PVcase product updates — November highlights

We’re excited to share some of the most anticipated updates to help PVcase users power solar projects. With these November updates, you can achieve faster, more accurate results today — no need to make them your New Year’s resolutions. So, let’s have a closer look at the major updates from the PVcase suite: Prospect, Ground Mount, Roof Mount, and Yield.

Table of Contents

1. PVcase Prospect updates
2. PVcase Ground Mount updates
3. PVcase Roof Mount updates
4. PVcase Yield updates

PVcase Prospect updates

1. Anderson Optimization transitions to PVcase

Starting December 6, 2024, Anderson Optimization logins will transition to PVcase as part of the ongoing brand merge. Your credentials remain unchanged — simply log in to continue working. Please contact your dedicated account manager if you have any questions. Applies to users worldwide.

2. PVcase Prospect’s Layouts feature preview

Improve your site selection process and streamline project proposals with PVcase Prospect’s new exclusive feature: Layouts.  This innovative tool offers layout visualizations and DC capacity estimates. Currently in beta testing and getting close to the official general release, Layouts will soon allow project developers worldwide to create early-stage designs for dozens of parcels — in mere seconds. Available globally.

3. Interconnection Capacity Report

Users in the United States can now seamlessly generate Interconnection Capacity Reports for any substation using the exclusive PVcase Prospect’s Capacity feature. This report delivers in-depth details about the substation, incorporates results from our N-1 injection study power flow modeling, highlights potential constraint scenarios, and more — with just a simple click on ‘Export PDF’ after selecting a substation from the Capacity dataset, users can create a complete report in moments. Available in the United States.

4. Capacity data refresh

With the latest Capacity data refresh, accessing the most up-to-date Capacity information has never been easier for U.S. users. Users can simply access the layer catalog for any region they’re subscribed to in the United States to discover the refreshed data. We’ve updated Capacity data for several states, integrating the latest base cases, queue assumptions, and power flow modeling insights. This ensures users have the most current and comprehensive information. Available in the United States.

• AECI 
• WECC states
  • AZ
  • CO
  • NM
  • NV
  • UT
  • WY

5. LMP Basis Calculations

Users in the United States can now access Basis Calculations in PVcase Prospect through the LMP Data premium dataset. These calculations are pivotal for assessing project development’s economic viability and potential risks by offering relative price comparisons of LMP data nodes and hubs within your region. Available nationwide, LMP Basis Calculations include comprehensive data from the past three years, providing invaluable insights for making smarter, more informed decisions. Available in the United States.

6. Access project data via REST API

Effortlessly integrate PVcase Prospect with internal systems using new REST API, designed specifically for large-scale developers seeking efficient data management solutions. This API is currently in its beta version, allowing users to streamline operations and improve productivity. Available globally.

PVcase Ground Mount updates

1. Improved Terrain-Following Tracker (TFT) placement

Gain a competitive edge in your projects with PVcase Ground Mount’s improved Terrain-Following Tracker (TFT) placement. An updated layout generation algorithm for Terrain-Following Trackers delivers superior performance on rough terrain, ensuring a more realistic placement while significantly reducing ground grading volumes compared to previous versions. Learn more.

2. 2D Roads: automatic cross-sections & T-junctions

Thanks to an improved 2D Roads functionality, users can now effortlessly generate cross-sections and T-junctions at road intersections, saving valuable time and ensuring pinpoint accuracy. With added support for circular roads, it is possible to explore more creative and flexible design options. Curious to learn more? Read more.

3. Voltage Drop and Cable Sizing

The new Voltage Drop and Cable Sizing functionality allows users to effortlessly set the maximum voltage drop allowed in the solar park — and lets our system handle the rest. In no time, review the recommended cable cross sections directly in the SLDs, along with precise voltage drop estimations included in the Bill of Materials (BoM). Learn more.

4. Copy/paste of electrical designs

The latest update allows users to design and optimize the transformer block just once and then effortlessly replicate that design across the entire layout. This feature significantly accelerates the electrical design process, especially when working on extensive sites, by enabling users to copy-paste throughout the layout conveniently. Get to know more in our Release Notes.

PVcase Roof Mount product updates

1. Voltage Drop Calculation

The Voltage Drop Calculation feature allows users to manage voltage drop and cable sizing directly within the PVcase Roof Mount software, eliminating the need for external calculations. This functionality is crucial for maintaining control over these technical details, significantly boosting overall project efficiency. Find out more.

2. Convert designs to PVcase Roof Mount

This new update simplifies the design workflow by transforming preliminary roof and layout data into PVcase objects, minimizing data-loss risks and ensuring flawless design continuity. Users can seamlessly convert existing drawings created with other tools directly into the PVcase Roof Mount, making it possible to dive straight into detailed design. Users can convert roofs, roof shading objects, and modules. Learn more.

3. Energy simulation

PVcase Roof Mount now includes energy simulation in the application, enabling users to get preliminary energy estimates for designs right from the get-go. This feature leverages the detailed irradiance analysis by PVcase Yield’s ray tracing technology, which can tackle the most complex scenarios of rooftop designs. With this Beta release, users can quickly assess the potential energy yield of the rooftop system directly within the PVcase Roof Mount, gaining valuable insights early in the design phase. Find out more. 

PVcase Yield product updates

1. Torque tube inclusion

Introducing an innovative feature that empowers users to incorporate the tracker torque tube into their simulations. This improvement ensures precise modeling by including the structural components of single-axis trackers, resulting in more accurate simulations of rear-side shading. Read more.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our November highlights, we are thrilled to present these powerful updates from the PVcase suite, designed to accelerate your solar project development just in time for the holiday season. Happy holidays, and stay tuned for next month’s updates!