How do I fix misalignment between an imported .PVC 3D scene and terrain data in PVsyst?

In the Import result window, uncheck automatic translation and set x=0, y=0, and z=0. This aligns the 3D shading scene (.PVC) origin with the terrain file (.csv).

How do I correct the orientation of an imported design in PVsyst?

In PVsyst 7.3 or newer, PVsyst will suggest rotating the import orientation automatically. In 7.2 or older, go to Edit, choose rotate the whole scene, and input the desired azimuth.

Why did the number of modules or module orientation change after import, and how can I fix it in PVsyst?

Ensure the PV module is selected for the system so PVsyst calculates the sensitive area by the reference module and adjusts orientation. You can also select frames and use Edit > Modify selected objects to manually set module count and orientation.

How can I resolve the 'Bifacial 2D model' error on complex terrain in PVsyst?

Open Settings > Edit advanced parameters, increase the 'Pitch RMS limit for bifacial 2D models' tolerance, and for N-S trackers adjust 'Max tilt axis for the bifacial 2D model' (default threshold 2°).

How do I fix the 'Area of 3D fields' error after importing a near-shading scene in PVsyst?

If mismatches persist after checking the PVcase design vs PVsyst System, edit advanced parameters and lower 'Shading: absolute min shading/field area ratio' (default 0.92) to increase the allowed difference.

Troubleshooting PVcase Design Import Issues in PVsyst

The guide explains how to troubleshoot PVcase design import issues in PVsyst by correcting misalignment between imported .PVC shading scenes and terrain data through disabling automatic translation and setting origins to zero, adjusting scene rotation based on hemisphere and PVsyst version, ensuring accurate module count and orientation by selecting the correct PV module or manually modifying frames, and cautions expert users about modifying advanced parameters to avoid simulation inaccuracies.

3D Scene Physical Layout

Imported .PVC File and Terrain Data Misalignment

When importing both the 3D shading scene and the terrain data, these two files can become misaligned due to PVsyst's origin auto selection. To correct this, when prompted with the Import result window, uncheck the automatic translation and set x=0, y=0, and z=0. This action will align the 3D shading scene file (.PVC) origin with your terrain file (.csv).

Rotate the Whole Scene

PVsyst defines its coordinate system in a specific way. If the project location in PVsyst is set in the Southern Hemisphere, the orientation of the imported design may need correction:

PVsyst 7.3 or newer: PVsyst will automatically detect and suggest rotating the import result orientation.
PVsyst 7.2 or older: Manual adjustment is required. Select Edit, rotate the whole scene, and input the desired azimuth.

The Number of Modules and Orientation Changed

For accurate yield calculations, PVsyst needs the collective plane area. If no module type is set in the system settings, PVsyst assumes the sensitive area from the 3D model, which can cause discrepancies in module orientation between the 3D model and the AutoCAD layout. Frames with multiple joint or motor gaps may also have an incorrect number of modules compared to the frame setting in PVcase.

To resolve this:

Ensure the PV module is selected for the system. PVsyst will then calculate the sensitive area by the reference PV module and adjust the module orientation in the 3D scene.
You can also manually modify the number of modules and their orientation by selecting the frames and using the "Modify selected objects" option under the Edit tab.

Advanced Parameters Settings

User discretion advised: Modifying advanced parameters should only be done by expert users. The default values ensure simulation accuracy. Changing these values may result in inaccuracies due to working with an idealized model.

Bifacial 2D Model Error

When simulating a fixed tilt design on complex terrain with bifacial modules, you may encounter an error after selecting the bifacial system in PVsyst. This is due to PVsyst's internal algorithm checking the 3D model's accuracy. On complex terrain, these limitations can prevent simulation.

To correct this error:

1.Save and exit the current project.
2.On the main page, select Setting > Edit advanced parameters.
3.Search for “Pitch RMS limit for bifacial 2D models” and increase this tolerance. The default is 0.1m (threshold is four times this value). Increasing this parameter allows PVsyst to simulate with a higher threshold.
4.For N-S horizontal axis tracker designs, PVsyst checks for axis tilt homogeneity. The threshold is 2 degrees and can be modified by editing “Max tilt axis for the bifacial 2D model”.

These parameters should only be modified by advanced users. For more information, consult the PVsyst help article on bifacial conditions.

Alternatively, to capture bifacial yield on complex terrain without risking model accuracy, users can request a trial of PVcase Yield, which simulates site performance without layout geometry limitations.

Area of 3D Fields Error

After importing or modifying the near-shading scene (.PVC file), you may receive an error that the PV area in the 3D field is higher or lower than the area defined in the system.

Recommended steps:

Follow the steps in the relevant help article to check between PVcase design and PVsyst “System”.
If the error persists, consider adjusting advanced parameters:
1. 1.Save and exit the current project.
2. 2.On the main page, select Setting > Edit advanced parameters.
3. 3.Search for “Shading: absolute min shading/field area ratio” and decrease this tolerance (default is 0.92, or 7% difference). Lowering this value increases the allowed percentage difference between the 3D scene and the “System”, enabling the simulation to proceed.