Siliken https://siliken.com Your Source for Solar Advice Tue, 26 Oct 2021 17:46:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.5 https://siliken.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/favicon-1.png Siliken https://siliken.com 32 32 Best PV System Design Software for Your Solar Business https://siliken.com/best-solar-design-software/ Tue, 27 Apr 2021 03:00:00 +0000 https://siliken.com/?p=632 Best PV System Design Software for Your Solar Business Read More »

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solar soft

Designing a solar photovoltaic system requires accurately matching various components of the solar PV system to achieve optimal power generation. The resulting PV system needs to effectively capture as much of the solar irradiance as possible for that particular location.

This is a complex task which requires expertise and experience to create the best configuration of the products that meet the customer’s price expectations. In order for a solar installation business to thrive, this process needs to be completed quickly and with high levels of accuracy & reliability.

PV simulation software is the beginning of this process, and estimating the energy production of a solar PV system is the most important function that a solar PV design tool & simulation software provides.

Components of Great Solar Software

Satellite Images & GIS

As the solar industry has evolved from innovators to early adopters to early majority, the sophistication of solar developers, installers and other solar industry participants have also evolved. This has spurred the development of solar PV design software that prioritizes speed over absolute accuracy to create sales proposals for customers.

The best solar design software relies on satellite images, computer vision and geographic information (GIS) for a given project area for calculating photovoltaic system performance, shading analysis and energy production modeling. The evolving priorities for solar design have changed the landscape of solar software, which makes it important for solar PV system installers to regularly review the available tools and choose the right solar design tools for the job.

Accurate App & Simulation Technology

The best solar PV design tools will have accurate simulation technology. All customers will demand a certain level of accuracy, but commercial solar customers expect high levels of accuracy in the system design and solar developers are contractually required to meet performance targets.

A related demand is that solar PV design and sales proposals for residential customers need to be delivered quickly and must accurately estimate the energy generation, energy consumption and model the financial returns. This is all critical to the sales process.

The software needs to seamlessly integrate several inputs coming together to create the proposal.

Top Options in PV System Design Software

Here is a list of the best solar PV design software & PV simulation software that will increase sales and/or improve operational efficiency.

Aurora Solar

Aurora Solar is an industry-leading solar PV design and sales software that is packed with many necessary features for solar installers and developers.

Key Features

  • The roof design and solar panel placement process is exemplary with support from 3D Image LIDAR providing accuracy and speed. Fitting the roof design to LIDAR is an advanced feature.
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has validated the accuracy of their shade reports & analysis and energy generation/consumption modeling.
  • They have proven their ability to chart accurately the various losses from cell – inverter – meter and visualize them in an effective waterfall chart that makes it easy to grasp.
  • Customizable sales proposal templates that make effective use of the design, energy modeling and financial estimation to communicate with customers about their proposed solution.
  • Ability to deliver commercial solar designs and energy simulations with great accuracy, with features to provide financial estimation of various options including PPAs and Lease.
  • Generate and export CAD level diagrams that can be used for further design or permitting requirements.

SolarGraf

Fully integrated solar design and project management platform that is scalable from small installer to national operations.

Key Features

  • Integrated lead generation ability with integrated APIs for lead generation and customer engagement services.
  • High quality aerial images from NearMaps, where available, are provided as a standard service.
  • Virtual customer assisted site assessment, quick shading and auto detection of pitch for quickly determining all on site parameters.
  • Customizable proposal integrated with financing options, which can then provide permitting ready documentation and eSignature of solar contract by the customer.
  • Cloud-based, mobile and tablet friendly software that provides great operational flexibility.

OpenSolar

OpenSolar is a software platform that packs in a lot of features for a solution that is available for free. A white label platform that can be used by any size of solar installer or developer to improve their business and deliver better results to their customers.

Key Features

  • The solar touch& 3D interface is good but with some improvements it could be great and in time it certainly will be.
  • The platform provides a solution for a wide variety of applications in solar from residential & commercial to battery storage.
  • Mobile & Tablet apps offer a flexibility that allows for operations in the office and the field to be conducted in the same platform.
  • Fully integrated CRM with in app capability to communicate with customers, deliver proposals & quotations and customer’s can purchase and accept contracts with one-click and eSignatures.
  • Several free and paid integrations available from service providers, OEMs and Financial companies.

