PVOptimize is ...
a Windows based sofware application that installs on your computer. PVOptimize allows you to keep data about hundreds of proposed PV systems on your hard disk. Use it to analyze different PV project scenarios and compare cost per kilowatt hour. It does not require an internet connection so you can use it at your customer's site. Perform quick analysis while meeting with your customer ... an impressive sales tool!
PVOptimize also save hundreds of hours, and therefore thousands of dollars, by
automating tedious analysis tasks. Its features include:
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Stores basic information about PV solar system projects including project name, customer name, contact information and so forth.
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Stores system parameters such as general regional location,
the tilt of the panels, azimuth, panel shading by month ,
etc.
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Includes regional data from PVWatts predicting hourly system output for every day of an entire
year. Allows tilt, and azimuth to be specified. Also allows import of data for unusal configurations directly from PVWATTS web site.
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Estimates annual PV produciton based on PV module quantity and brand/model. Includes panel lists by brand and model as well as CEC rating.
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Adjusts predicted PV System output due to shading, panel soiling and other factors as is required for California CSI rebates.
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Captures data from a Solmetric Suneye ( www.solmetric.com ). Also accomodates entry of data from Solar Pathfinder trace diagrams.
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Allows for entry of a customer’s electric utility usage history from prior utility bills to help predict future electric consumption.
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For new contruction where no historic consumption data is available, PVOptimize accomodates entry of predicted electrical consumption
based on Title 24 reports and other demand calculators such as that provided by Lawrence
Berkeley Laboratory ( http://hes.lbl.gov/ ).
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Predicts the approximate annual charges and credits that will be generated from tying
to the grid based on the selected utility vendor’s rate plan. This includes calculations
for "time of use" plans with tiered rates.
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Includes common California utilities regional rate tables for various rate plans.
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Allows for user input of unusual or new rate tables.
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Helps you calculates the number of modules required to generate a targeted number
of kilowatts. Allows you to tweak the system size until the projected annual utility bill reaches zero,
