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Everything You Need To Know About Solar Modelling Software
Aug 26, 2022

What is solar modeling?

Solar modeling is the process of creating a 3D representation of a proposed solar photovoltaic system. Solar models are used by solar developers, engineers, and planners to evaluate the feasibility and power output of a proposed solar PV system project and to estimate its performance of solar power.

Why is solar modeling important?

Solar modeling is important because it allows solar energy developers to take into account the specific geographical and climatic conditions of a proposed solar PV modules' location. This information is critical in order to accurately predict the amount of electricity that a solar PV system will generate over its lifetime. Solar modeling also allows developers to estimate the system's overall financial performance, including its payback period and return on investment.

Sunbase solar design software is one of the best tools for solar designers to create rendering for their solar installation project.

How is solar modeling done?

1. The first step is to gather data about the proposed photovoltaic systems site's resources, including its latitude, longitude, and elevation. This data can be gathered from public sources or from private companies that specialize in solar resource data.

2. The next step is to create a 3D model of the proposed energy systems' site using this data. There are many software programs available that can be used for this purpose, one of such is Sunbase design software.

3. Once the 3D model is created, the next step is to input data about the proposed solar PV system, including its size, type, and orientation.

4. Finally, the solar modeling software will generate a report that includes information about the system's expected power output, financial performance, and payback period which you can attach to your proposal.

Since, Sunbase is an all in one solar software; once you've created a solar modeling using a solar design software you can attach the design directly to your proposal created using a solar proposal software. Check out Sunbase today to know more!

Determining solar irradiation in solar modeling software

Solar irradiation is the amount of sunlight that hits a given surface. In order to determine solar irradiation in solar modeling software, one must consider the angle of the sun, the time of day, and the location of the surface. The angle of the sun changes throughout the day, so it is important to account for this when determining solar irradiation. The time of day also affects solar irradiation, as there will be more or less sunlight depending on the time of day. Finally, the location of the surface also matters, as surfaces near the equator will receive more direct sunlight than those located further away. By considering all of these factors, one can accurately determine solar irradiation in solar modeling software.

Solar modeling/ design software like Sunbase, use algorithms that account for these factors to give you an accurate prediction of the amount of solar irradiation (in watts per square meter) hitting a surface at a given time and location. You can input the date, time, and location, and it will give you the current solar irradiance in watts per square meter. You can also find maps of solar irradiance around the US. In conclusion, Solar modeling software takes all of these factors into account to predict how much power a particular solar panel will generate under specific conditions.

Key features of Solar Modeling

There are several key features of solar modeling software-

Three-dimensional representation

The ability to create a high-resolution three-dimensional representation of a proposed solar photovoltaic system with very good approximation.

GIS

The use of Geographic Information System (GIS) data to create a digital elevation model (DEM) of the site.

Add objects

The ability to add objects such as buildings, trees, and other obstructions to make an accurate model.

Simulate the position of sun

The ability to simulate the position of the sun for various times of day and year with accurate estimation.

Determine sunlight

The ability to determine the amount of sunlight that will reach the PV array.

Evaluate Feasibility

Solar modeling is a critical tool for solar developers, engineers, and planners. It allows them to evaluate the feasibility of a proposed solar project and estimate its performance.

Solar modeling is an essential part of any successful solar development project and power generation.

If you are considering developing a solar project, be sure to use solar modeling to ensure its success.

Try using Sunbase's Solar Design Software.

Benefits of solar modeling

There are several benefits of solar modeling for homeowners and businesses alike:

Shadowing effects

Solar modeling can help you understand the amount of sunlight that will reach the PV array.

Solar modeling can help you understand the shadowing effects of trees and other objects on the PV array.

Sunbase' Solar Design software offers this feature and more.

Optimizing placement

Solar modeling can help you optimize the placement of the PV array.

Solar Project Development

Solar modeling is an essential tool for anyone considering developing a solar project.

Feasibility

It can help you determine the feasibility of the project and estimate its potential performance and also Evaluation of different models to estimate the global solar radiation on inclined surfaces.

If you are considering developing a solar project, be sure to use solar modeling to ensure its success.

What do you think? Do you have any experience with solar modeling? Let us know in the comments below.

Read our blog post on What is Solar Proposal Software? 5 Best Solar Proposal Software.

Tips for Solar Modeling Software

Now that you know the different types of solar modeling software available on the market, how do you choose the right one for your needs?

Here are some tips to help you choose the right solar modeling software for your electric power generation needs using sustainable energy sources:

Consider your budget.

Solar modeling software can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars as it uses renewable energy and not electric power.

If you are working on a tight budget, there are several free and open-source options available.

Determine the size of your project.

Homeowner solar modeling software is typically designed for small projects while business solar modeling software is typically designed for large projects.

Large project solar modeling software is typically more expensive than homeowner solar modeling software.

Choose software with the features you need.

The features you need will depend on the size, wind power in the area, and complexity of your project and model-based.

Be sure to choose software that has the features you need to ensure the success of your project.

Do you have any experience with solar modeling? Let us know in the comments below.

How to get started with Sunbase's solar modeling?

Try Sunbase and begin saving money on your energy bills immediately and do your bit for climate change, If you are considering developing a solar project, be sure to use solar modeling to ensure its success.

Solar modeling is a tool that can help you determine the feasibility of the project and estimate its potential performance.

What does Sunbase's solar Modeling tool offer that is different?

The Sunbase Solar Software, users have the ability to launch Solar Modeling Software to design photovoltaic projects.

  • When an address is selected, the proposed installation area can be drawn and panels are rendered according to the model output.
  • Solar professionals can input parameters and then select the solar resource data equipment to be used and available capacity can be calculated based on the surface area.
  • The PV system design factor includes roof pitch, azimuth, and panel direction to estimate PV Watts simulated production for decision making.
  • It provides accuracy in the Layout of PV arrays, panels, meters, and battery walls. 

Our solar design software is simple to learn and use by solar installers, as well as, affordable to scale with regardless if you’re a small, mid-size, or enterprise-sized company.

Solar professionals can save solar module design and images in prospect and customer records and take you one step closer to energy efficiency.

You can include the images in Solar Proposals to assist in closing more deals and helping others visualize their potential PV systems in the proposed method.

About Sunbase

Sunbase helps solar companies succeed through a suite of Solar CRM tools like Solar Lead Management Software ,Solar Proposal Software, etc.! To book your free demo or an appointment, contact us here.

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