Solar Nexus

A modular software that can provide an all inclusive solution for solar installers. The platform is split into configuration & quotation of PV systems, CRM and Project Management & Installation.

Key Features

  • Works well with other necessary business and solar specialized service providers making it a very useful platform.
  • Pay for what you need approach recognizes that the solar business sector has a diverse business models and service providers in the value chain.
  • Centralized organizational control from a single platform.
  • Each module is fully functional, well developed and can perform as independent software.
  • A solution that can be expanded for large developers, financial companies and OEMs.
  • Compatibility with solutions such as Zapier allows more software that can be configured to work with Solar Nexus and this improves the value.

Sighten

Sighten is a software that delivers on its ability to reduce the number of bottlenecks in the full cycle from customer prospecting all the way through to installation and commissioning.

Key Features

  • Accelerate the sales process with accurate solar design that leads to sales proposals and communications methodology that makes use of proven sales closure techniques, guaranteed to improve sales.
  • Integrated financing solutions and approval processes furthering the reduction in bottlenecks.
  • Single platform eSignature of solar contracts and providing customer’s ability to track work progress.
  • Simple workflow with single platform from CRM to Installation & Commissioning
  • Software solutions for channel management for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and financial companies.

Helioscope

Helioscope is an amazing solar design software package. If you are looking for up-to-date software to replace PVSyst, look no further. However, the functionality is limited to solar energy modeling and therefore will need to be used with other software for business operations.

Key Features

  • Easy to use design tool that produces 3D design of the solar PV systems.
  • Precise yet simple design process that creates modeling and analysis of shading.
  • Bankable energy simulations with clear visual representation of losses in the PV system
  • Cloud based web application that is device agnostic
  • Compatible with several image sources, PAN files for inputs and export tool for shading analysis, CAD drawings and PDF files.
  • Financial modeling and sales proposals are currently in limited access beta testing.
  • Reliable support & training material with in depth and open, thus verifiable, explanation of simulation methodology.

Other Solar Software

PVSyst

PVSyst is an industry stalwart. PVSyst’s PV system design methodology quite literally set the standard for all others to follow. However, PVSyst is beginning to show its age and the lack of flexibility in using devices other than those running Windows has allowed newer service providers to challenge its dominance. PVSyst is sometimes necessary if the financial companies & stake holders insist on PVSyst simulation. Even in such a scenario it would be simpler to have someone run the analysis than pay the price for the full software.

Key Features

  • Accurate and bankable solar design & performance simulation that is world renowned
  • System design, system sizing, 3D scene and shading requires PV designers to be qualified engineers.
  • The user interface is dated and in comparison to other software requires an experienced and trained employee to get the best results.
  • The above 2 needs are advantageous but they drive up design costs to company in terms of price of software and employee training cost.
  • Battery storage can be configured and different operation modes can be simulated.
  • Component library is extensive and if necessary compatible PAN & OND files from manufacturers can be uploaded.
  • Ageing of the PV modules can be simulated and Bifacial PV modules can also be used for simulations which is advantageous for ground mounted utility scale PV projects.
  • Energy consumption, financial modeling are new features that are now available.

PVSol

PV Sol software would seem to have been left behind in the rapid changes that are happening across the solar industry. Designing solar power systems using PVSol is a somewhat manual and hands-on engineering process. It’s not the satellite image highlighting prominent roof obstructions that solar designers have become accustomed to.

Key Features

  • 3D Modeling requires the installer to pay a higher price and purchase the Pro version. 3D models can be created based on measurements from imported images and on site measurements.
  • Battery storage systems can be easily added and the right charging/discharging strategy can be determined.
  • Capable of simulating energy consumption profile including Electric Vehicle and corresponding mileage comparison to current fuel cost.
  • Configurable project reports and financial forecasting.
  • Online version with very limited features allows a glimpse of the software’s features. Hopefully this is a precursor to a full feature online version.
  • Interface and methodology is dated and restricted to Windows devices.
  • Project planning with detailed diagrams that determine cable runs and routes are very helpful for execution at the project site.

