Dimensioning of photovoltaic plants made easy with free planning software

The program, Sinvert Select V2.2, can be downloaded from the Internet at www.siemens.com/sinvert-select. It enables the planner to evaluate in advance the cost-effectiveness of PV plants from 10 kW up to the megawatt range. A comparison of possible configurations shows the energy yield of the various plant arrangements. The software is available in German, English, French, Italian and Spanish, and has been specially designed for Sinvert PV inverters.

Sinvert Select V2.2 is used for dimensioning, analyzing and optimizing inverters for PV plants. On the basis of inputs, it automatically calculates the best possible inverter configuration from the Sinvert portfolio. These inputs do not just include factors such as location, line frequency, PV module type and rated power, but also allow for installation conditions with the inclination and azimuth of the PV modules. The program computes the performance ratio for each variant, i.e. the ratio between target and useful yield, and the potential energy yield per annum. The planner can thus compare, analyze and optimize individual configurations according to these parameters. For instance, by varying individual parameters, such as the number of inverters, strings and modules per string, or even cell temperatures and cable losses, the planner can directly analyze the effects. The program allows a flat rate for losses resulting from increases in module temperature at high insolation levels, reductions in yield at low insolation levels, and dirty modules. Calculations are based on extensive databases of information for more than 300 locations in 26 countries, with all common 4200 PV modules available worldwide and Sinvert inverters. The databases are regularly updated in the Internet. Sinvert Select V2.2 provides detailed reports for screen presentations, printing and archiving in PDF format.

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of environmentally friendly production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies and comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. With around 207,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry achieved in fiscal year 2009 total sales of approximately €35 billion.

The Siemens Industry Automation Division (Nuremberg, Germany) is a worldwide leader in the fields of automation systems, industrial controls and industrial software. Its portfolio ranges from standard products for the manufacturing and process industries to solutions for whole industrial sectors that encompass the automation of entire automobile production facilities and chemical plants. As a leading software supplier, Industry Automation optimizes the entire value added chain of manufacturers – from product design and development to production, sales and a wide range of maintenance services. With around 39,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Automation achieved sales of €7.0 billion in fiscal year 2009.

Reference Number: IIA2010022219e