PVcase’s spring product updates: what’s new

It’s been a busy few months here at PVcase, and we’re excited to present the latest updates to our product platform. From creating layouts automatically for multiple parcels to optimizing ground mount layouts with enhanced shading calculations and streamlining yield analysis with CdTe thin-film module support — these releases directly address user feedback and industry needs.

Discover how these features can help you automate workflows, remove manual errors, simplify, and speed up your solar development process.

Table of contents

1. PVcase Prospect
2. PVcase Ground Mount
3. PVcase Yield
4. PVcase Roof Mount
5. See the new updates in action

PVcase Prospect

1. Bulk import files 

Kickstart your projects with our new bulk parcel import feature. You can add numerous parcels using ID, address, or latitude/longitude and enrich them with detailed PVcase Prospect data. This time-saving enhancement eliminates manual data entry, reduces errors, and accelerates project setup.

2. Fiber data

Selecting the ideal site for a data center has never been easier: PVcase Prospect’s new integrated fiber data offers exclusive information on fiber infrastructure, high-capacity fiber routes, and network providers, thus eliminating the need for manual comparisons. 

Powered by data from partnerships with Rextag and FiberLocator, this feature improves accuracy and accelerates the whole site selection process by consolidating critical connectivity

3. Zoning data 

Our latest zoning data feature provides a clear overview of zoning regulations for potential development sites directly within PVcase Prospect. Zoning data is available as a layer within the layer catalog so users can eliminate hours of manual research and make smart and fast land acquisition decisions.

4. Multi-layer geo package self-serve import

Streamline your GIS data integration with the new multi-layer geo package self-serve import feature. You can now save GeoPackages as custom layers on specific projects, parcels, states, or for your entire company. This functionality has been conceived as an easy path for moving critical GIS data from QGIS into PVcase Prospect, reducing friction and saving time.

5. Capacity report V3 

“Fail fast, succeed faster” is the reigning philosophy when navigating the initial stages of a solar project. PVcase Prospect’s concise, scenario-specific Capacity report insights constitute the next step towards ensuring said success. So, drop the time-consuming data analysis and use summaries of load data, pre-existing constraints, and interconnection upgrades instead. 

The feature, available exclusively to Premium Capacity subscribers, accelerates project evaluation and enables faster “go/no-go” decisions by delivering critical information directly within PVcase Prospect.

6. Layout visualizations and DC capacity estimates

Thanks to our Layout visualizations and DC capacity estimates feature, selecting the ideal site for your project will be much quicker. Users can automatically create layouts for multiple parcels and obtain quick estimates of DC capacity, providing a more accurate estimate of DC capacity than rule-of-thumb calculations and seamlessly integrating layout generation into the PVcase Prospect site selection platform.

7. Permitting

Reduce project risk and accelerate timelines with Permit Analysis, a PVcase Prospect feature that delivers instant, automated federal environmental permit checks on parcels of interest. With it, you’ll gain early, actionable insights to identify potential roadblocks proactively, make informed site selection decisions, and free up valuable resources, ultimately improving project predictability.

PVcase Ground Mount

1. Layout generation

Optimized mode for fixed-tilt & east-west

Minimize grading costs and maximize design efficiency with the Optimized Mode for fixed-tilt and east-west ground mount systems. This PVcase Ground Mount feature automates frame placement to reduce grading volumes while adhering to critical clearance requirements, resulting in faster design processes, lower construction costs, and improved project ROI.

Improved shading limit calculations

You can now pack more DC capacity onto sites while staying within acceptable shading limits. Improved shading calculation lets you find the optimal layouts more quickly while considering terrain variations. This component uses precise 3D terrain-aware calculations, enabling higher energy yields and maximizing site utilization. 

Structural gaps for fixed-tilt & east-west

Gain unparalleled control over your ground mount designs with the new structural gap specification capability. With its accurate representation of mounting structures, you’ll get precise cost estimations and improved collaboration with groundworks and structural teams.

2. Electrical overview

Added cross-sectional area and voltage drop

Our improved electrical overview section provides key metrics directly within the platform, eliminating manual data exports and spreadsheet manipulation. In short, it allows you to make faster, more informed decisions.

DC main/string separation for combiner-inverter-transformer setup

Independently configure DC main and DC string cabling for combiner-inverter-transformer setups, optimizing system performance, improving cost estimations, and simplifying installation with granular control over cable characteristics.

Voltage drop: NEC resistance values added

We’ve refined the underlying resistance values for Copper and Aluminum to accurately reflect the NEC’s requirements, bridging the gap between IEC (European) and NEC (US) standards. The result: you can calculate voltage drop precisely for your US electrical designs.

Frame groups can be used to select strings

This seemingly minor update, which allows you to use existing frame groups to select strings quickly, will help you expedite the entire electrical design. Enhancements to the frame grouping feature make it easier to reuse defined groups and, therefore — simplify the process of adding electrical devices to an existing frame group power station.