NREL SAM & PV Watts

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory gets an honorable mention for having provided and continuing to provide one of the most comprehensive software for designing renewable energy systems for free. The System Advisor Model (SAM) can design and model several power plants from renewable energy sources apart from solar such as wind, biomass and geothermal.

PV Watts is a browser-based tool for solar PV design and contains all you need to design a basic solution. The SAM tool is mostly oriented towards Windows but there are Mac and Linux versions available. With NREL validation, designs from the software are easily accepted by rebate authorities and the weather data is accurate for simulation & can be used in other software.

Bluesol & Solar Pro

Given the numerous solar SaaS that we have discussed SAM & PV Watts are dated software in the same vein as PVSyst and PV Sol but they do have legacy strength and any list of the best solar PV design software will be incomplete without including them. Similarly, other software such as Bluesol, Solar Pro by Laplace Systems and Solar Log Base are all products for solar energy project design that seem to have outlived their usefulness.

For example, Bluesol design methodology clearly states that it is based on a Microsoft Windows interface. Nevertheless, they remain the vanguard softwares of the solar energy market. In the nascent stages when solar designers realized that the application of solar technology for the reduction of the consumer’s electricity bill was a not altogether simple calculation, these products provided the necessary tool.

Conclusion

Solar software is a tool that is vital for the proliferation of solar, particularly, in the early majority stage of the industry where solar PV, battery storage, energy efficiency and electric vehicles have become main stream. Now more than ever the solar industry needs solutions, and software providers to remain at the cutting edge by applying the latest tools available at their disposal to solve solar industry problems.

Given the availability of artificial intelligence, machine learning and ubiquitous cloud computing; it is rather strange that a prolonged search for a feature as important, for post installation customer support, as Operation & Maintenance (O&M) has yielded few results. Thus, highlighting there is room for growth and improvement in the solar software sector.

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Scanifly Software Review https://siliken.com/scanifly-software-review/ Wed, 03 Mar 2021 11:17:40 +0000 https://siliken.com/?p=995 Scanifly Software Review Read More »

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Scanifly delivers a drones dependent survey and software solution for accuracy and speed in the design of the solar PV systems. Scanifly is a solution that few others offer solar system designers; the ability to conduct their own aerial survey and create a 3D model of the site. Scanifly eschews satellite imagery in favor of more accurate drone imagery. Scanifly’s 3D modeling software and support service delivers a 3D model that PV system designers can depend on to be an accurate representation of site conditions and create a deliverable solar system design.

Traditional Site Survey

The traditional method of a site survey involves a visit to the customer or prospective client’s home climbing, measuring, recording and taking pictures. There is always worker safety risks that is involved in this process, however, despite site surveying by a qualified person it is still prone to errors. Using Scanifly reduces the risk significantly and improves the quality of the results. Seen in this context the case for Scanifly is clear.

Scanifly Drone Survey

The Scanifly method involves using drone imagery that is geo tagged. This is possible with easily available retail drone technology which isn’t particularly specialized equipment. Scanify allows site surveyors to quickly assess any site by flying the drone over it. The online tutuorials aren’t a full fledged course but they provide the surveying company with recommendation for best practices for drones based surveys. The suggestion is to first make an overview flight followed by flights over specific roof sections. The number of flyovers would depend on site conditions and around significant obstructions to the sightline such as chimneys and trees.

1. 3D Model and Solar Design

The next step in the workflow, is to create a new project on the Scanifly web software and upload the images to this project. A 3D model of the project is then rendered by the Scanifly team and uploaded to the project page. This process typical takes 2-3 hours. Each feature of the building can be accurately measured and therefore the system designer can rely on the generated project for accurate CAD and shading outputs. Placement of the modules is done by tracing the roofs, defining keepouts and adding setbacks.

