know not of what it is capable of)

Tape measures are awesome. I can (nearly) slide one 4.7m up to a ridge without it buckling. Try doing that with yer fancy Leicas.

TJLinks · May 31, 2012

Lasers are next to useless on a bright sunny day, ok in shade or grim days tho. A good tape measure should be your first choice with the laser when you need to measure ridge / eaves on a shed or factory unit

SolarCity · Jun 1, 2012

TJLinks said:
Lasers are next to useless on a bright sunny day, ok in shade or grim days tho. A good tape measure should be your first choice with the laser when you need to measure ridge / eaves on a shed or factory unit

Not if you have a D8! They're the mutts nuts. I believe the Solar Design Company (forum sponsor) stocks them.

SolarCity · Jun 1, 2012

In answer to Julian's question, it would be difficult for me to explain the benefits of PV*Sol over PVSYST as I have never used PVSYST. However, I've yet to see another package which can give me accurate calculations based on a 3D model like PV*Sol expert does. As far as I'm concerned, this is the number one benefit of PV Sol.

sedgy34 · Jun 1, 2012

Earthstore said:
Sorry to disagree here, but there is nothing wrong with using a tape measure, as long as you can read one....

As with all software, no matter how good it is, it is only as accurate as the information put in.

Some companies use Google earth to measure a roof, which in my opinion is Ok for a guide, but it is not very accurate.

Coming from an engineering background, a tape measure never lies, where as electronic measuring devices, although can be useful and look impressive to the customer can give false readings, I know, I have one and I always recheck with a tape measure.

Thats what I do google earth it send a sap costs and returns if they are interested
go round with a tape and check the mains

SolarCity · Jun 1, 2012

sedgy34 said:
Thats what I do google earth it send a sap costs and returns if they are interested
go round with a tape and check the mains

Is it not difficult to calculate shading from Google Earth? Or even Street View?

sedgy34 · Jun 1, 2012

On site visits we take that into account shading and use that thing called logic!

Q. How did you do it before Pv sol??

SolarCity · Jun 1, 2012

sedgy34 said:
On site visits we take that into account shading and use that thing called logic!

I misunderstood your post. I thought you meant that you did your SAP calculation from Google Earth.

sedgy34 said:
Q. How did you do it before Pv sol??

I'd do what everyone else does, have a good guess.

sedgy34 · Jun 1, 2012

SolarCity said:
I misunderstood your post. I thought you meant that you did your SAP calculation from Google Earth.

I'd do what everyone else does, have a good guess.

We have got a very good software with sap 2005/09 put in cost size number of panels,inflation, and it does it for you. 2 mins to do

SolarCity · Jun 1, 2012

sedgy34 said:
We have got a very good software with sap 2005/09 put in cost size number of panels,inflation, and it does it for you. 2 mins to do

I understand that. I do my calcs on a spreadsheet. I just thought from your post that you did your SAP calculations from Google Earth.

sedgy34 · Jun 1, 2012

SolarCity said:
I understand that. I do my calcs on a spreadsheet. I just thought from your post that you did your SAP calculations from Google Earth.

that would be magic

SolarCity · Jun 1, 2012

sedgy34 said:
that would be magic

sedgy34 said:
Thats what I do google earth it send a sap costs and returns if they are interested

Hence my question......

sedgy34 · Jun 1, 2012

Errrr, ok! Google earth measure roof space yeh!

I work out how many panels for roof space then put it in the software,put in price and size kw it works out payback and returns etc.
mans it's simple to understand for the customer!!