Which climate data comes with T*SOL ^® / PV*SOL ^®?

 The program comes loaded with climate data for Germany, however from the start screen of the installation CD you are able to install Extra Climate Data for most European countries.

 

Why is the total for loan payments, as shown in the calculation of financing costs, higher for the first year of operation than in the following year?

The discount is taken account of in the loan interest for the first year.

 

If your climate data is available in hourly format (ie 8760 values each for temperature, global radiation, wind and relative humidity) you can read these into T*SOL ^® by saving the data as an ASCII file, separating the data with a TAB and using the ending *.dat. The first lines (the file header) should look like this: Example Explanation "Wien" 1st line: Name of location 48.1866,-16.3426,170,-1,-30 2nd line: latitude, longitude, altitude, time relative to Greenwich (eg -1 for Germany),-30 should be included at the end 3rd line: empty line Ta Gh FF RH 4th line: should be as shown; separated by a TAB The following lines of data come next: Example Explanation -5,0 0 1,8 75,5 -5,4 0 1,5 78,0 ... ... 5th to 8764th lines: external temperature – global radiation onto the horizontal/m² - wind speed - relative humidity; separated by a TAB. The climate data is important for the algorithms in PV*SOL.

 

The climate data is saved in a database and the data can be viewed. To do this, you should proceed as follows: In the "Results" menu, select the menu point "Energy and Climate Data...". Select the desired data category. You are able to change the settings in the graph. In the "Axes" menu point, go to "X-Axis" and select the time interval and period (display period). The graph can also be viewed in tabular format. To do this click on the "Table" menu. The table can be exported for further processing, e.g. in MS Excel.

 

When starting PV*SOL ^®, a pop-up window appears with the message: "Unable to establish a connection to server www.valentin.de", even though there is an internet connection. The same thing occurs with the function: Help -> Internet Service -> Check For Updates. What can the cause of this be and which settings should be changed so that the Update function works? The automatic update function from within PV*SOL ^® does not work if the PC you are using does not use the standard internet settings. We can provide you with the latest module and inverter database for PV*SOL ^® by download link, so that the database can be imported locally. Please use the following link to load the latest database and then save the PVSOL.mdb file locally on your PC: www.solar-software.de/update/pvsol/db2/pvsol.mdb Please also remove the tick set against the (Internet) Updates option "Automatically 1x per Day on Starting PVSOL" (menu: Options -> Settings; Update Check worksheet) Please then enter the local path, where the PVSOL.mdb file has been saved, in the field under "Database Import / Local Directory:". You can then start the Database Import facility.

 

Can Valentin programs also be used on Mac computers (Apple) or Linux systems? Our software is developed to run on Windows. Additional software is required, such as VMWare or VirtualPC, in order to use our programs on a Mac or with Linux.

 

 Is there a limit to the system output in PV*SOL ^®?

 In PV*SOL ^® there is a limit of 65535 modules per sub-array. This means that the output entered in the Quick Design dialogue cannot exceed the output for the selected module x 65535. For example, if the selected module only has 36 W, it is only possible to enter a target system output of 65535 x 36 W = 2.3 MW. Please note that the above will still be the case in PV*SOL 3.0 R3, but that the limit will be removed be removed in the next possible version of the program.

 

How to update modules and inverters in case of missing?

You can add module and inverter data under Databases > PV Module (or Inverter) and you can then save the data under a file name of your choice for future use. Solving problems arising from the use of Vista A Microsoft program is available free of charge, so that the help texts in T*SOL ^® and PV*SOL ^® can be viewed (Download). At the current time it is not possible to run the MeteoSyn module with Windows Vista.

 

Is there an additional program for determining the economic efficiency according to the "internal interest rate" method? The resulting equity yield corresponds to the internal interest rate.

 

 The data corresponds to the first full year of operation.

 

After starting the simulation, a message appears that the wPDF200A.dll file is not available. What can I do?

The wPDF200A.dll file is required in order to create the Project Report in PDF format. The file is a part of Microsoft Windows Systems. It appears that the file is either not available, not in the right place or you don’t have access rights. Please copy the wPDF200A.dll file via the following link: http://solar-software.de/downloads/support/wPDF200A.dlland paste it into C:WINDOWSsystem32 or C:WINNTsystem32, depending on the Windows System that you have.

 

How are the terms Gross PV Surface Area and PV Solar Surface Area defined? Why are the values different in some cases? The PV Solar Surface Area is the area that forms the basis of the manufacturer’s measurement of module efficiency. For simulation, the program determines the Solar Surface Area from the calculated power and efficiency, using the following formula: Nominal output(STC)= 1000 W/m² * ETA(STC) * PV Solar Surface Area The manufacturer provides the values for nominal output(STC) and efficiency, and the Solar Surface Area results from this. In some cases, the resulting figure is different from the Gross PV Surface Area. If, for example, the manufacturer does not take the module frame into account when calculating the ETA(STC), in order to obtain a better ETA(STC), the Solar Surface Area will be smaller. For a Solar Surface Area that corresponds to the Gross PV Surface Area, you should click on the calculator symbol to calculate the Module Efficiency (you will find this under Databases > PV Module > U/I Char. – STC).