The design of the solar system is assisted by the shading tools that provide an estimation of the solar access. The software appears to offer fewer options in sizing the inverter and other electrical components. It is very useful to have visual representation of the solar panels’ azimuth and the tilt of the racking. Additionally, it is useful for customer’s and designers concerned with aesthetics to visualize the materials of the solar modules and the racking.

2. State Agencies approve Scanifly’s Shading Analysis

Scanify is one of the few, if not the only, 3D modeling solution provider whose shading analysis is recognized by state agencies, New York State Energy Research & Development Authority and Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, for their PV System accuracy in the shade report. This certainly provides confidence to the solar companies and their customers.

3. Solar Companies Increase Accuracy

The solar industry has become increasingly dependent on satellite imagery for their design workflow. Optimistic system designers have a tendency to place more solar panels and predict more solar capacity on projects than is practicable. This causes significant issues during the installation phase of the projects, which of course takes some explaining to a customer who is now informed that they will have a lower capacity solar systems. Using Scanifly can improve the effectiveness of the solar installer to design and deliver projects more accurately.

4. PVSyst and AutoCAD compatibility

Scanifly software and tools can be used to create 3D models and shading analyses of solar systems that can then be exported and better analyzed on other specialized software such as PVSYST. In this context Scanifly is a valuable tool to the collection of software tools that is required by solar companies. Additionally, Scanifly offering access to their national network of drone operators makes it possible to conduct aerial surveys without having to hire and train a full time drone operator. Scanifly’s value to solar industry projects depends on its 3D Modeling ability and therefore is fully compatible with related software such as Sketch-up, AutoCAD and PVSYST.

5. Sharing Drone Images with the Customer

While the ability to share a link with your customer to have a fly over image of the proposed solar is impressive. It does have short comings in the software’s ability to create a full fledged sales proposal. The link provides the ability for the property owner to download the images and share them on social media. Although, it is uncertain if all rights reserved in the favor of the surveyor or the property owner.

6. HeatSpring and Drone Pilot Training and Support

Scanifly offers an in-depth training and support for drone operators making them a natural partner in the survey and assessment process. Scanifly offers courses on HeatSpring with course materials that cover several core subjects related to drone surveys and creating accurate Solar 3D Models. These course materials, while not free, offer a method for people interested in providing drone surveying services to qualify as certified drone operators. Additionally, an FAA Part 107 course in partnership with Drone Pilot Ground School is provided for a solar company that requires people to operate their drones safely and effectively.

Conclusion

Scanifly would seem to be irrelevant by the standard of pre-sales design requirement and the availability of other sources of aerial imagery such as NearMaps and EagleView. Although, it is important to note that NearMaps and EagleView have poorer coverage of remote and sparsely populated regions.

Furthermore, with a few addition of similar tools drones can be used for more than a surveying tool. Scanifly can become vital as a possible post contract signing survey tool for design, project planning, permitting and operation & maintenance. While this is not the forte of Scanifly at present it is something that is required for several residential and commercial projects. Scanifly will be invaluable for larger residential, commercial and remote sites requiring greater accuracy than satellite imagery can provide and/or where aerial imagery is unavailable. 

While the 2-3 hour turn around is commendable it brings to light the fact that the process is a computing heavy process. And this process is not connected to the web interface that Scanify provides; in essence there is an element of manual work being done. This backend process would need to be automated in order to improve Scanify’s ability to address a larger volume. This manual process also possibly contributes to the higher cost. The prices are not openly available and those that were seen tend to be beyond the value proposition for smaller solar installers.

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Lyra Solar Software Reviews https://siliken.com/lyra-solar-software-review/ Wed, 03 Mar 2021 11:16:44 +0000 https://siliken.com/?p=988 Lyra Solar Software Reviews Read More »

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LyraSolar is the yet to launch solar permitting software created by the same team that created SolarDesignTool. SolarDesignTool is a design software to simplify the documentation that is required for the permitting and compliance of PV systems with the National Electric Codes (NEC) rating, your utility provider and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). LyraSolar is a web application that will reduce the time required for permitting to 2 minutes a big jump from the 15 minutes that it currently takes using the SolarDesignTool. Since the LyraSolar tool is yet to be launched, while we eagerly await the social media announcement of the projects’ launch, we will dive into SolarDesignTool to better understand what we can expect from the people over at Verdiseno.

