In PV Designer, can modules be drawn Portrait and Landscape in the same layout view?
Yes. When you add modules you can define whether they are Portrait or Landscape. When using Add Module, it is defaulted as Portrait. With AutoLayout, you can choose Portrait or Landscape. Once they are in the layout, you can select a Module or Modules and change their layout by selecting the desired Orientation. When orientation […]
The software on your connected Solmetric SunEye device is out of date
When you install SunEye software Version 3.0 or higher, there is a feature that lets you SKIP the device installation. If you did that, it may be that the device is still at a previous revision. Check the device version (on device, Sun (Main Menu), Tools, About Solmetric SunEye)? If it is a previous version, […]
Can PV Designer estimate systems with microinverters?
Yes, PV Designer supports designs using microinverters. However, the interface has a limitation where it is difficult to add inverters outside of the Design Guide. When specifying a new design, enter the maximum number of inverters you expect to use and delete any unnecessary inverters as needed. When doing the design, specify the same number […]
Can the SunEye GPS option be used to locate the SunEye readings for the PV Designer?
The SunEye GPS option provides location information for each Skyline. This can then be used to view the locations and data within Google Earth(TM), via a .kmz file in the report. The resolution of the GPS location is about 3meters. Normally PV Designer applications require more exact location specifications of the distance. Although it may […]
The PV Designer report will not operate during the trial period.
Reports can only be generated by PV Designer with a valid and activated license.
My array plane in the layout view has turned yellow. Why? Can I remove that?
The Insolation can be turned on or off under the Insolation tab in the Layout area. If there are no skylines or only one skyline, then the array plane may be entirely yellow. To return it to the normal brown color, un-select Show Insolation under the Insolation tab.
Can I access image files for the Layout and Site view?
Specific image files are not available from PV Designer for the Layout View or Site View. To capture an image from the screen, you can Maximize that view so that it fills up the PV Designer window. Then using the Alt-PrtScn (hold down Alt and press PrtScn) the PV Designer window is copied as an […]
How many SunEye skylines are needed in PV Designer?
It depends on the nature of the obstructions. In general, we recommend that there be readings at the four corners of the array area (or the array plane). In addition skylines should be taken at the points on the array plane closest to obstructions. Also skylines should probably be taken every 20 feet or so. […]
How many SunEye skylines can I put on a plane?
Multiple SunEye skylines can be put on the array plane using the Shade selection in the Layout menu. The skyline data is interpolated across the array area for energy calculations and across the array plane for the color insolation chart. These calculations may take longer with more skylines, so the practical limit may be 20 […]
Can I use PV Designer on more than one computer?
Each PV Designer ID and password combination is tied to a single computer. To use additional computers requires additional licenses. Note that the Solmetric SunEye Desktop software is different, and CAN be run on multiple computers. Note that both require the Solmetric SunEye data for operation.