Role of Software Tools in Solar Plant Design: Overview

Designing a solar power plant may not necessarily require software, but one thing is for sure, anything that can be done through computers and their software makes the process quick and efficient. Just like before software like AutoCAD or CAD tools were invented civil engineers and architects relied on physical drawing sheets, but when design software was introduced, they could improve their productivity, experiment more, and complete designs effectively, requiring much less time to design and execute projects.

Similarly, while designing solar rooftops, an EPC company can improve productivity, design more efficiently, and in turn install a larger number of projects thus helping the business to grow successfully.

Let us first understand, what are the major features or tasks that solar PV software can perform:

• Determine the capacity of a solar PV plant that can be accommodated in a particular space considering the size and rating of the solar panel.
• Shadow analysis - Determine the % of losses due to the shadow of various objects.
• Allows the design of a system considering various parameters including orientations, string combinations, losses, solar panels, inverter type, etc.
• The software provides output in terms of generation results, and performance ratio to tilt, orientation, and location.
• Financial analysis considering generation, consumption, and the amount invested.

List of Software and Applications‍

PVsyst

PVsyst is one of the most widely used and trusted software that offers a comprehensive solution that allows you to design On-Grid, Off-Grid and Hybrid systems along with shading and financial analysis. PVsyst is known for its reliability of results and the weather data it holds to give precise generation values and performance ratios.

Free trial: 30-day trial version is available.

Best suited for large-scale and/or complex rooftop projects.

Benefits

• Provides detailed analysis of losses including shading, string losses, inverter losses, cable losses etc.
• Representation of shadow analysis is insightful.
• Options to choose from weather data – Meteonorm, NASA, Solargis etc.
• Offers the facility to either import SketchUp 3D models or build 3D models.
• Various versions of the same projects can be used for permutation and combination.
• Trusted by banks, large developers and investors due to precise data and results.
• When going for a complex or large project, PVsyst offers to modify various custom parameters making the model more accurate thereby generating reliable results.

Limitations

• Need training before designing in the software.
• Expensive compared to other software available in the market.
• Limitation in 3D modelling
• PVsyst is not a cloud-based software which means it can be only installed in one system per license, hence not very convenient for multiple users.

Helioscope

Helioscope is to design solar power plants and estimate generation. HelioScope is a cloud-based PV system design tool known for its easy-to-use interface and fast modelling capabilities. Users can generate analytical reports about rooftop or ground-mounted solar generation. A simple rooftop design along with necessary details like technical specification, financial modelling, and shading analysis can be done within minutes using a helioscope.

Moreover, since it is cloud-based, it can be used on any laptop/system and multiple users can use a samelogin (not simultaneously) is required.

Free trial: 14-day trial version is available.

Suitable for Small- to medium-scale solar PV projects (C&I projects) and for new EPC companies or users.

Benefits

• Drag-and-drop layout allows you to pick and place panels.
• Provides accurate shading analysis and estimated generation results for solar installations.  
• Integrates seamlessly with CRM and ERP systems like HubSpot, Zoho, as well as CAD software.  
• Detailed loss calculations are available.
• Easy sharing and collaboration features.
• Generates proposal including design and financial proposal, payback period etc.
• Based on the number of inverters, the software suggests the stringing of the modules and also displays them on the layout.
• Includes Lidar technology to ensure design accuracy.

Limitations

• Helioscope has pre-configured variable factors that are less flexible compared to PVsyst as it provides default assumptions.
• One needs to have the exact location of the site as you start building the layout on the map which can affect the shading, irradiation and other factors if the location is changed in further steps.
• Unlike PVSyst, Helioscope doesn’t offer the animation feature to run a video that shows shading features and losses, hence in the case of complex roofs and projects, it becomes difficult to identify the time of shading losses.
• Can design and simulate efficiently up to only 5 MW and up to 15MW.

Aurora solar

It provides a close to accurate solar array layout, regardless of the site's complexity, freeing them up to concentrate on the task at hand.  Aurora Solar is one of the most popular tools in the industry, allowing users to build accurate solar plans, send proposals and contracts, and otherwise simplify the solar sales process.

Aurora Solar's design software allows users to conduct a solar shading analysis, design solar arrays, forecast electricity generation, estimate power bill savings, add energy storage capabilities, explore financing options, and create solar system proposals. Users can input or upload energy consumption data and utilize data sets, including LiDAR data, to analyze solar energy potential. Aurora Solar design software is known for being relatively easy to learn and user-friendly.

Suitable for Small- to medium-scale solar PV projects (C&I projects) and for new EPC companies or users.

Free trial is not available.

Benefits

• Design & Proposal Generation, Provides an easy-to-use interface with intuitive design tools.
• Proposal Generation & Customer Financing Tools. Offers shading analysis, financial modelling, and easy integration with CAD tools.
• Integrates with CRM and ERP systems, as well as CAD software for seamless workflow.  
• AI Modeling is also available.
• LIDAR Mapping and accurate calculations.
• 3D modelling and sun path diagrams.
• Smart roof and autodetection of obstructions and trees.
• Export options for AutoCAD and PDF formats.
• Send contracts, complete with e-signature capabilities.

Limits

• No free trial option
• Subscription plans are expensive, especially for smaller EPC companies.

• Many advanced features, such as performance simulations, shading analysis, or more detailed financial modelling, are only available at higher-priced subscription tiers.
• Limited customizations possible.

Arka360 (formally solar labs)

ARKA 360 is a cloud-based comprehensive software and service platform designed to streamline the entire solar project lifecycle for solar EPC companies. From lead generation to project completion, the software smoothly combines every segment of the PV project lifecycle, forming a central centre for efficient project management.

Suitable for

Free demo is available

Benefits

• Sales & Design Optimization. Known for its user-friendly interface, suitable for beginners and experts alike.
• 3D & 2D Visualization - Sales Proposal Generation. Offers detailed shading analysis, customizable reports, and optimization tools.
• Compatibility with various CAD software and integrates well with other design tools.
• Well-suited for quick designs and proposals with its assistance and strong Indian market presence.

Limits

• Users may need experience and technical knowledge to fully utilize these features.
• Limitations on customizations.
• Users might face some downtime and bug issues.

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Selecting the right software is absolutely critical for an EPC company. It's essential to thoroughly compare the available options and make a choice based on the scale and complexity of the projects the company handles. It's highly advisable for your designers to test out the trial version of the software. Doing so will provide valuable insights into real-world practical considerations, turnaround time, and user-friendliness.