3. Export and synchronization

Export terrain surface in LandXML format

Civil workflows are now much simpler, thanks to smooth data transfer. New LandXML export allows users to confidently transfer terrain data for detailed civil engineering. The functionality ensures accurate surface representation and precise volume calculations, eliminating manual re-triangulation.

Export to Web viewer is now generally available 

The “Export to Web viewer” addition enables you to share your PV designs with your colleagues effortlessly via a simple web link. Your team can now collaborate and provide feedback without the hassle of complex file transfers or workarounds.

Sync AutoCAD and PVcase Ground Mount units

Consistent input data is one of the most common pain points when designing ground-mounted solar projects. In an ongoing effort to solve this, we’ve developed a new one-click sync feature to ensure unit consistency between AutoCAD and PVcase Ground Mount — another step towards eliminating the risk of costly rework due to manual errors and unit mismatches.

PVcase Yield

1. Company-level library solution

Thanks to our new Company-level Library, PVcase Yield provides a clear overview of your module, inverter, and overall component management. A centralized repository makes finding, sharing, and reusing components easy, fostering team collaboration and ensuring design consistency.

2. Integration of Thin film module types (CdTe) in simulation

The days of vague yield estimations are over. From now on, you can accurately model and evaluate thin-film technology directly within our enhanced module input modal while seamlessly adjusting the Temperature Coefficient of Maximum Power. This powerful feature enables you to identify and select specific CdTe cell types while simplifying the parameter-setting process and offering comprehensive performance insights.

In other words, you’ll get module simulations and energy output predictions closely replicating real-world results. 

3. Inverter model update for temperature derating

This update provides detailed control and insight into inverter behavior under varying temperatures. Consequently, it ensures accurate energy yield predictions and optimized system design.

4. Better export functionality

You can now seamlessly combine multiple CSV files of results into a single, organized XLSX file. Additionally, relevant information from the existing results table is now included directly in the CSV files. Use it to capture data comprehensively and simplify analysis and reporting.

PVcase Roof Mount

1. Convert to PVcase (from PVsol)

Stop recreating designs from scratch. Our new conversion feature offers a seamless transfer of PVsol projects seamlessly to PVcase Roof Mount. Import PVsol (.pvprj) files directly, and the feature will automatically convert supported objects, saving countless hours of redundant work.

2. Additional options for Induction loop on

The newly expanded “Induction loop on” settings provide further control of your cabling design. You can gain granular control over string connections, ensure consistent cable lengths, and improve BOM accuracy.

3. String assignment update

A further step towards automation and increased efficiency: improved functionality intelligently assigns strings to inverters, preventing unassigned strings and arranging even distribution for optimal system performance. 

4. Convert 3D polylines into PVcase roof objects

Transform 3D polylines into precise roof objects effortlessly with the long-awaited  “Convert to PVcase —.dwg” feature. The conversion avoids manual roof creation and enables faster design workflows for users who receive building data as 3D polylines  (particularly from drone surveys).

5. User-managed component library

Explore the new User-managed component library — a centralized location to save and reuse your most commonly used modules and inverter presets. Notably, you can now create inverter presets, a feature previously unavailable. Plus, you’ll never have to waste time on manual data entry again, as you can easily export/import these settings for future projects.

6. Manually flip string polarity

After stringing, you can now right-click and flip the polarity of individual strings to make sure your + and – poles are exactly where you need them. Thus, the need for manual restringing is gone — instead, there’s a greater margin for customization and efficiency.

7. Tolerance setting for stringing algorithm

Adjust tolerances for module azimuth angle, module tilt angle, and roof slope to gain greater flexibility and control over your projects. Now, you can avoid manually stringing the whole plant with custom stringing, especially when default best practices don’t fit the project’s specific needs.

8. Energy simulation allows for mixed module orientations (landscape, portrait)

PVcase Roof Mount now supports simulations with a mix of landscape and portrait modules within the same file. As this feature eliminates the need to run separate simulations for different orientations, you can save time and improve your preliminary proposals.

9. K2 Integration

PV Engineers can now import mounting and racking layouts into PVcase Roof Mount directly, thanks to its new K2 integration feature. This seamless transfer avoids manual redrawing, ensures design accuracy, and streamlines the progression from mechanical to electrical design, ultimately accelerating project completion.

See the new updates in action

This comprehensive list of updates has been implemented in direct response to our users’ feedback — addressing the most pressing challenges in the solar industry and reflecting our effort to provide the most powerful and efficient tools for solar project development.

If you’re curious to see the actual impact of these new releases live, visit our booths at NABCEP in the US or Intersolar Europe. Or wait no more — book an exclusive PVcase demo at your convenience and explore all the benefits the PVcase platform offers.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates — happy prospecting and designing!