 

Yes. In the Technical Data dialogue, under PV Array > Orientation, you can select between single and dual axis tracking. With single axis tracking, an azimuth of -90° to 90° (i.e. for the northern hemisphere: from east to west) is allowed for with a vertical rotation axis. Dual axis tracking calculates the situation with movement of both rotation axes. In both cases, the technical limits of the tracking system are not observed. This means that if the tracking system can only be rotated up to a certain angle, this is not taken into consideration by the software.

 

Yes. The software calculates using the angle, i.e. an azimuth of 0 is always based on the position of the sun at its highest point (i.e. 12.00 noon). For the northern hemisphere as follows: Azimuth 0 = south -90° = east 90° = west 180° = north And for the southern hemisphere: Azimut 0 = north -90° = west 90° = east 180° = south

 

How can I find out whether the latest version of the module database is installed on my PC?

The program will automatically check for updates and additions to the database if you select the option “Automatically 1x per Day on Starting PV*SOL“ in the menu: Options > Settings > Update Check - (Internet) Updates. You are also able to carry out an Update Check whenever you want to by clicking on the button “Check Now” in the same dialogue. Internet access is required for both of the above options. If the software and database installed on your PC are the latest versions, you will receive the following message: “The latest versions of both PV*SOL ^® and the Database are installed.” Otherwise the following message will appear: “A database with a more up to date version is available.” You can then click on “Install Now…” to start the update.

 

How can I change the currency unit in the program into euro or another currency? The unit of currency in the program depends on the system settings in your PC. You can change the currency setting for your operating system in the system settings (depending on the operating system version, you can do this under Regional and Language Options or under Country Settings). Click on Start --> Settings --> Control Panel --> Country Settings --> Currency With Windows XP click on Start --> Settings --> Control Panel --> Regional and Language Options --> Customize

 

With PV*SOL ^® you can build modules and inverters from different manufacturers into a system and mount these at different orientations and inclinations. To do this, the program splits the system into a number of different sub-arrays. A PV array/sub-array is a PV surface unit made up of the same types of module mounted together and set at the same angle and orientation. If you have a number of inverters connected to an array, these also have to be all the same type and configured in the same way. You are able to define up to 6 sub-arrays in PV*SOL ^®.

 

I have to load my preferred feed-in tariff each time I set up a new project. Is it possible to save the tariff settings to be used for new projects centrally?

The feed-in tariff to be used for all new projects can be loaded via the menu “Options > Settings”, under “Projects”. Click on the load file icon next to the “Standard Feed-in Tariff for New Projects” option. You can then select a tariff file with a double click and confirm your selection with OK.

 

Can ground-mounted systems be simulated with PV*SOL ^®?

Yes. In PV*SOL ^® a module array is simulated from the installation, orientation, azimuth and tilt angle of the modules and their height above the ground, independent of whether the modules are installed on a roof or on the ground. For a ground-mounted system you should select “Free-Standing” or “Mounted” for the Installation Type. Why is the specific annual yield for amorphous modules better than for monocrystalline modules, even when the systems are the same size. The decisive factor for the yield is not the module efficiency, which is measured at STC (1000W / 25°C). From the efficiency, it is possible to conclude the PV area required. This means, for example, for a module with an efficiency of 5%, twice as much PV area is required as for a module with an efficiency of 10%. The decisive factor for the yield is the part load efficiency. In this area, amorphous modules usually have a better efficiency than monocrystalline modules. The part load efficiency is presented in the module characteristic curve (see Databases > PV Module > U/I Char. – Part Load tab > Efficiency Char. Curve button).

 

Which capabilities and limitations do the demo versions of Valentin EnergySoftware programs have?

The demo versions currently only have sample data available for selection. For example, only one or two selected climate data records are available. You can take a look at all program parts and functions, but you cannot save or print projects. Sample project data is provided so that you can carry out a simulation. You can access the user manual, use the program’s ‘Help’ facility and obtain an overview of the content and capabilities of the software. Free demo versions of our software are available on www.valentin.de/index_en_page=downloads.

 

Your module does not have 100W, but only 98.5W. The output given by manufacturers is often rounded up. The actual nominal output, as calculated in PV*SOL, results from the MPP current and MPP voltage under standard test conditions.

 

Can you print the roof layout in PV*SOL ^®?
Yes. You can print the roof layout as a separate document via the menu: Results > Project Report > Roof Layout. This function is only active if the roof layout has been used in the project. Alternatively, you can select the detailed project report via the menu: Results > Project Report > Detailed Project Report, and then decide whether you want to include the roof layout in the detailed project report. If so, select the Roof Layout option.

 

Is it possible to also calculate the approximate investment costs for a PV system with Valentin PV programs?

No, with our PV programs it is not possible to calculate costs, as the programs are not designed for this purpose. Our software is always manufacturer-independent, so there are no component prices or other costs included in the software. Every user will need to find out the costs for the planned system themselves. The system price or the price per KWp determined by the user is entered in the economic efficiency dialogue and forms the basis of the economic efficiency prognosis. Default values are provided in the economic efficiency prognosis dialogue. However, the user should always check these against the conditions for each project and make any necessary changes. The defaults should not be viewed as average or empirical values.

