Model: Reverse inclination on South-facing roof still calculates irradiation as South-facing

[Gustavo Lanza]

Hi everyone,

I am experiencing an issue in PV*SOL 3D visual geometry regarding the module azimuth and simulation results on a South-facing roof with reverse mounting structures (tilted to the North).

Issue Description:

• I have a roof pitch oriented towards the South.

• I installed a mounting structure/elevation system on this roof to invert the pitch so the PV modules face North.

• Even after selecting the highest roof edge (Reference Edge at the ridge/cumeeira) as the reference, the simulation engine still considers the global orientation/azimuth of the base roof (South) instead of the actual module orientation (North).

What I have tried:

1. Inverted the module structure visually in the 3D editor so the panels physically point North.

2. Selected the highest Reference Edge on the roof surface.

3. Despite these visual adjustments, in the PV System / Area Data results and yield simulation, the module azimuth remains locked to the underlying South-facing roof plane, underestimating the energy production.

Is there a specific way to unbind the module azimuth from the parent surface vector, or is this a known limitation when using reverse-tilt mounting structures on pitched roofs?

Any workaround (other than creating dummy/free 3D objects over the roof) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[hotline_oh]

Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry.

Please send your project file (*.pvprj) to hotline@valentin-software.com, so that we can take a closer look at it. If the file is too big, please use WeTransfer, SwissTransfer or similar.

[hotline_oh]

Please also let us know why you believe the module azimuth in the results and the yield simulation remains tied to the underlying, south-facing roof plane.

We have replicated your system and can see in the mounting system properties that the roof is oriented towards the south (180°) while the modules are oriented towards the north (359.8°).

[Gustavo Lanza]

On 10/2/2026 at 11:22 AM, Gustavo Lanza said:

lecionado-se a borda de referência mais alta na superfície

 

Hi

Thank you for checking!

In my project, the 3D editor tooltip shows a Calculated Resultant Orientation of 171.6° (South), even though the mounting structure is visually inverted to the North.

Because the calculated resultant azimuth is 171.6° instead of 359.8°, the simulation engine uses this South vector to calculate the yield.

I have emailed my project file (*.pvprj) and screenshot to hotline@valentin-software.com so you can inspect this specific setup.

Thanks!

[hotline_oh]

Hello,

Thank you for sharing the project file.

We have tried to reproduce your problem by drawing additional mounting areas on your building and assigning mounting systems to them, but we are unable to reproduce your problem.

We deleted your mounting area and redrew it. The resulting module tilt is now correct at 48° northeast.

Unfortunately, we do not know what caused your error. We recommend that you redraw the mounting area. We will forward your project file to our development department.

[Gustavo Lanza]

Hi,

Thank you very much for looking into my file and for the detailed response!

I removed and redesigned the mounting area as suggested, and the resulting orientation has now correctly updated to (Northeast).

Appreciate the great support!