Terrain-following tracker webinar FAQs

PVcase Ground Mount tool has a new functionality allowing it to work with terrain-following trackers. Recently, a webinar was organized on this feature, hosted by Guy Atherton, PVcase Ground Mount Product Manager. Below are answers to the most frequently asked webinar questions to help you optimally deploy this new feature.

How does the terrain-following tracker function impact PVsyst simulations? How should we include mismatch losses?

PVsyst will interpret each of those sections as a separate orientation, so the number of orientations in your PVsyst simulation will be large. The PVcase Yield tool takes orientations into account much more quickly and easily, so you should be fine in this case.

In the orange rows, where the terrain-following tracker hits the joint angle limitation, isn't it better to account for grading rather than thinking of customizing another tracker?

It's an option, and that is up to the user. Users can do this if they like. You can select the affected table and just run grading under those tables if you want. The tool is designed to be as flexible as possible.

Does the ground grading consider east-west slopes for axial trackers?

No, the ground grading will just go between the trackers regardless of the east-west slope. However, if there is a corridor, road, or blocked area between the tracker frames, this will not be graded.

How can you solve different heights between different trackers in the same row when setting slope limits and grading?

If you position the trackers with the generation, they will be at the same height. If you've done some adapted terrain with different heights, then you can have different heights between the trackers. If you set the slope, it will reassign the frame angles and also the heights. The set slope function gets rid of all of those individual heights.

However, if you change all the heights of the trackers and then do grading, the grading won't change the tracker positions again. It will grade according to the height range that you specified in the Ground grading interface.

How do these trackers adjust to undulating terrain and a breakline slope change?

The frames are placed like small single-axis tracker frames. The ends of the frame sections are placed with the given frame reveal height. If you have the poles at the joints, the poles will all have the same length. If there is an undulation or breakline, the smaller frame section will span over it. For terrain slope limitations, you can input the manufacturer's specifications into the tool. PVcase is working with as many manufacturers as possible to ensure compatibility with their systems.

Is it possible to export the surface after ground grading?

There is a beta function that allows exporting the points of the surface. Since PVcase is not an AutoCAD civil plugin, it can only export the points, not the full surface. You can export every single proposed (ground grading) point, resulting in a .csv file, which can be imported into civil software or used to generate another surface.

Do you plan to incorporate the proposed terrain as a surface and make a surface comparison?

Comparison options include a heatmap (graphically comparing existing and proposed surfaces), spot levels (actual points showing differences between surfaces), and export points (.csv of the proposed terrain). Surface comparison is currently limited to these features. You can also compare surfaces in section and front view in AutoCAD. For more advanced comparison, another surface-based tool like AutoCAD Civil3d is needed.

Did PVcase validate the terrain-following modeling with tracker manufacturers?

Yes, PVcase has been conducting interviews and beta testing with tracker manufacturers. More information will be available in the coming weeks.

What is the difference between the "adapt the terrain" option and the "single-axis terrain-following tracker" function?

The "adapt the terrain" function is useful if you move some frames around and want to ensure they are properly positioned on the terrain. The "single-axis terrain-following tracker" function is for generating the tracker following the terrain. "Adapt the terrain" is used after generating a layout to modify it, while the generation feature is used when initially placing frames in the field.

What is the density of the points of the proposed surface?

For the proposed surface, exterior points are placed on the outer module corners and on each of the poles under the frame. Elsewhere, the density of the points matches that of your existing terrain.