Solar Design Tool

Verdiseno CEO Derek Mitchell, claims Lyra to be a dawn of a new era of PV System Design and Permitting. The SolarDesign Tool has a 9 year, 1 million design delivered track record, with a high user rating, that lends a tremendous amount of credibility in their ability to deliver on their promises. SolarDesign Tool at its heart is a simple design software that takes users very quickly through a few simple steps to arrive at the parameters of the PV design. The platforms’ software technology then uses these parameters to provide a comprehensive documentation of the project site that can be readily submitted by owners or company professionals to the utility provider, AHJ and any other city/county authorities for approval processes prior to the construction work.

Solar Permit Package

To better understand what is the expectations of the PV sales & design software let us explore the requirements of the permitting and project planning.

1. PV Design Tools & Permitting Package

The design process for a solar system is an iterative process involving analysis of the various options that are optimal to the specific site. A solar software platform that is capable of delivering the system design, 3d model, or CAD drawings and additional features supporting the permit package required for complying with regulatory approvals by the AHJ and the utility provider, is rare.

2. Permitting a project management priority

In the residential solar sales market the permitting process can become an insurmountable bottleneck for the engineering professionals of PV installation companies. PV installation companies and customers alike have been caught unawares in the delays caused by permitting requirements. It will be of tremendous help for sales professionals and management of projects if, thanks to the help of suitable software, the process can be simplified.

Permitting can exasperate the installers and customers further by being unable to provide the satisfactory documentation required by the AHJ. Often, thanks in part to the installation companies’ sales employees lacking the necessary expertise, the documentation is not prepared in a manner that is acceptable to the AHJ. While the process time of the AHJ and the utility is beyond the control of installer or customer, the timely creation of the documentation is well within their control. Therefore, any software products with technology features that help the engineering management is valuable.

Solar Design Tool

1. Customer Details & Location Topography

The project starts with giving the project a name and input other details such as contact person, address and site location. Enabling the app to retrieve the clients’ relevant utility providers, codes & standards and the nearest weather data. Additional properties will allow users configuration of electrical services, details of the system owner, property owner, code compliance, AHJ and site structure & conditions. Site conditions allow you to explore details of the snow load information, topography, wind & humidity exposure. The environmental design parameters are drawn from the weather data and gives an estimate of the solar irradiance at the nearest weather data location.

2. Configuration of Projects’ Roofs

The roof space or ground area can be defined using a computer vision analysis over an aerial image or import a roof model created by EagleView or RoofOrders.com. The options allow use of RoofOrders.com’s export tool to bring in CAD files that allow one to define a realistic reflection of the solar panels on the roof; by defining the roof type, roof pitch, roof obstructions, height of the roof and the roof substructure. The roof substructure can be defined reasonably accurately by stating the trusses and the spacing between these stresses.

3. Fine-tuning the Layout

Users get to choose the arrays by choosing the solar modules that they would prefer to use and their choice of either micro-inverters or string inverters as suitable to the site. You can refine the layout thanks to preconfigured app setting list of setbacks from the edges, ridges and obstructions. Users get to choose the module mounting structure from the available choices and AutoCAD specifications of the mounting structures help during the documentation stages.

4. Permitting Package

Completing all these details manually leads to the completion of all the engineering parameters and provides a permit ready design. At this point you would be able to consider the requirements of the permitting package that is required by the Utility and the AHJ. The requirements of the AHJ may differ between specific locations or projects and this is the point at which SolarDesign Tool truly comes into its own.

Installers are provided the ability to choose the documents required and the file format in which the document needs to be created. Including, customizable details of customer & site information and setting the company logo of the project installer. The single-line-diagram that represents the electrical layout provides a document that creates an output that is acceptable to the AHJ approval process.

