Which meteorology and topography data sources are compatible?

pvDesign provides default data sources regarding site topography (Google Earth), meteorological data (PVGIS 5, NASA SSE and NASA Power), horizon profile and albedo data (NASA MODIS).

Can I upload my own topography, meteorological data and albedo data sources?

Yes. You can upload your own topography data in a CSV file as well as yours own TMYs from SolarGIS, Meteonorm, Solaranywhere, and PVGIS 5. Meteorological data can also be uploaded by modifying a generic example file. In addition, users can create a custom albedo profile with monthly resolution.

How do I define a site in pvDesign?

In pvDesign, a site is defined by uploading a .kml or .kmz extension file.

What counts as a project in pvDesign?

In pvDesign, we define a project as a given area extension within which unlimited designs can be simulated.

Seamless planning of your solar photovoltaic projects

Design your PV plant using only your site definition. pvDesign provides available sources regarding topography, meteorology, horizon profile, and even surface albedo. Nevertheless, you will also have the option to upload your own data.

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Easily define your site

Define the available areas (where you want pvDesign to install structures), the restricted areas (where you do not want to install structures within your available areas), your substation area, your main and secondary access points to each Available Area, and the MV cables delivery point in your substation. Also, you can upload your site in a kml or kmz format.

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Define your topography data

Select the topography available in pvDesign (Google Earth) or upload your own in a csv file with the elevation data.

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Pick your meteorological data

Choose the meteorological source you want to use for your energy production estimations from our catalog or upload your own—pvDesign accepts SolarGIS, Meteonorm, Solaranywhere, and NREL TMYs files as well as any other file following pvDesign formatting.

Open source data streams like PVGIS or NASA Power

Bankable premium meteorological data sources like SolarAnyhere

Bring your own TMY with a .csv file

Learn more

Select surface albedo

As a last step, you will need to select the surface albedo. We provide a satellite albedo source (NASA MODIS), standard values (grass, sand, snow) or create your own albedo data with monthly values.

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Sharing is caring

Stop emailing project files with colleagues and mess it up with document versions. Access, clone, iterate, and compare site projects across the entire organization. All plans include unlimited seats.

Tailored for solar PV

By gathering accurate irradiance data, the LCOE for your ground-mounted PV project is solid.

Multiplayer enabled

All our plans come with unlimited users and allow for creating as many designs per project as needed.

Lives in the cloud

pvDesign is efficient and scalable. It offers a SaaS deployment model to push new features instantly. Leave to our experienced team the hassle of maintaining the software. It enables you to grow as you go. Login and work on your browser.

Glocally accepted

Both input and output data and insights follow domestic standards, such as the IEEE SA, IEC, NEC or Standards Australia for electrical or cable sizing. Seamlessly adapt your results to your specific needs.

Making it simple

pvDesign bridges the gap between technical and non-technical users. So both types of roles can perform complex calculations and analysis in minutes with a very intuitive and user-friendly interface and recommended parameters included.