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  • 1.  Solar Array Design Modeling Software

    Posted 08-28-2024 06:18 AM

    For the past 14 years, I have used various solar design software tools that now require expensive monthly fees.  Is there a quality solar design tool that is free or more affordable besides PVWatts?



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    ROBERT C
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  • 2.  RE: Solar Array Design Modeling Software

    Silver
    Contributor
    Posted 08-29-2024 10:35 AM

    Thanks so much, Robert, for posting on the Online Community! I did a quick search and found the 12 Best Solar Design Software Tools For 2024 article, and it looks like OpenSolar is free to use! I look forward to hearing what other folks recommend on this thread!



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    Ella Nielsen
    Membership & Engagement Director
    American Solar Energy Society
    Boulder CO
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  • 3.  RE: Solar Array Design Modeling Software

    ASES Life Member
    Posted 08-29-2024 12:23 PM
    Hi Robert
    A very comprehensive free platform is SAM from NREL (System Advisor Model). It is at sam.nrel.gov. It does both technical and financial analysis using meteorological data bases, product specs (a wide range of commercially available PV modules, inverters, batteries). It allows you to incorporate the existing local electricity rates including TOU, demand charges, etc or create your own. Includes realistic module and battery degradation. Very well documented with many internal footnotes, references. Has videos explaining how to use different features. I have my students use to module different types of systems, locations, economic parameters. it in my teaching for several years. The learning curve is not too steep (but it does take some time at first).

    Steve 

     
    Steven Hegedus
    Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
    Senior Scientist, Institute of Energy Conversion
    University of Delaware
    Newark DE 19716
    302-831-6253
    ssh@udel.edu

    Co-editor, Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering, 2nd Ed 
    (Wiley and Sons 2011)