I'd be interested in knowing what designers and installers use for PV design software for grid tied and stand alone systems.
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Hi ridgeline,
Here are a couple links that may be of help:
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildin...bjects_sub.cfm
http://sketchup.google.com/ -
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RETScreen software
You can download RETScreen for free at www.retscreen.net. You have to sign up but it's free from the Canadian government.
It can be cumbersome to use, but the weather data is useful, and you can cut and paste easily into Excel to manipulate data.
Enjoy!Comment
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For solar design software, I'd recommend www.solardesigntool.com. It's easy to use and works really well.Comment
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Solar Panel Designer
Have you tried Solar Panel Designer?
You can get a Free trial here http://www.visualbuilder.co.uk/solarpanel.htm
Really easy to use and has some great tools designed specifically for Solar installers.
Some features below:
Worldwide graphical database
Design of PV and Solar in any grid
Automatic calculation of income
I hope this helpsComment
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Remote PV Solar Design using 3D models and imagery
SolarDesignTool now offers the capability to design systems remotely using 3D models. You just order a model and design the system, complete with an array layout. No site visit needed in order to create a preliminary design that you can use to close a deal. Super quick. The tool has come a long way in the last 3 years.Comment
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Originally posted by dmpolvo View PostSolarDesignTool now offers the capability to design systems remotely using 3D models. You just order a model and design the system, complete with an array layout. No site visit needed. Super quick. The tool has come a long way in the last 3 years.
No site visit needed my aching butt![SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Comment
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Originally posted by russ View PostThat is true office engineering! Sit in the chair, drive AutoCad or similar and declare what a wonderful job has been done while assigning the blame for screwups on others.
No site visit needed my aching butt!
It's just not green to be driving all over to come up with a ballpark (+/- 5%)
I've done enough of these to be able to get very close.
Of course a site visit is necessary to nail the cost down to the penny and make sure the system fits. (Google Earth is close but not dead on.)NABCEP certified Technical Sales Professional
[URL="http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showthread.php?5334-Solar-Off-Grid-Battery-Design"]http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showth...Battery-Design[/URL]
[URL]http://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop-calculator.html[/URL] (Voltage drop Calculator among others)
[URL="http://www.gaisma.com"]www.gaisma.com[/URL]Comment
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Originally posted by russ View PostThat is true office engineering! Sit in the chair, drive AutoCad or similar and declare what a wonderful job has been done while assigning the blame for screwups on others.
No site visit needed my aching butt!Comment
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Originally posted by dmpolvo View PostLol. Don't hate. I'll make an edit - No site visit needed for a *preliminary design* that can be used to close a deal. Of course, a site visit will be needed for a final design. These capabilities are needed if independent contractors want to compete with the big players. If you have any doubts, sign up and give it a shot. As long as there is quality ortho and oblique imagery available for the site, you'll be saving a ton of time and money not paying for gas and a half-day long site assessment for a project that may not even sell.
Anyone trying to close the sale of a system to a customer without having seen the actual rooftop/installation area is a fool and is trying to make a fool of the customer.
At a minimum, the customer should have a guaranteed all in price, production guarantees, work scope and an approximate installation schedule before signing anything.
What Rich said is correct that preliminary estimates can be done in the office - no problem. As far as Google - I guess in the states it is better but it gets real flaky around he world - If Columbus had Google earth to guide him he would have probably ended up in Nigeria.[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Comment
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Originally posted by russ View PostDon't know what the 'hate' stuff is - though I do admit to having an intense dislike for useless types.
Anyone trying to close the sale of a system to a customer without having seen the actual rooftop/installation area is a fool and is trying to make a fool of the customer.
At a minimum, the customer should have a guaranteed all in price, production guarantees, work scope and an approximate installation schedule before signing anything.
What Rich said is correct that preliminary estimates can be done in the office - no problem. As far as Google - I guess in the states it is better but it gets real flaky around he world - If Columbus had Google earth to guide him he would have probably ended up in Nigeria.Comment
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We get complaints from some of those customers that got screwed. Rules of the road for the customer as this is a lot of money -
1) Be wary - to many salesmen have no idea - last week they were selling ladies underwear
2) Don't sign anything without -
- a firm layout
- a firm equipment list with model numbers
- production guarantees
- known equipment guarantees
- an approximate schedule
- knowing the installation companies back ground - preferably references you can check
- a guarantee on roof repairs
- in writing that they take care of all paperwork required
3) Don't sign anything if the sales company has not seen your situation - there are many variables and if they run into extra expense many will cut corners somewhere - and you get screwed with zero recourse.
I am sure Rich or KRenn can add to the list - many points and please do - for the average guy they need to protect themselves.
If you sign a contract based on remote work only and later you have problems - it is your own damn fault! Some sales company are interested in their profit only.[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Comment
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