So let’s dive into some important information about solar PV design and simulation software and understand a little more about what they are used for, how to choose one, and the key stages in designing PV systems. That’s why this software is so essential for solar designers, planners, or sales consultants in order to design accurate proposals for potential customers going solar. So we’ve compiled this list of free solar panel energy software, details of their best features, and who they are suited for and to help you choose the perfect design tool for the accurate design and simulation of your projects.Īs a solar power designer, I know how important it is to make systems that are energy-efficient and cost-effective. While there are many tools available for the design and analysis of solar energy (PV) systems, most of them cost more than $500 USD just for their basic packages. With more utilities shifting to an on demand pricing framework (means you pay more when energy is in higher demand), the cost efficiency of solar + batteries starts to make sense.Our team at Engineering Passion has researched solar design software tools that are both free and open-source that can be used to design and simulate residential and commercial solar power systems. The goal with hybrid systems is to help reduce your peak energy consumption during the day. Hybrid systems combine both the concept of off grid and on grid together for an easy “plug and play” solution. RV Solar kits are a grid example of off grid solar. However, there are disadvantages because off-grid systems require you to purchase back-up battery which can be expensive, bulky, and not very environmentally friendly which defeats the purpose of going solar (save money and live greener). This is appealing because you are 100% self-sustaining your energy use. Being grid-tied is beneficial because you don’t have to buy an expensive battery back-up system to store any excess energy.īeing off-grid means you are not connected in any way to your grid’s power system or utility company.
If you are producing more energy with your solar panels or system than you are using, the excess energy is sent to your grid’s power company, allowing you to build credit that you can cash out with at the end of the year, in a process called net metering. All this means for you is that your utility system acts as your battery space. This is what most residential homes will use because you are covered if your solar system under or over-produces in regard to your varying energy needs.
On-grid means your solar system is tied to your local utility company’s system.
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