PVsyst 6.68

PVsyst SA. has released PVsyst 6.68, is a PC software package for the study, sizing and data analysis of complete PV systems. It deals with grid-connected, stand-alone, pumping and DC-grid (public transportation) PV systems, and includes extensive meteo and PV systems components databases, as well as general solar energy tools. This software is geared to the needs of architects, engineers, researchers. It is also very helpful for educational training.

New Features in PVsyst6:

- Meteonorm included
Direct search for a location using Google Maps
Full Meteonorm interpolation program for any location on earth
- Detailed electrical shading losses
Defines the position of all modules of the system in the 3D field
Computes the electrical circuit at the input of each inverter
Outputs: “Irradiance shading loss” and “electrical shading loss”
- Improved shading calculations
Direct shading calculation during the simulation (avoids interpolation uncertainties)
Big plants: optimized calculation of the shading factor
Plants following the terrain (Helios 3D): orientation analysis and management
- New simulation process
Improved project management: parameter access, copy, templates
New organization of the losses
New losses like LID, unavailability, and light-soaking gain for CIS
- PV modules and model management
Sandia model implementation and comparison with PVsyst model
Tools for parameter optimization (low-light, I/V curve)
New parameters (tolerance, IAM profile, Vmax UL)
- Inverters
New parameters (Transfo, CEC efficiency)
Multi-MPPT with asymmetric inputs
Improvement of choice by manufacturer
- Batch model for parametric studies


About PVsyst 6.68. PVsyst V6.68 offers 3 levels of PV system study, roughly corresponding to the different stages in the development of real project:

- Preliminary design : this is the presizing step of a project.
In this mode the system yield evaluations are performed very quickly in monthly values, using only a very few general system characteristics or parameters, without specifying actual system components. A rough estimation of the system cost is also available.
For grid-connected systems, and especially for building integration, this level will be architect-oriented, requiring information on available area, PV technology (colors, transparency, etc), power required or desired investment.
For stand-alone systems this tool allows to size the required PV power and battery capacity, given the load profile and the probability that the user will not be satisfied (("Loss of Load"LOL probability, or equivalently the desired "solar fraction").
For Pumping systems, given water requirements and a depth for pumping, and specifying some general technical options, this tool evaluates the pump power and PV array size needed. As for stand-alone systems, this sizing may be performed according to a specified probability that the water needs are not met over the year.
- Project Design : it aims to perform a thorough system design using detailed hourly simulations.
Within the framework of a "project", the user can perform different system simulation runs and compare them. He has to define the plane orientation (with the possibility of tracking planes or shed mounting), and to choose the specific system components. He is assisted in designing the PV array (number of PV modules in series and parallel), given a chosen inverter model, battery pack or pump.
In a second step, the user can specify more detailed parameters and analyze fine effects like thermal behavior, wiring, module quality, mismatch and incidence angle losses, horizon (far shading), or partial shadings of near objects on the array, an so on.
For pumping systems, several system designs may be tested and compared to each other, with a detailed analysis of the behaviors and efficiencies.
Results include several dozens of simulation variables, which may be displayed in monthly, daily or hourly values, and even transferred to other software. The "Loss Diagram" is particularly useful for identifying the weaknesses of the system design. An engineer report may be printed for each simulation run, including all parameters used for the simulation, and the main results.
A detailed economic evaluation can be performed using real component prices, any additional costs and investment conditions.
- Databases : the databases management - for meteorological data and PV components.
Creation and management of geographical sites, generation and visualization of hourly meteorological data, import of meteorological data from several predefined sources or from custom ASCII files.
Database management of manufacturers and PV components, including PV modules, Inverters, Regulators, Generators, Pumps, etc..
- Tools :
Measured data analysis : when a PV system is running and carefully monitored, this part (located in the "Tools" part) permits the import of measured data (in almost any ASCII format), to display tables and graphs of the actual performances, and to perform close comparisons with the simulated variables. This gives a mean of analyzing the real running parameters of the system, and identify even very small irregularities.
Included are also some specific tools useful when dealing with solar energy systems: tables and graphs of meteo data or solar geometry parameters, irradiation under a clear day model, PV-array behavior under partial shadings or module mismatch, optimizing tools for orientation or voltage, etc.

About PVsyst SA. PVsyst SA develops PVsyst, a software package and a pedagogical tool for architects, engineers, and researchers for the study of grid-connected photovoltaic systems. Its PVsyst software includes a contextual help that explains procedures and models used, and offers an approach with guide in development of a project. The company’s PVsyst software also imports meteo data from various sources and personal data. In addition, its PVsyst software provides results in the form of a full report, specific graphs, and tables, as well as data export for use in other software. PVsyst SA was incorporated in 2011 and is based in Satigny, Switzerland.

Product: PVsyst
Version: 6.68
Supported Architectures: x64
Website Home Page : www.pvsyst.com
Language: multilanguage
System Requirements: PC
Supported Operating Systems: Windows Vista or newer
Size: 185.8 mb