PVcase autumn product updates: what's new

We're excited to share some of the most anticipated updates to help PVcase users power solar projects. With these November updates, you can achieve faster, more accurate results today — no need to make them your New Year’s resolutions. Let’s have a closer look at the major updates from the PVcase suite: Prospect, Ground Mount, Roof Mount, and Yield.

PVcase Prospect Updates

1. Anderson Optimization Transitions to PVcase

Starting December 6, 2024, Anderson Optimization logins will transition to PVcase as part of the ongoing brand merge. Your credentials remain unchanged — simply log in to continue working. Please contact your dedicated account manager if you have any questions. Applies to users worldwide.

2. PVcase Prospect’s Layouts Feature Preview

Improve your site selection process and streamline project proposals with PVcase Prospect's new exclusive feature: Layouts. This tool offers layout visualizations and DC capacity estimates. Currently in beta testing and nearing general release, Layouts will soon allow project developers worldwide to create early-stage designs for dozens of parcels in seconds. Available globally.

3. Interconnection Capacity Report

Users in the United States can now generate Interconnection Capacity Reports for any substation using PVcase Prospect’s Capacity feature. This report provides in-depth details about the substation, incorporates results from N-1 injection study power flow modeling, highlights potential constraint scenarios, and more. Users can create a complete report by selecting a substation from the Capacity dataset and clicking ‘Export PDF’. Available in the United States.

4. Capacity Data Refresh

With the latest Capacity data refresh, accessing up-to-date Capacity information is easier for U.S. users. Access the layer catalog for any region subscribed to in the United States to discover refreshed data. Capacity data for several states has been updated, integrating the latest base cases, queue assumptions, and power flow modeling insights. This ensures users have the most current and comprehensive information. Available in the United States.

• ​AECI
• ​WECC states
  • ​AZ
  • ​CO
  • ​NM
  • ​NV
  • ​UT
  • ​WY

5. LMP Basis Calculations

Users in the United States can now access Basis Calculations in PVcase Prospect through the LMP Data premium dataset. These calculations are pivotal for assessing project development's economic viability and potential risks by offering relative price comparisons of LMP data nodes and hubs within your region. LMP Basis Calculations include comprehensive data from the past three years, providing insights for smarter, more informed decisions. Available in the United States.

6. Access Project Data via REST API

Integrate PVcase Prospect with internal systems using the new REST API, designed for large-scale developers seeking efficient data management solutions. This API is currently in beta, allowing users to streamline operations and improve productivity. Available globally.

PVcase Ground Mount Updates

1. Improved Terrain-Following Tracker (TFT) Placement

PVcase Ground Mount's improved Terrain-Following Tracker (TFT) placement features an updated layout generation algorithm for superior performance on rough terrain. This ensures more realistic placement and significantly reduces ground grading volumes compared to previous versions.

2. 2D Roads: Automatic Cross-Sections & T-Junctions

The improved 2D Roads functionality allows users to generate cross-sections and T-junctions at road intersections, saving time and ensuring accuracy. Added support for circular roads enables more creative and flexible design options.

3. Voltage Drop and Cable Sizing

The new Voltage Drop and Cable Sizing functionality allows users to set the maximum voltage drop allowed in the solar park, with the system handling the rest. Users can review recommended cable cross sections directly in the SLDs, along with precise voltage drop estimations included in the Bill of Materials (BoM).

4. Copy/Paste of Electrical Designs

Users can now design and optimize the transformer block once and replicate that design across the entire layout. This feature accelerates the electrical design process, especially for extensive sites, by enabling convenient copy-paste throughout the layout.

PVcase Roof Mount Product Updates

1. Voltage Drop Calculation

The Voltage Drop Calculation feature allows users to manage voltage drop and cable sizing directly within PVcase Roof Mount, eliminating the need for external calculations. This boosts overall project efficiency.

2. Convert Designs to PVcase Roof Mount

This update simplifies the design workflow by transforming preliminary roof and layout data into PVcase objects, minimizing data-loss risks and ensuring design continuity. Users can convert existing drawings created with other tools directly into PVcase Roof Mount, including roofs, roof shading objects, and modules.

3. Energy Simulation

PVcase Roof Mount now includes energy simulation, enabling users to get preliminary energy estimates for designs. This feature leverages detailed irradiance analysis by PVcase Yield’s ray tracing technology, handling complex rooftop design scenarios. With this Beta release, users can quickly assess the potential energy yield of the rooftop system early in the design phase.

PVcase Yield Product Updates

1. Torque Tube Inclusion

A new feature allows users to incorporate the tracker torque tube into their simulations. This ensures precise modeling by including the structural components of single-axis trackers, resulting in more accurate simulations of rear-side shading.

As we wrap up our November highlights, we are thrilled to present these powerful updates from the PVcase suite, designed to accelerate your solar project development just in time for the holiday season. Happy holidays, and stay tuned for next month’s updates!