Best PV Design Software In the UK

Akshay VR -

As the usage of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems increases, PV design software is becoming more widespread in the UK.

With the use of these software tools, designers can accurately predict solar energy output and calculate the financial returns of a proposed system, which is helpful for planning and optimizing the photovoltaic-performance.

Here are some of the ways in which PV design software is popular and useful in the UK:

  1. Increased Efficiency and Accuracy: With the use of PV design software, designers can more precisely predict how well a PV system will perform, taking into account variables like shading, orientation, and module efficiency. As a result, system designs become more precise and effective, guaranteeing that solar energy output is optimized and that financial benefits are maximized.
  2. Enhanced cost-effectiveness: PV design software enables designers to assess the economic benefits of a suggested PV system. The determination of payback times, return on investment, and other financial indicators is part of this process, which aids designers in choosing the most economical design solutions.
  3. Reduced Time and Costs: The time and money needed for manual calculations and system designs are lowered with the usage of PV design software. The creation of numerous system designs and their comparison are made simpler by automated estimates of energy production and financial indicators, resulting in quicker and more effective design procedures.
  4. Regulation Compliance: PV design software is created to adhere to UK norms and regulations for PV systems. Designers may make sure that the PV systems they are proposing comply with all applicable safety and performance requirements and qualify for incentives like Feed-in Tariffs and Renewable Obligation Certificates.
  5. Continuous Monitoring and Maintenance: Some PV design software comes with capabilities for monitoring and upkeep, allowing system owners to keep tabs on the continuous operation of their PV system. This aids in locating problems or inefficiencies and offers suggestions for routine maintenance or system enhancements.

The choice of PV design software will rely on a number of elements, including as the designer's unique demands, the scope and complexity of the project, and the available funds.

There are several popular photovoltaic (PV) design software programs used in the UK. Here are some of the top ones:

ARKA 360

A cloud-based software platform called ARKA 360 was created to make the installation of solar panels more efficient. From the first site inspection through the actual installation, it offers a set of tools for solar experts to design, plan,  budget for, and manage solar projects.

Features

  1. Site Assessment and Design: Using satellite photos of the potential location, users of ARKA 360 may carry out a site evaluation. The program then examines the photographs to decide where the solar panels should be placed and calculates the system's potential energy production. Then, users can make intricate solar panel layouts and determine system specifications using the platform's design tools.
  2. Generation of proposals: Using ARKA 360, users may produce polished proposals for clients that contain system specs, projections for the amount of energy they will produce, and financial analysis.
  3. Project Management: To assist users in following the development of solar projects, ARKA 360 offers project management tools. Users may plan installation activities using the platform, which maintains client relations and offers real-time information on project status.
  4. Financial Analysis: The program comes with a number of tools for financial analysis that let users estimate the financial gains from a potential solar installation. This involves figuring out the payback period, ROI, and energy savings.

Pricing:

  1. The Lite plan costs $99/month paid annually or $149/month paid monthly. Basic project planning and report creation are part of this plan.
  2. The Basic plan costs $129/month paid annually or $169/month paid monthly. This plan allows for an unlimited number of residential and business projects.
  3. The Premium plan costs $169/month paid annually or $199/month paid monthly. Advanced processes, permissions, and 3D exports are all part of this strategy.

Availability:

Desktops, laptops, tablets, and cell phones are the devices that can utilize theARKA 360 software application.

Website: https://arka360.com/

Rating: 4.8/ 5

Ease of Use

  1. Streamlines the solar panel installation process
  2. Simplifies the design and estimation process
  3. Enables solar professionals to create accurate and professional proposals
  4. Provides real-time updates on project progress

Limitations:

ARKA 360 application is only available in English till now.

PVSOL

PVSOL is a widely-used software for simulating and optimizing the performance of photovoltaic systems. It allows designers to calculate energy yield, system efficiency, and financial returns, and provides detailed reports and diagrams.

Features:

  1. 3D shading analysis: PVSOL allows users to create a 3D model of the solar installation site and analyze shading from trees, buildings, or other obstructions.
  2. Electrical design: PVSOL enables users to design the electrical system of a solar PV project, including inverter sizing, string layout, and cable sizing.
  3. Performance analysis: PVSOL allows users to simulate the performance of a solar PV system based on local weather data and the specific design of the system.
  4. Financial analysis: PVSOL includes a financial analysis tool that allows users to calculate the economic returns of a solar PV project.

Pricing:

PVSOL-

  1. Full License- 759.59 GBP( Use 2D technology for precise and realistic PV system design.)
  2. Software Maintenance- 137.02 GBP( This annual maintenance fee includes all program and database updates.)

PVSOL Premium-

  1. Full License- 1,100.26 GBP( Get to use 3D technology for precise and realistic PV system design)
  2. Software Maintenance- 198.20 GBP( This annual maintenance fee includes all program and database updates.)

