September 2023 Updates

New Features

Layout Import

In response to the growing demand rooted in our software's BIM-centric approach, we're thrilled to introduce the ability to import layouts directly from AutoCAD. While there's a bit of pre-processing involved, the benefits far outweigh the initial setup. This feature's core aim is to empower users to assess external designs and make modifications to existing layouts, enabling a seamless transition between design exploration and analysis.

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Energy Model (BETA)

The evolution of PVFARM takes another leap forward. While our initial app focused predominantly on capacity analysis and allowed decisions based largely on the cost model, our newly introduced Energy Model broadens the horizon. Though we have yet to incorporate the LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy) as a comparison metric, the groundwork laid by the Energy Model paves the way for this invaluable addition in the near future, ensuring that users are well-equipped for comprehensive decision-making.

Subareas

Slice and dice your design with ease using our new Subareas functionality. It empowers users to effortlessly combine multiple configurations within a single layout. Here’s what you can achieve:

• Equipment Flexibility: Create custom inverter or transformer configurations for a specific area.
• Ground Mount System Variation: Whether it's a fixed-tilt system or a single-axis tracking system, mix and match within the same layout to meet specific requirements.
• Strategic Allocation: Address staging and logistical challenges by clustering modules of the same bin class within specific areas.

Subareas ensure that your layout is not just efficient, but also tailored to your unique needs.

Tracker Assemblies

Crafted with an eye toward constructibility, our PVFARM designs are not just easy to create, they are easy to build as well. When populating layouts with trackers, we utilize 1:1, detailed 3D models to represent trackers from leading manufacturers. These frames are meticulously assembled with specific module dimensions, ensuring mounting hardware and pile positions are accurately represented for precision and constructibility.

Dashboard

Seamlessly view all your team's projects at a glance, complete with engaging screenshots, concise layout metrics, insightful descriptions, and the name of the individual driving each project forward. With everything intuitively arranged, it's easier than ever to navigate, collaborate, and stay informed.

Improvements

Cut&Fill Enhancement

Our Cut&Fill algorithm has undergone significant upgrades to offer more comprehensive grading capabilities. It can now adeptly manage grading for:

• Tracker areas (including offsets)
• Roads and trenches
• Areas without any equipment or infrastructure
• Specific equipment, boundaries, or the entire site

Our early adopter program users have contributed tremendously to support these improvements. Thanks to our partners for their help delivering unprecedented dependability for this critical segment of PVFARM.

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MV Wiring

We've enriched our MV wiring capabilities to grant users an even greater degree of control. You can now:

• Define your MV circuit power
• Set up an optimization bias tailored to your project's needs

These improvements provide users with incredible flexibility and tuning and the industry-leading performance you’ve come to expect from PVFARM.

Roads

Navigating your layout just became more flexible. We're excited to introduce two distinct types of roads:

• Equipment Roads: Provide access to major equipment.
• Support Roads: Supplementary access and site circulation.

Users can now tailor their designs by setting different road widths and defining the 'glass to glass' distance uniquely for each road type.

Some of the exciting things our users are exploring:

1. Layouts focused on equipment access roads only.
2. Custom perimeter roads for distinct boundary access.
3. Sitewide vehicle access networks.
4. Independent tuning of road and array angles to suit complex site geometry.
5. Manual editing of both road types with new editing features.

For a detailed walkthrough of these features, check out our video below.

Bug Fix & Maintenance

We've successfully resolved 23 issues spanning new features, recent improvements, and the AutoCAD/Civil3D plugin. On top of that, we have added additional tooltips and fixed confusions that were related to Property Charts and Cost Estimation.

Our team remains committed to ensuring a seamless user experience and addressing any glitches that arise.

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