Digital SmartUp'24: Top 10 Questions and Answers

PVcase Digital SmartUp ’24 is an exclusive online gathering where PVcase customers and experts come together to explore the latest in solar. The event featured a behind-the-scenes look at PVcase's product roadmap, insights into integration capabilities, and a showcase of PVcase Ground Mount’s standout features. Customers shared their experiences and a live Q&A addressed the most pressing questions from the solar community.

Below are the top 10 questions from the event, along with detailed answers:

1. Are the results obtained in PVcase Yield valid with banks?

PVcase Yield has been validated on a large utility-scale PV plant in Spain and an outdoor lab-scale installation. It has also undergone and successfully completed a benchmarking study against industry-standard software conducted by an independent third party. For more details, refer to the TRUST PV report.

2. What is the difference in results between PVcase Yield and PVsyst?

While both software are yield simulation tools, PVcase Yield uses a ray tracing algorithm that provides more realistic results. With PVcase Yield, you can run multiple simulations simultaneously, allowing you to find the best setup faster and easier.

PVcase Yield sets itself apart through its advanced ray-tracing technology, which traces individual light rays with precision. This allows for more realistic simulation results. PVcase Yield excels in assessing complex terrains and bifacial models, providing highly accurate energy calculations by accounting for shading, terrain-following frame placements, and varied module orientations. This comprehensive 3D modeling surpasses the 2D view-factor-based methods, enabling simulations that reflect real-world conditions in detail. Additionally, PVcase Yield's ability to run multiple simulations simultaneously streamlines the optimization process, making it a tool for improved accuracy and enhanced workflow efficiency in solar projects.

3. Does PVcase Yield simulate and generate any shading report?

Yes, PVcase Yield performs shading analysis and calculates ‘Near shading losses’ (front and back). Thanks to its 3D CAD and ray tracing-based lighting simulation technique, the effect of system components and surrounding objects (geometry and optical properties) are intrinsically modeled.

4. How accurate and reliable are PVcase Ground Mount’s grading numbers?

PVcase Ground Mount’s calculation method is clear and open — grading numbers are as accurate as the data that the user inputs. The PVcase Ground Mount team is working to enhance ground grading capabilities, allowing grading frames according to clearance and making frame placement more terrain-aware to minimize the need for grading.

5. Will PVcase Ground Mount have the option to specify the structure pole through which cables descend to the trenches?

Yes, it is planned to include the possibility of indicating the pole of the structure through which the cables go down to the trenches. The PVcase Ground Mount team is working to implement this functionality in Electrical Design in 2025, along with 3D electrical devices.

6. For larger sites, meshes are unwieldy. Are there plans to be able to natively use civil 3D surfaces or GeoTIFFs?

PVcase is planning to expand support for various formats to improve how users work with terrain data. While the challenge isn't solely about the terrain data format — meshes tend to be slow, and changing the import format won't necessarily speed things up since performance hinges on the number of points in the mesh — PVcase is committed to adding support for native Civil 3D surfaces and GeoTIFFs. Updates are forthcoming.

7. When calculating voltage drop, will the results be visibly accessible and exportable to an Excel file, can users verify the calculation method for accuracy, and is there an option to include information about the DC solar cables that come with the modules, such as 4mm² and 100cm specifications?

The voltage drop results can be exported directly to the Bill of Materials (BOM), ensuring seamless integration. The formulas used will be provided for verification based on IEC 60364-1 standards in the EU and NEC2020 in the US. While PV module cable lengths aren't immediately available, they will be included as soon as the data becomes accessible. The Voltage Drop Calculation feature is continuously improved based on user feedback.

8. When will PVcase Prospect support all the European countries?

PVcase is developing PVcase Prospect's features to offer the software globally. Automated functionalities, such as Buildable Area Analysis, will be customized to provide a richer experience and meet user expectations worldwide.

9. Does the torque tube count as a shading object in PVsyst once the .pvc file is imported?

Currently, the torque tube is not exported to PVsyst using this workaround, but this may change in the future. For trackers, PVcase Yield is recommended for obtaining realistic results as it natively supports the torque tube.

10. Will you share the recording?

Yes! The recording is available to everyone and you can watch the PVcase Digital SmartUp’24 recording by clicking on the provided banner.

What’s next?

To join next year's PVcase Digital SmartUp in April and November, book a demo for a personalized walkthrough of the product suite. Once onboard, keep an eye on your inbox for your exclusive invitation in 2025!