5. Balance of System Product List and Setting System Parameters

There is at this stage a preliminary design from the permitting perspective. The system’s power output at this stage is based on a reasonable estimate from the nearest weather data provided and the calculated energy models. There is no simulation of near or far shading influences or individual modules shading performance expectations during operations of the projects’ proposed system design. Adding balance of system factors such as cable sizing, cable routing, conduit sizing, electrical interconnection & safety and metering requirements needs to be done manually.

This aspect requires an understating of electrical requirements and NEC standards which are certainly not tools for use by a layman. Devices such as solar log base can also be specified. Solar log base is a product consisting of a device and software tools that allows for energy performance monitoring and energy management of your PV systems.

6. Permitting Package Documentation

The resulting documentation is a 10-14 page document that details the system beginning from the site location, products used, system details, single line diagram with cable sizing & cable lengths, warning labels and data sheets. And, the calculation of the electrical systems compliance with the required NEC rating, providing the resulting data is simplified which is of great benefit. While one could nitpick and bring to attention a few points that could be improved, altogether it is a reasonably effective document that the Utility inspector and the AHJ would find to be acceptable for the permitting requirements.

7. Alternative Operation Processes

The solar design tool can be redundant in someways for customers who are comfortable with or prefer to use other solar design softwares for their designing and estimation needs. Solar design tool’s abilities, given the leaning towards ease of permitting, is limited in design optimization and accuracy. The software doesn’t model your roof in a realistic way that allows you to factor in awnings and hips which are common features on residential roofs. Similarly the stringing of the modules is not an automated process. Which would be something that is immensely convenient.

Solar Design Tool User Review

Solar Design Tool Rating

The expectations of LyraSolar app are high, the claim of reducing the process from 15 minutes to 2 minutes is a bold claim. The customers who have been using Solar Design Tool for the past 9 years will attest to the value it has provided them. Reducing the design and permitting documentation time from days to minutes is an immense leap in the operations of installers.

Pricing

The pricing for a user account, $50/user/month, is misleading. As is often the case, it is does not provide the complete picture of the costs that will be incurred by the installer. While the designs and datasheets that you could create are unlimited it does not help that you would need to pay a volume based price between $49-$85/permit to use the permit package feature for your project. You can revise each permit package as many times as you would like. This brings to light the question what is the net cost of the permitting process over the course of a month and what is the cost benefit of using the software process in comparison to the traditional permitting package methodology.

No Help in Commercial Solar

Commercial Solar is not particularly well supported with several disclaimers clearly stating the lack of support for larger projects. Possibly, thanks to commercial solar systems requiring more stringent energy rating and electricity standard requirements for projects that exceed the 100kW size of systems, make the permitting package difficult to create.

LyraSolar Expectations

There would need to be some large leaps in the benefits of using Lyra Solar to be a valuable addition to the software tool kit by residential solar installers. It is indeed an addition to the tool kit because on its own Solar Design Tool has been unable to deliver all the features and services required.

In the Verdiseno iteration of Lyra Solar one would like to see design as a 3d model, customer sales proposals, solar pricing and financial projections; sales oriented options that would remove the redundancy of having to the design once on the sales oriented software and once again on the permitting oriented Lyra Solar.

LyraSolar features could also include;

  • Project management
  • Computer vision examination of topography
  • Automation of proposal generation
  • Priority list of products with categories, corresponding rating & AutoCAD models
  • Service management
  • Energy consumption & energy generation models

LyraSolar Integration

A simpler and possibly equally strong business model would be to allow for a deeper integration with solar sales software providers and utilize their design capabilities to create a robust permitting package platform. If Lyra Solar is able to take one step further and provide a portal for AHJ inputs & review management to the installers and the AHJ themselves; it will create a fully digital integration of the permitting process that will enhance its services beyond the 2 minute design claim.

Conclusion

Lyra Solar must be awaited with great anticipation, Solar Design Tool has been in the fray for years with claims to have generated 1 million designs. There is certainly a credible track record to bank on and one needs to see this as a good indication.

