Complete Guide to the Best Free Software for Solar Sizing - Solar Photovoltaic System Design
1. What are the Best Free Software Tools for Sizing Your Solar Installation?
Do you want to generate your own electricity with solar power? Follow our step-by-step guide and use free software to estimate your needs and save energy.
In this guide, we will look at the following free tools: PGIS, CalcPv, AutoCalSol, Evaluate my photovoltaic quote and Pv.TecSol.
2. Solar installation sizing
Sizing your solar installation correctly: a key challenge to optimize your investment. Accurate sizing of your photovoltaic system is crucial to maximize your return on investment. Indeed:
Oversizing: If your installation produces more electricity than you consume, you risk incurring financial losses. Storage in batteries, although technologically possible, represents a significant additional cost. Moreover, selling the surplus at a constantly decreasing buyback price significantly lengthens the payback period of your project.
Undersizing: a brake on your savings. On the contrary, an installation that is too small will only cover part of your needs, thus limiting your energy savings. You remain dependent on the electrical grid, which significantly delays the amortization of your investment.
Finding the right balance is essential, but the sizing study is not within everyone's reach. Many factors, such as your energy consumption, the sunshine in your region, the orientation of your roof, etc., must be taken into account to determine the optimal size of your installation. That is why it is strongly recommended to call on a specialized professional.
3. The Keys to Successful Solar Sizing: What Criteria Should You Consider?
Properly sizing your solar installation is essential to optimizing energy production and return on investment. Many factors come into play, such as sunlight exposure, weather conditions, roof orientation and tilt, electricity consumption, available space, the type of panels, and budget. These elements are considered by solar sizing software, which allows for a precise estimate of the needs and performance of a photovoltaic installation.
4. The Top Free Solar Sizing Tools
Here are the main free tools that will help you launch your solar project.
4.1. Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS)
First on the list is the highly regarded Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS), developed by the European Commission. The software’s maps are based on research from a European consortium led by the École Nationale des Mines de Paris. The precision of the tool now reaches 100 square meters, allowing you to accurately assess the photovoltaic potential of your region—and most importantly, your home.
4.2. AutoCalSol
Introducing AutoCalSol, a free solar sizing tool developed by the National Institute of Solar Energy (INES). Designed to be more user-friendly and educational than its competitors, the software guides you through seven steps of the solar sizing process. A tutorial is also available to help users get familiar with the tool, making the experience more approachable and straightforward.
4.3. CalcPv
Another tool that performs its role effectively is CalcPv. While its interface is rather basic, it offers a useful feature: from the start, you're asked about your level of expertise in photovoltaics—beginner, intermediate, or expert. This allows the software to tailor its questions accordingly, avoiding overly technical queries for novices. On the other hand, experts can access a highly detailed analysis of their project's sizing.
4.4. Evaluate My Photovoltaic Quote (Évaluer Mon Devis Photovoltaïque)
Another highly appealing tool is Evaluate My Photovoltaic Quote, developed by the Lyon-based association HESPUL, which shares its 30 years of experience in the photovoltaic solar field with the public. Supported by ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition) and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this software is available for use throughout France. The tool aims to provide users with the insights needed to move closer to energy self-consumption.
4.5. Pv.TecSol
The PV.Tecsol software was developed by TECSOL, an independent consulting firm specializing in solar energy. It is the result of work by the company’s 50 engineers. While the tool is highly effective, it’s recommended to have some prior knowledge of solar energy before diving in, as the software is designed for more experienced users.
Let’s conclude with a word of caution. No matter how powerful or reliable these free tools may be, it’s important to have a professional confirm your initial sizing estimate. Some factors are more subjective and cannot always be accurately calculated by software alone.
When it comes to solar energy, make sure the professional is RGE-certified (Recognized Guarantor of the Environment). This certification not only ensures expertise but also qualifies you for government assistance for the design and installation of your project.
5. Conclusion
Let us conclude with this warning. Whatever the power and reliability of these free instruments, I remind you that it is important to have this first estimate of the sizing of your project confirmed by a professional.
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