PVSOL Update

[JD6400]

Yes of coarse .

Felt a bit of a --- when it was pointed out but they did say it was quite a common mistake !
When in " Technical Data:Array " i set the " orientation ( azimuth ) " to 180 degree for south so i thought , but south is 0 / east -90 / west 90 and north -180 or just 180 .
I did wonder if it was something like this before i got in touch with them and checked it out with the compass on the 3D section and that does it normally so i thought that would be how it is done in " Technical Data:Array " but as i have said it is not .
Another strange quirk i did mention to them is when again in " Technical Data:Array " and you go to " inclination (Tilt Angle ) " you can enter a angle from 0 to 180 degrees but i can not see how you could go past 90 degrees which i thought should be vertical ?

Yet again i will say that they have been extremely helpful so far !

 

[Antscran]

Hi,

Joining this discussion a bit late and not an electrician by trade, I come from an electronics background though and currently work as a PV designer and also selecting the inverters and carry out string designs on mainly large commercial systems.

I use some of the software that has been discussed as a guide but never fully rely on it, PVSOL gives some very strange inverter string layouts that when you compare with the manufacture data sheets are far less efficient than what can be calculated. The software tools provided by the individual inverter manufacturers are far more accurate, but these are only as good as the data entered and careful consideration has be taken into account regarding the local conditions more so regarding low temperatures as this can cause the Voc and Mpp voltages to rise. To give you an example on a system based in Northamptonshire I have seen panel voltages rise up to 19% over the winter, the inverter data had an error accuarcy of 2% but this is still a significant increase. As long as you have the inverter data sheet and panel data sheet all this can be calculated fairly easily, then a quick check with the software to back up your findings.

Ant

 

[grandfortune]

i just cant get my head around this PVsol software, the demo's so limited and i don't want to spend all that money on something i might not use, its always telling me i building a 30.000Kw system with about 60 panels cant seem to adjust it, could anyone record a system build with cam studio most are German on you tube, or is there any other software out there that's better?
thanks
Grand

 

[SRE]

The demo is rubbish. I was in the same situation as you were spent a fortune on assessment, every day we needed new tools, cashflow was horrendous and I just couldn't justify spending the cash on PVSOL - I was advised by Biggsolar, Markc and loads of other people to go for it but I hung on for another few months. Then everything got on top of me and I thought bugger I'll just pay for it - in for a penny in for a pound! I didn't get the top version I went for the mid version AND WISHED I'D DONE IT MONTHS BEFORE!!!!!!

Don't make the same mistake I did - save yourself some time now and buy it I promise you, you won't regret it.

 

[pirhead]

Just downloaded the software, any tips on how to get using it I am not techi at all:sad:

 

[SolarCity]

I recently bought the new update - to version 5.0 of PVSOL Expert.

It doesn't work correctly and I've spoken to technical support about it. They've been a little bit less than useless in getting it sorted.

My recent emails have been ignored and I'm currently left with some software that cost me hundred of pounds yet does not work.

Technical support also costs 50p a minute to call. A royal **** take when you consider that it is THEIR software that is faulty.

I'm not impressed and they'll not be getting another penny of my money.

 

[solartecpv]

I've just invested in PVSOL Pro and at first glance it looks a bit daunting. There's a lot of databases and information you need to set up before you even think about designing a project or the figures wont mean jack. One thing that I cant find at the minute is how to change from euros to pounds? Anyone know how?

 

[JD6400]

Hi Biggs , thanks for that we were just about to upgrade from expert to this but will leave it for the time being !

 

[Scott H]

assume you are using Windows 7?
If so you need to change it in Windows and not PV Sol.

if memory serves:
Start / control panel / clock language and region / region and language / additional settings - Currency tab - then press RESET (even if showing as £) - and change to £ - Save and job done.

hopefully ...