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Features To Look For In Solar Design Software
Sep 05, 2022

Is your solar company looking for a way to streamline the design process? If so, you may want to consider using a solar design software.

Like many industries, the solar industry is rapidly changing and evolving. In order to stay ahead of the curve, solar companies need to use the latest technology tools and software.

Additionally, using the latest design software can give companies a competitive edge in the market.

If you are looking for a way to improve your solar design process, then keep reading to learn more about the benefits of solar design software.

What is solar design software?

Solar design software is used to create models of solar PV systems. These models can be used to estimate the performance of the system, calculate the optimal PV array size and layout, and determine the best placement of the PV panels.

Solar design software can also be used to create 3D visualizations of the PV system. There are many different types of solar design software available, each with its own unique features and capabilities like Sunbase, Aurora software, bluesol design, etc.

We will learn about them in just some time.

Features of Solar Design Software

Now that we’ve learned a little bit about solar design software, let’s take a look at some of the features that are common among different programs.

1. 3D Visualization

One common feature of solar design software is the ability to create 3D visualizations of the PV system. This can be extremely helpful in understanding the placement of the PV panels and how they will interact with the rest of the system.

2. Performance Estimation

Another common feature of solar design software is the ability to estimate the performance of the PV system. This includes factors such as the amount of energy that will be produced by the system, the payback period, and the return on investment.

3. PV Array Sizing

Solar design software can also be used to determine the optimal PV array size and layout. This is important in order to maximize the performance of the system and ensure that the PV panels are properly spaced.

4. Best Placement of PV Panels

Finally, solar design software can be used to determine the best placement of PV panels. This includes factors such as shading analysis, orientation, and tilt. By considering these factors, you can ensure that the PV system will perform at its best.

A Special Feature to look for - Auto CAD Export

One final feature and one of the premium features to consider is the Auto CAD export. This allows the solar design software to be used simultaneously with other programs, such as AutoCAD, to create more complex models and visualizations.

CAD system also helps render the design after saving and allows to restructure to design software. It also helps in report generation as it automatically generates reports after the run.

How does CAD software help a Solar Business? 

Solar CAD software typically includes tools for-

  • Designing photovoltaic (PV) panels
  • Calculating solar installation
  • Estimating the energy production of a PV system

That means it can help a Solar business do the following things-

Design and Layouts

Many Solar power installers companies use CAD software to prepare the design and layout of solar panel systems. It consists of features supporting detailed plans and drawings of solar panel arrays.

Placements of Panels

Detailed plans and drawings help solar companies plan the placement of panels and estimate the amount of energy a system will produce.

Simulate conditions

Engineers or designers can also use it to simulate different environmental conditions to Optimize the performance of a solar panel system.

CAD software is an invaluable tool for solar companies, particularly if they are in the design and planning stages of solar projects.

These are just a few of the common features of solar design software. Be sure to check out the features of different programs before making your final decision.

Factors to consider when looking for the right design software

When choosing solar design software, there are a few important factors to consider.

Type of Business

The first thing you need to consider is the type of business you have.

Ask yourself-

  • Are you a small business or a large corporation?
  • Do you work in the residential or commercial sector?

The type of business you have will determine the features you need from your solar design software.

Purpose of the software

The first is the purpose of the software. Are you looking for something to help you estimate the performance of a PV system? Or do you need something to help you design the system and determine the best placement of the PV panels?

Complexity of the Software

The second factor to consider is the complexity of the software. Some solar design software programs are very simple and easy to use, while others are more complex and require a more advanced understanding of solar PV systems. If you’re new to solar PV design, it’s probably best to start with a simpler program.

Cost of the Software

The third factor to consider is the cost of the solar design software. Some programs are free to use, while others come with a subscription fee. Be sure to consider the cost of the software before making your final decision.

Features

When choosing solar PV design software, you also need to consider the features you need. Some programs offer more comprehensive features than others. But try to look for premium version of a software that provides all the features that we mentioned.

Make sure to find a program that includes all the features you need to design and engineer solar PV systems.

By considering the factors listed above, you can narrow down your options and find a program that meets your needs.

In fact, we suggest choosing Sunbase. It caters to all the features listed above and more, it has a range of tools you can choose for Solar design, Solar Installation, Roofing, etc.

However, be sure to do your research and select the program that best meets your needs.

How does the software help with designing and installing solar panels?

The software provides a number of tools to help with the design and installation of solar panels.

It can help with-

  • Assessing the Amount of sunlight that will reach the panel
  • Calculating the optimal angle for the panel
  • Determining the best location for the panel.
  • The Software can also provide instructions for installing the panel.

It is necessary to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the panel is installed correctly. As improper installation would curb its efficiency. Let us now take a look at the benefits of Solar Design Software.

Benefits of Solar Design software

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has been around for many years and has seen significant advancements in recent years.

Solar PV is now one of the most popular renewable energy sources, with installations growing exponentially around the world. As the solar industry continues to grow, so does the need for specialized software to design and engineer solar PV systems.

There are many Benefits of using installed software for businesses, including:

Increased Efficiency

This helps businesses increase their efficiency by automating repetitive tasks and providing accurate data for analysis.

This can help businesses save time and money by reducing errors and improving project management.

Improved Accuracy

Solar design software also helps improve accuracy by providing accurate data the for solar PV installer's design and analysis.

This can help businesses avoid costly mistakes and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Improved Collaboration

Solar CAD software can also improve collaboration between businesses and their clients or partners.

By using solar CAD software, businesses can share project data more easily and efficiently, which can lead to better communication and coordination.

Overall, solar CAD software provides many benefits for businesses in the solar industry. It essentially contributes to saving time and money while ensuring that projects are completed successfully.

If you wish to understand in detail, How Solar Pv designs software like Aurora solar, Sunbase, etc. Read our blog post on the Complete Guide On Solar Design Software.

Sunbase - Top Solar Design Software

Sunbase is a popular solar design software (it is cloud-based software), that helps you through the processes ranging from Solar PV installation to Solar CRM.

Within the Sunbase Solar Software, users have the ability to launch Solar Design Software to design photovoltaic projects.

How does it work?

When an address has been selected, the proposed installation area can be drawn and panels are rendered. Solar professionals can select the equipment to be used and available capacity can be calculated based on the surface area.

Its Unique Proposition

Our solar design software is

  • Simple to learn and use by solar contractors and installers
  • Affordable to scale with regardless if you’re a small, mid-size, or enterprise-sized company.
  • Solar professionals can save solar PV system design and images in prospect and customer records.
  • They can include the images in Solar Proposals to assist in closing more deals while helping others visualize their potential PV systems. 

The best part about using Sunbase, a full-function industry-specific software tool, is that every task can be completed in one solution.

Contact Sunbase today to book a demo and decide for yourself if Sunbase Design Software is the right fit for you!

Conclusion

If you’re in the market looking for solar CAD software, we hope that this article has helped you understand the different functionalities and benefits of each program.

We also recommend trying out a few programs that offer services related to commercial solar installers to see which one works best for you.

Thanks for reading

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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