

This program is targeted for academic purposes. Fully loaded permanent version available in Commercial USD 4,200/INR 280,000 Educational USD 2,100/INR 140,000 and Student USD 350 annually/ INR 23,407 annuallyĭeveloped by faculties of University of Wisconsin, PV F-Chart is a PV system analysis design program that uses solar radiation data to calculate PV power generation not taking into account variations caused by PV modules, inverters and other variables. Only 8 modules (including 1 generic) and 8 (including 1 generic) inverters are included in the program.Ĭloud licensing available.
#Power world simulator examples free
Does not come bundled with free weather data.Ĭan import module data. Also NASA and SolarGIS data can be imported from their websites. Not intuitive and too many parameters to be added manually.Ĭan import TMY2/TMY3 data from NREL website. Schematic View is useful. Graphical menu system is a plus.

Many loss factors during PV power generation are not added to calculation. Also PV electricity generation report is less comprehensive and detailed due to limited information on weather data and module data. Does not generate IV curve data or do shading analysis. Factors like wind speed, fuel cost and emissions penalties can be included in the calculation. HOMER stands for Hybrid Optimization Model for Multiple Energy Resources and comes with Simulation, Optimization and Sensitivity Analysis tools.ĬAPEX and OPEX calculation possible using a project wizard. The following criteria have been considered:ĭeveloped by NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) USA and later enhanced and distributed by Homer Energy is a micro-grid optimization software. Based on the author's individual attempt at using these programs under constant project parameters ratings have been provide at the end of the article.

The analysis has been done with focus on SPV power only and hence programs that simulate other sources of renewable energy like wind, biomass, etc. may not necessarily get more preference. System Advisor Model (SAM) - National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), USAĬomparisons of these programs have been made to ascertain how good each are in design and simulation of solar PV power systems. RETscreen – Natural Resources Canada, Canada The programs listed are as follows (in alphabetical order): Main features and prices included.Ī recent publication by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) listed 7 PV simulation software that are commonly used to design Solar PV systems worldwide. A detailed study of 7 unique solar PV design and simulation software(s) that were listed in a 2015 publication by MNRE/TERI.