 

 In theory, yes. To do so, you have to set the required central file path under Options > Paths and then copy the locally installed files from the local folder into the new central folder. Please note the following potential problems: • Special network configurations, server operating systems or access rights can prevent access. Your system administrator should therefore try out the new path in advance and also test it together with the users. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee operability under your concrete network conditions. • If a user has problems with his software and wants to use our Hotline Service, it could be the case that we are unable to help if the problem is due to centrally installed data. This is because users generally do not have access to the server, so that the assistance of a system administrator is required. • The automatic database update for the important component database (module and inverter data) may not function because special network configurations or security systems, e.g. firewalls, on the server do not allow this. • You should make sure that only one user at a time carries out the automatic update for the component database, and not all users at the same time. • Simultaneous access by a number of users to one and the same project is not supported by the software! This can lead to data losses. Many PV*SOL ^® customers do, however, successfully use data that is stored centrally.

 

Where does the data for determining the emissions savings come from?

(“CO2 Emissions avoided“ in the project report) The database delivered with the program includes values from GEMIS (Global Emission Model for Integrated Systems) that were first published in 1990 by the German state of Hesse (Environment, Energy and Federal Affairs Ministry). You can view and change the values via the menu Databases > Pollutant Mix. Information on GEMIS is available on http://www.oeko.de/service/gemis/en/index.htm

 

 In PV*SOL ^® Expert you will need to plan your system without 3D visualization. First start a new project and select the option “System Planning without 3D Visualization”. Planning a system without the 3D facility is exactly the same as in PV*SOL ^®, i.e. go to the menu System > Technical Data and then click on the “PV Array” tab. For mounted systems select the installation type “Free-Standing”. You can either enter a set number of modules (select “Define Module Number”) or you can select “Determine Output from Roof Area”, in which case you can click on the “Roof Parameters” button to open the corresponding dialogue. With mounted systems (“Free-Standing” installation type) and “Determine Output from Roof Area” when you click on the “Roof Parameters” button an additional dialogue appears showing the minimum distance between modules. The minimum distance should always be observed, otherwise mutual shading of the modules occurs which would not be calculated in the program.

 

Which climate data files are delivered with the software? http://www.valentin.de/index_en_page=maps All of our programs come with the same selection of climate data files. You can take a look at the current selection of climate data on http://www.valentin.de/index_en_page=maps. In addition, PV*SOL ^®, PV*SOL ^® Expert, T*SOL ^® Professional and T*SOL ^® Expert include the climate data generator MeteoSyn, which can be used to create additional climate data files. MeteoSyn is not available if you use the Vista operating system. Further information regarding climate data is available on http://www.valentin.de/index_en_page=weather. MeteoSyn doesn’t work under Windows 7 To determine which Windows 7 edition you are using pleas open the system information window of your computer by pressing the “Windows” and the “Pause/Break” button simultaneously. In the “Windows edition” section your Windows 7 edition is shown. If you are using one of the “Home” editions of Windows 7 there is no possibility to run the compatibility mode. MeteoSyn will not work under these editions. If you are using Windows 7 “Professional” or “Ultimate” you have the possibility to run our programs in the compatibility mode: Click with the right mouse button on the program icon on the desktop and choose “Properties”. In the properties window choose the tab “Compatibility”. Enable “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” and choose “Windows XP (Service Pack 3)” in the drop down menu below. Leave the “Properties” window by pressing the “OK” button.

 

 Start a new project with the option “System Planning without 3D visualization”. Open the “Technical Data Dialogue”. In the “Technical Data Dialogue” window please change to the “PV Array” tab and choose the option “Create preview of roof layout with Photo Plan”. The button “Photo Plan” is now activated and you can access to “Photo Plan”.

 

The Sunny Tripower inverters have 2 asymmetrical MPP trackers and there are thus a few things that need to be taken into consideration with the design. The main inverter (Input A) is saved in PV*SOL’s inverter database with a reference for the inverter type. In addition, for the second array, the Tripower Extraeingang inverter (Input B) must be selected (for all models the same). Input B can bear up to 8.8 kW in a maximum of one string. This actual installed power must then be withdrawn from Input A. If you want to configure Input B with more than 2 kW, you will need to go to Databases > Inverter > Grid Connected at first, than select the inverters that match the power values correspondingly (Input A low, Input B high) and save in the database as a user-created data record using “Save As”. As a rule, the majority of modules should be connected to Input A and the rest of the modules to Input B (e.g. with 56 modules - 2 strings with 23 modules to Input A and 1 string with 10 modules to Input B). Input B must be used! It is recommended that a test using the manufacturer’s design tool is carried out! I am planning a PV system with net metering.

 

After I had made entries in the "Technical data" dialogue and leave the dialogue my project changed in a PV system with Full Feed-in. What can I do?

Please go to the “Electricity Tariff” window by choosing “Conditions” and then “Tariffs (Grid Connected Systems)” in the menu bar. Now select the “Net Metering” option. Leave the window with the “OK” button. Your entries made previously retained when switching between the grid concepts.