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AD: PV-Simulation 3D PLUS - optimized design of rooftop PV systems

Rooftop photovoltaic systems are the most promising technology for a fast decarbonisation and decentralization of electrical power generation as well as to charge electric cars and power heat pumps.

The software PV-Simulation 3D PLUS calculates the energy yield and profitability of a rooftop PV system based on the location, the employed PV modules and inverters. An extensive database of common modules and inverters is included in the software. However new devices can be added also manually using technical data sheets. To increase self-consumption of the generated electricity a battery storage can be added to the simulation.  Especially if the feed-in tariff is lower than the local price for electricity, it is more profitable to use the PV energy than to sell it.

Possible module orientations. - © ETU Software GmbH
Possible module orientations.

For the design of the PV system you can use either a digital photo of the roof (in combination with the additional software Photo Survey), the tabular input of the module fields with their respective orientations or the integrated CAD.

Placing the modules most efficiently

The advantage of the input via the CAD besides a three-dimensional preview is the availability of the total number of hours of sunlight for placing the modules most efficiently avoiding shaded roof areas. All design modes support multiple module fields of different orientation on pitched and flat roofs including east-west configuration as well as all kinds of stilted mountings on pitched roofs.

Modules pointing south on a pitched roof. - © ETU Software GmbH
Modules pointing south on a pitched roof.

The simulation results are provided in an hourly resolution throughout the year using global climate data. This allows to match the customer’s hourly demand profile for electric energy to the PV system and offer the most competitive tailored solution.

Profitability analysis including payback time

A profitability analysis including the payback time in years is available both during the design and with a fully configured PV system. The customizable project report provides all necessary data to professionally forecast the PV system for your customer.

If you would like to know more about our PV-Simulation 3D PLUS and install the free trial version, please click here.