This paper will present an open-source simulation tool, which is being developed in the
frame of an European research project1. The tool, whose final version will be freely available
through a website, allows the modelling and the design of different types of grid-connected
PV systems, such as large grid-connected plants and building-integrated installations.
The tool is based on previous software developed by the IES-UPM2, whose models and
energy losses scenarios have been validated in the commissioning of PV projects3 carried out
in Spain, Portugal, France and Italy, whose aggregated capacity is nearly 300MW. This link
between design and commissioning is one of the key points of tool presented here, which is
not usually addressed by present commercial software.
The tool provides, among other simulation results, the energy yield, the analysis and
breakdown of energy losses, and the estimations of financial returns adapted to the legal and
financial frameworks of each European country. Besides, educational facilities will be
developed and integrated in the tool, not only devoted to learn how to use this software, but
also to train the users on the best design PV systems practices.
The tool will also include the recommendation of several PV community experts, which
have been invited to identify present necessities in the field of PV systems simulation. For
example, the possibility of using meteorological forecasts as input data, or modelling the
integration of large energy storage systems, such as vanadium redox or lithium-ion batteries.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that during the verification and testing stages of this
software development, it will be also open to the suggestions received from the different
actors of the PV community, such as promoters, installers, consultants, etc