Introduction to PVSyst Software and

Simulation

Engr. Justiniano Menes Jr.

March 30, 2025
Course Outline
• Overview of PVSyst
• Navigating the PVSyst Interface
• Designing a Solar PV System in PVSyst
• Running Simulations and Analyzing Results
• Advanced Features and Reporting
 • PVSyst is a widely used software for photovoltaic (PV) system design and energy
yield simulation.
• Developed for engineers, researchers, and professionals in the solar industry.
I. Overview of PVSyst • Helps in feasibility studies, system sizing, and performance analysis of PV
systems.
Purpose and Applications
in Solar Energy

• Primary Purpose: Simulating and optimizing

PV system performance before installation.

• Applications:
• Solar farm feasibility studies
• Grid-connected and off-grid system design
• Performance prediction and energy yield
estimation
• Financial analysis and return on investment
(ROI) calculations
Key Features and
Capabilities
• System Design: Define PV module, inverter, and
environmental conditions.
• Energy Simulation: Hourly and long-term
energy production estimates.
• Losses & Performance Analysis: Identify energy
losses at various stages.
• Meteo Data Integration: Import solar radiation
data from databases.
• Financial Analysis: Predict financial viability of
projects.
• Shading Analysis: Evaluate losses due to
shading effects.
System Requirements and
Installation
Minimum System Requirements:
• Minimum System Requirements:
• Windows OS (7, 8, 10, 11)
• Minimum 4GB RAM (8GB recommended)
• 500MB free disk space
• Internet connection for updates and database access

Installation procedure:

1. Download the 2. Run the 4. Configure

3. Activate the
software from installer and meteorological
software using a
the official follow on-screen data sources for
valid license.
PVSyst website. instructions. simulations.
II. Navigating the PVSyst
Interface
Understanding Modules, Workspace, and
Data Management
Main Modules in PVSyst

• Project Design: Core module for defining PV

system components and running simulations.
• Database: Stores PV module, inverter, and
meteorological data. Users can add or modify
entries.
• Tools: Provides utilities for shading analysis,
horizon profiles, and performance
calculations.
• Help: Offers documentation, tutorials, and
technical support for users.
Understanding the
Workspace and Key Menus
1. Project Tab:
The Project tab is where you define the overall project details.
You can create a new project, set its location, and configure
global parameters. It includes general information like project
name, client details, and simulation objectives. This is where
you select or create different Variants (different configurations
of the same project).

2. Variant Tab:
The Variant tab is where you configure a specific system
design.
A project can have multiple Variants, each representing a
different system design scenario. This is where you define PV
system components (modules, inverters, batteries, etc.),
shading scenes, and system losses. You can compare
different Variants to optimize your design.
Importing and Managing
Meteorological Data
• Steps to Import Data:
1. Open the Database module.
2. Select Meteo Database and choose a data source.
3. Import data from sources like NASA-SSE, Meteonorm,
or PVGIS.
4. Manually input custom meteorological data if needed.
5. Save and verify data integrity before using it in
simulations.

• Managing Data:
Users can edit, update, and validate meteorological
records.
Data is used to estimate solar irradiation, temperature,
and system performance.
III. Designing a Solar PV
System in PVSyst
From Project Parameters to Design
Optimization
 • To start designing a PV system in PVSyst, key parameters must be
defined:
1. Location Selection: Choose site coordinates using global
databases (NASA-SSE, Meteonorm, PVGIS). Import or manually
Defining enter meteorological data (solar irradiation, temperature, wind
speed).
Project 2. Climate Data: Assess average annual solar radiation and
seasonal variations. Consider shading, temperature coefficients,
Parameters and humidity effects.
3. System Type:
• Grid-connected: Solar system connected to the utility grid
• Off-grid: Standalone system with battery storage.
• Hybrid: Combination of PV, batteries, and backup generators.
 After defining project parameters, the next step is
selecting system components:
Selecting 1. PV Modules: Choose from PVSyst’s extensive
database or add custom module
Components (PV specifications. Consider efficiency, power
rating, and temperature coefficients.

Modules, Inverters, 2. Inverters: Select appropriate inverters based

on system size and compatibility. Check
Batteries) efficiency, input voltage range, and power
capacity.
3. Batteries (for off-grid and hybrid systems):
Define storage capacity, depth of discharge
(DoD), and battery type (Li-ion, lead-acid).
Optimize battery autonomy based on load
demand and charging cycles.
 To maximize system efficiency, PVSyst provides various
design optimization tools:
Component 1. Array Sizing & Orientation: Adjust tilt angle and
selection azimuth for optimal solar exposure. Perform shading
analysis to minimize losses.
interface in 2. Energy Loss Analysis: Evaluate system losses due to
shading, wiring, inverter inefficiencies, and
PVSyst temperature. Optimize layout to reduce performance
losses.
3. Performance Simulation: Run simulations to analyze
energy output, payback period, and ROI. Compare
different design scenarios for the best performance.
IV. Running Simulations
and Analyzing Results
Interpreting results, and mitigating losses.
Interpreting Key
Output Metrics
Performance Ratio (PR)
Measures system efficiency by comparing actual
vs. theoretical energy output.
PR = (Energy Delivered / Energy Available from
Sun) * 100%.
Higher PR indicates better system efficiency.

Energy Yield
Total energy output over a specific period (kWh).
Influenced by weather conditions, system design,
and losses.
Interpreting Key
Output Metrics

Loss Diagram Analysis

Identifies losses at each stage: shading,
inverter losses, temperature effects,
etc. Helps diagnose performance
bottlenecks.
 1. Shading Losses

Identifying and Impact: Reduces panel efficiency significantly.

Mitigation: Optimize panel placement, use micro-inverters
Mitigating or optimizers.

Potential 2. Soiling and Dirt Accumulation

System Impact: Dust, snow, and debris can reduce energy output.

Losses Mitigation: Regular cleaning and maintenance schedules.

3. Electrical and Temperature Losses

Impact: Wiring resistance and high temperatures can
cause efficiency drops.
Mitigation: Use high-quality cables, optimize inverter
placement, and ensure proper ventilation.
V. Advanced Features and
Reporting
Financial analysis, report customization,
and data export.
Financial Analysis and
Economic Evaluation
1. Cost Analysis
i. Initial investment: Panels, inverters, wiring,
labor, and installation costs.
ii. Operational costs: Maintenance, cleaning,
insurance, and degradation effects.
iii. Incentives: Government subsidies, tax
credits, and feed-in tariffs.
2. Return on Investment (ROI) and Payback Period
i. Calculates how long it takes to recover the
initial investment.
ii. Key factors: Energy savings, electricity prices,
system efficiency.
iii. Helps in decision-making for project
feasibility.
3. Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)
i. Determines the cost of energy produced over
the system’s lifetime.
ii. LCOE = Total system cost / Total energy
output (kWh).
iii. Lower LCOE means a more cost-effective
system.
Customizing Reports
and Exporting Data
1. Generating Reports
i. PVSyst offers built-in reporting tools for system
performance and financial analysis.
ii. Reports include system specifications, energy yield
analysis, and economic projections.
iii. Useful for investors, engineers, and stakeholders.

2. Customizing Reports
i. Users can modify reports to highlight key
performance indicators.
ii. Options to include graphs, loss diagrams, financial
summaries.
iii. Tailor reports for different audiences (technical vs.
non-technical).

3. Exporting Data for Further Analysis

i. Export results in various formats: Excel, CSV, PDF,
and images.
ii. Data can be used for additional financial modeling
or presentations.
iii. Integrates with external tools for deeper analysis.
Question and Answer
End of Presentation
Thank you.