Modelling redesigned 19-module strings and parallel string groups across separate roofs in PV*SOL

[MONA]

Hello everyone,

I am redesigning the string layout of an existing PV system after removing some modules.

The physical module layout should remain as close as possible to the existing installation. In the new design, every string must have exactly 19 modules in series.

I have two separate questions:

1. Some 19-module strings have to run across several separate roofs. The roofs have the same tilt and orientation. Is it possible in PV*SOL to define one electrical string whose modules are placed on different separate roofs?

2. Independently from that, some strings have to be connected in parallel, for example two separate strings with 19 modules each as one parallel string group. How should this be modelled correctly in PV*SOL?

The strings crossing several roofs are not necessarily the same strings that are connected in parallel.

My main question is:
Can PV*SOL handle both cases in one project, while keeping the real physical module placement as much as possible?

If this is not possible directly, what would be the recommended workaround for a realistic yield comparison?

Thank you very much for your help.

 

[hotline_oh]

Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry.

19 hours ago, MONA said:

1. Some 19-module strings have to run across several separate roofs. The roofs have the same tilt and orientation. Is it possible in PV*SOL to define one electrical string whose modules are placed on different separate roofs?

You can configure multiple module areas on different roof areas together. First, define which modules should be configured together. Select the desired modules from the first module area, right-click on the selected modules, and choose "Add to 'Define Module Areas' Dialog." Then use the dropdown menu in the top menu bar to switch to the second building.

Now select the desired modules of the second module area, right-click on the selected modules, and choose "Add to 'Define Module Areas' dialog." Then click the "Define Module Areas for Configuration" button:

You can rename the module areas if necessary (right-click → Rename). Then click "Configure":

In the inverter configuration window, select both module areas and click "Configure module areas together":

Select both checkboxes for "Polystring configuration" and "Connect strings with the same number in series," and assign both module areas to string 1:

String 1 now runs across two separate roof areas:

20 hours ago, MONA said:

2. Independently from that, some strings have to be connected in parallel, for example two separate strings with 19 modules each as one parallel string group. How should this be modelled correctly in PV*SOL?

You have already implemented the parallel configuration of two strings, each with 19 modules, on the same roof area:

[MONA]

Hello,

thank you for your explanation.

Now my question is about combining both cases in the same inverter configuration.

In my project, some existing strings are already connected in parallel as 2er groups, and I would like to keep these parallel groups unchanged.

At the same time, after removing one module row, some other 19-module strings have to be built across several separate roof areas.

Is it possible to model both situations in the same inverter configuration?

If yes, how should I do it?

If not, what workaround do you recommend?

Best regards,
Mona

[hotline_oh]

Dear Mona,

Thank you for your message.

Yes, it is possible to combine both, for example:

But with around 60 strings and a 500 kW inverter, such as the one you intend to use, things might get a bit confusing. Without Polystring configuration, you can keep track of everything, as the configuration is simply 60 × 19 modules. With Polystring configuration, each string is listed individually and you must take care not to mix up the numbering and order of the strings.