Availability:

Windows Vista, Windows 7 (latest service packs each), Windows 8, Windows 10

Website: https://pvsol.software/en/

Rating: 4.5/ 5

Ease of Use:

  1. Accurate simulation of solar PV system performance
  2. Allows users to optimize system design and orientation for maximum energy yield
  3. Provides detailed shading analysis to identify potential energy losses
  4. Includes a financial analysis tool to assess the economic viability of a solar PV project

Limitation:

Only available as a desktop application, which may limit collaboration between team members

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PVsyst

In order to develop, analyze, and optimize solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, a software program called PVsyst was created.

For modelling and simulating PV systems of various sizes, from modest residential installations to big commercial and utility-scale projects, it offers a wide variety of capabilities.

To provide very exact results, the program makes advantage of comprehensive data on system elements, shading, orientation, and ambient factors.

Feature:

  1. System modelling in depth: PVsyst enables users to construct thorough 3D models of PV systems, which can include solar panels, inverters, and other parts. This model is used by the program to simulate how the system would behave in certain scenarios.
  2. Performance evaluation: Using PVsyst, users may evaluate a solar PV system's performance in relation to its design, orientation, shading, and environmental factors. The program offers thorough data on energy generation, waste, and system effectiveness.
  3. Financial analysis: The PVsyst software comes with a robust financial analysis tool that enables users to compute the financial benefits of a solar PV project, including payback periods, return on investment, and cash flow analysis.
  4. Database of components: PVsyst contains a significant database of solar PV parts, such as batteries, inverters, and panels. Users are then able to choose the parts that are compatible with each other and are best suited for their project.

Pricing:

PVsyst 7 Professional- CHF 600.-per year( Unlimited features and Unrestricted access to components database.)

Availability:

PVsyst can be used on PC.

Website: https://www.pvsyst.com/

Rating: 4.7/ 5

Ease of Use:

  1. Suitable for both residential and commercial solar PV installations
  2. Comprehensive financial analysis tool
  3. Detailed component database
  4. Wide range of simulation options and customization settings

Limitation:

May not be suitable for complex solar PV projects with unique requirements

HelioScope

A web-based software platform called HelioScope was created for the planning and evaluation of solar PV projects. To precisely simulate solar PV systems, including modules, inverters, batteries, and other components, the program makes use of cutting-edge algorithms and data analytics.

Features:

  1. Database of components: HelioScope provides a vast database of solar PV parts, including modules, inverters, batteries, and other things. Users are then able to choose the parts that are compatible with each other and are best suited for their project.
  2. Collaboration: The program enables collaboration and streamlines project management by allowing numerous users to work on the same project at once.
  3. Modelling a complex system: HelioScope enables users to build complex 3D models of solar PV systems that incorporate module layouts, shading analyses, and projected energy output.
  4. Analysis of system performance: The program offers thorough data on system performance, including energy output, system losses, and overall effectiveness.

Pricing:

  1. Basic- £118.95 (For Individuals)
  2. Custom Pricing- For Teams and Companies.

Availability:

Helioscope is accessible from any computer with an internet connection and a web browser.

Website: https://helioscope.aurorasolar.com/

Rating: 4.7/ 5

Ease of Use:

  1. Highly accurate simulation of solar PV system performance
  2. Comprehensive financial analysis tool
  3. Detailed component database
  4. Web-based platform accessible from anywhere with an internet connection

Limitation:

May not be as customizable as some desktop-based software tools

SolarDesignTool

SolarDesignTool is a web-based PV design software that allows designers to create accurate system layouts and perform detailed financial analysis. It offers a range of features including shading analysis, system sizing, and module selection.

Features:

  1. System modelling: Using SolarDesignTool, users may build intricate models of solar PV systems that include details like string sizing, module and inverter specs, and system architecture.
  2. Performance analysis: To assist customers in optimizing their designs, the programme offers precise energy yield estimates, performance ratios, and other important indicators.
  3. Financial analysis: SolarDesignTool is a robust financial analysis tool that enables users to compute the financial benefits of their solar PV project, including payback periods, return on investment, and cash flow analysis.
  4. Shading analysis: The program comes with a tool for shading analysis that enables users to locate and calculate shading losses in their designs, which aids in enhancing system efficiency.

Pricing:

Permit packages are priced at £67.57

Availability:

Although it is designed with desktop and laptop computers in mind, SolarDesignTool can also be used on mobile devices with smaller screens.

Website: https://get.solardesigntool.com/

Rating: 4.2/ 5

Ease of Use:

  1. Comprehensive financial analysis tool.
  2. Accurate system modeling and performance analysis.
  3. Customizable reporting features.
  4. Web-based platform accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Limitation:

May not be suitable for large-scale solar PV projects with complex requirements.

Conclusion

Several PV design software tools are readily available in the UK market, and they offer dependable and effective solutions for solar PV design and simulation.

Users should select the software tool that best meets their individual project needs and design objectives because each one has its own special features, benefits, and limits.

By offering precise energy output predictions, financial analysis, and improved system performance, these software tools have considerably aided the expansion of the solar sector in the UK.

The usage of PV design software is projected to proliferate as the need for renewable energy rises, resulting in future solar PV designs that are even more effective and economical.