Software Packages We Use
Helioscope is a web-based software built specifically for solar. It is the solar industry's leading software platform to design high-performance solar arrays. With that simulation software, our solar developers and engineers do the process of designing and engineering solar power systems; generate reports identifying solar layouts and performance estimates, and create proposals. Helioscope’s features include PV array with 3D design, solar design, and sales, rapid proposals, bankable energy yield simulations, near-shading analysis and reports, single line diagrams, CAD-caliber layouts, up to 5MW systems, component library, global weather coverage, PAN file support, and more.
PVsyst is the most widely used industry-standard solar simulation software for the study, sizing, simulation, and data analysis of complete solar PV systems. As one of the oldest software existing for more than two decades, PVsyst can perform in-depth design and analysis; and generate detailed reports. The software has the functionality to simulate grid-connected, stand-alone, water pumping, and DC-grid PV systems. It also includes an extensive, built-in meteorological satellite database, PV System components databases, 3D shading scene analysis as well as general solar energy tools. Our engineers use PVSyst to analyze how much solar energy can be harvested into electrical energy from a particular site or location and to predict the financial performance of a solar power plant.
AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software commonly used for creating, modifying, and optimizing two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) designs for professional drafting with detailed measurement information about the conceptual design and layout of the product. Also in the solar industry, AutoCAD is one of the most widely-used designing software for solar PV design. Besides providing comprehensive project designs of the ground-mounted, rooftop, and carport, AutoCAD provides wire sizing, stringing, and single line diagram generation. Our solar engineers create precise 2D and 3D CAD solar panel drawings, plant layouts, and blueprints to help in the process of solar installation. Additionally, with AutoCAD, our solar engineers efficiently compare and contrast different array layouts for their various installations which helps to implement the optimal solar project.
SketchUp is a 3D modeling computer program for a broad range of drawing and design applications such as architectural, and interior design; industrial, product, and furniture design; and so on. Also in the solar field, SketchUp can be used to visualize the entire solar PV systems illustrating how the solar installation will appear and incorporate into the building properly before going onsite. Our PV system designers use SketchUp to draw a solar array, examine the virtual shade to know where and how a solar array is placed on a property, and provide the details visually of what impending shading concerns are evident.
Autodesk 3ds Max is a professional 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software built for creating 3D animations, models, interactive games, digital images, and other visual effects. Our solar engineers mainly use Autodesk 3ds Max for rendering impressive, and professional-quality photorealistic images of C&I rooftop or ground-mount solar projects, utility ground-mount solar projects, and utility battery projects in our engineering services such as Verified Views/ Photomontage and Artist Impression.
V-Ray is a 3D rendering plugin for 3D computer graphics software applications including SketchUp and Autodesk 3ds Max. Our solar engineers use V-Ray to create photorealistic models and real-time rendering of various solar projects including C&I rooftop or ground-mount, utility ground-mount, and utility battery projects in Autodesk 3ds Max. V-Ray has a complete set of lighting, shading, and rendering tools that can be utilized with Autodesk 3ds Max. Thus, V-Ray for Autodesk 3ds Max is the most complete production-proven 3D rendering software for high-end visualization and production.
QGIS (formerly Quantum GIS) is a user-friendly, professional, and open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) software, allowing users to visualize, analyze, manage, process, and edit geospatial data information, in addition to composing and exporting graphical, and printable maps. The volunteer-driven, open-source nature of QGIS promotes a high degree of quality control and benefits from the contributions of experts and users worldwide. QGIS supports both geospatial vector and raster file types and database formats. In the solar field, QGIS is used to map the solar potential in a specific region.
Google Earth is a geobrowser that accesses satellite and aerial imagery, topography, ocean bathymetry, and other geographic data over the internet to represent the comprehensive, and interactive earth as a three-dimensional globe. Google Earth Engine brings together more than 40 years of historical and current global satellite imagery. Our engineers use Google Earth in our solar engineering services as needed including Energy Assessment / Yield Modeling (PVsyst, Helioscope), GIS Profiling, Verified Views / Photomontage, and Artist Impression to get the aerial images and other information required for our projects.
Homer is an advanced software application developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the United States. This software application is used to design and evaluate the best financial options for off-grid and on-grid power systems. With HOMER’s optimization and sensitivity analysis algorithm, our engineers can significantly simplifies the design process for identifying least-cost options.
Aurora Solar is a powerful and advanced solar PV design and sales software commonly used by top solar companies. With the help of Aurora, our professional engineers are able to create robust designs and modeling installations. Furthermore, our engineers can generate accurate 3D models and deliver stunning visuals with the help of Google map and LIDAR shading technology offered by Aurora.
Solar Pro Tool is a powerful solar design and visualization tool used by many top solar developers and installers. Solar Pro tool offers a variety of modules and options, allowing our engineers to make robust designs and detailed simulations for deeper analysis. Based on the customer’s demand, Solar Pro Tools enables our engineers to provide the optimal solutions to any solar project.