At Pure Power, our project managers and engineers utilize photovoltaic simulation tools developed by PVsyst, Folsom Labs, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). By leveraging multiple complementary software solutions, we ensure that we are always using the most appropriate tool for each specific project. In this post, I’ll share a high-level overview of when, why, and how we use PVsyst, HelioScope, and SAM.
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**PVsyst: The Industry Standard for Bankability**
PVsyst is widely regarded as the go-to tool for bankability analyses and performance testing in the solar industry. Its long-standing reputation stems from its robust capabilities and the trust it has built over decades. Accurate energy modeling is crucial for financial models, capacity tests, and performance reports. However, accuracy isn’t just about the software—it’s also about how it’s used, and that comes with experience.
As an owner’s engineer, Pure Power has run thousands of performance models and analyzed countless systems. This process involves collaboration across developers, EPCs, OEMs, engineers, researchers, and financiers—each bringing their own insights and lessons learned. Sharing best practices ensures that our models are not only based on industry standards but also supported by real-world data.
PVsyst was first developed in 1992 by Dr. André Mermoud, a physicist from the University of Geneva. It was later rewritten in 1999 to include a graphical interface. For over 20 years, the PVsyst team has supported U.S. projects with regular updates and improvements.
The confidence in PVsyst has created a positive feedback loop: accurate models reduce risk, which improves capital efficiency and returns. Many financiers have underwritten billions of dollars in projects using PVsyst-based models. This institutional knowledge is what allows us to deliver reliable energy models for investors, owners, and financiers—whether during commissioning or acquisition.
PVsyst stands out for its detailed loss analysis, including irradiance, array, and system losses. It can account for module quality, string mismatch, soiling, wiring, inverter, transformer, and auxiliary losses. It also simulates degradation over time, making it essential for long-term performance and economic assessments.
With the release of Version 7.0 in 2020, PVsyst now supports 64-bit processors, enabling more complex shading, bifacial modeling, and advanced economic evaluations. While powerful, it’s not always the best tool for every stage or user.
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**HelioScope: A Powerful Tool for Early-Stage Design**
HelioScope, developed by Folsom Labs, is a cloud-based platform ideal for early-stage project design. Launched in 2014, it uses similar core calculations to PVsyst but offers a more intuitive, user-friendly interface. It integrates with Google Earth and SketchUp, and is OS-agnostic, making it accessible even for non-engineers.
In the early stages, HelioScope helps with remote site assessments, shade analysis, preliminary designs, and rough financial models. Sales teams often use it to generate quick proposals with minimal engineering input, helping to reduce soft costs and improve efficiency.
While it’s suitable for residential projects and some commercial applications, it's not typically used for large-scale C&I or utility projects. For those, PVsyst remains the standard for financial and performance analyses.
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**SAM: Free and Versatile for Research and Policy**
SAM, developed by NREL, is a free techno-economic tool used for analyzing various renewable systems, including PV and solar-plus-storage. Originally called the Solar Advisor Model, it was renamed in 2010 to reflect its broader capabilities.
SAM is widely used by researchers, policymakers, and program administrators. While it’s not commonly accepted for project underwriting, it’s seen as a trusted, validated tool from an independent source.
For example, the National Electrical Code (NEC) now allows engineers to use SAM for calculating maximum PV system current, thanks to the methodology developed by Sandia and adopted by NREL.
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By understanding the strengths and limitations of each tool, we can better serve our clients and ensure accurate, reliable, and bankable solar project outcomes. Whether it’s PVsyst for deep analysis, HelioScope for fast design, or SAM for research, each plays a vital role in the solar industry.
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