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Solar Nexus Review https://siliken.com/solar-nexus-review/ Wed, 03 Mar 2021 10:59:21 +0000 https://siliken.com/?p=997 Solar Nexus Review Read More »

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Statistics show that attempts to building a complete suite of software to do the job for a particular business sector is fraught with risk. If an all encompassing software for your solar company is what you are looking for, Solar Nexus is the software platform that does the job. Solar Nexus’ solar companies focused suite of services covers all the stages of the solar installation process from lead generation, customer service, design, proposal & quote, project management and operation & maintenance. Solar Nexus can certainly be the only tool that is required but that is not necessarily the only operational model for installations that can be followed.

Solar Nexus’ Energy Systems Platform

Solar Nexus’ solar platform includes proposals (scope of work, pricing, economic analysis, document generation) and contracts. With completely customized installation and customer service management from experts who understand the demands of the solar industry.

Solar Nexus’ Solar CRM & Customer Service

The generation of quotes in Solar Nexus begins from customer lead capture. The company provides solutions such as a website form and API integrations with lead generation providers. Companies have the benefit of a fully integrated CRM, everything you need for your sales team to generate competitive quotes and remain focused on the needs of the customer.

Configure, Price and Quote

The configuration and design module allows your company guys to review & choose from a pre-configured set of solutions that you could offer your customer. The Solar Nexus’ solar panel system design can be completed remotely, with modules specifications available from their extensive database. The designer views the install site by the satellite image available as a way to place the solar panels on the roof, this process is straight forward with few issues likely to affect your company during the installation process.

Energy Consumption & Energy Efficiency

The energy consumption modeling allows you to review the customer’s energy consumption on the basis of a few months’ bills or Green Button Data. The solar system’s energy generation can be estimated using data from NREL’s PV Watts and review the various contributory factors to system losses. Companies who quote for energy storage can do so with Solar Nexus’ energy systems modeling along with a menu of other efficiency services such as Heat Pumps, HVAC, Lighting and Electric Vehicle Charging.

Financial & Contract Signature

Pricing can be created in a really granular manner that allows for pre-configuration and estimation ensuring that the staff will have the pricing accurately and more importantly quickly. The financial options that can be integrated directly into the platform can also be offered for the customer to review, the company can advice the customer on the prices, the cost benefit analysis and the cost of the post install O&M service. At the end a document that can be signed with an e-signature such as DocuSign results in a customer who simply reviews and approves based on the comprehensive information available for decision making.

Solar Nexus’ Solar Project Implementation Module

Throughout the software we have the ability to assign roles and restrict setting to administration users. This allows for a software that allows separation of roles and specializations, Administrators; create the operation process, Sales; focus on price, cost, quotes & customers’ reviews, Engineers; work on the mechanical & electrical design and Project Managers; concern themselves with operational process and permitting requirements.

The quality of the project management tool relies on other modules making the handover from sales closure to project management a seamless process. Part of the reason that Sales Nexus does not offer a Project management only option. The CRM handover post contract signature is a vital handover for the installation process that allows for efficient functioning. Once the contract has been signed it follows a fully customisable automated process which requires the steps to be taken by appropriate team members facilitated by team collaboration tools.

Site Survey, AHJ Permitting and Change Orders

The site survey tool provides information on the necessary data that needs to be captured. Photos of the site survey can be uploaded to be stored as part of the project. Permitting guidelines & AHJ requirements can be internally created & updated which allows for support to the document preparation and permitting process. It is also great to have a visual understanding of permitting timelines in preparation of the install. Change order management and integration with DocuSign allows for quick update, communication and approval of the changes by the customer. Solar Nexus features include request for quote and solar panel prices from suppliers & manufacturer for ongoing projects along with order tracking and lead time estimation service.

Pricing & Configurability

Solar Nexus’ solar software services can be conveniently subscribed to in a modular manner, which allows for flexibility in using the features of the solar platform that you require. When you dig into pricing you realize you would be unable to buy each module separately; the options are the Unified Platform: SolarNexus All Pro, The CRM & Proposal: SolarNexus Sales Pro or the CRM & Project Management: SolarNexus Project Pro. SolarNexus Customer reviews are indicative of a high quality of the software and the value that is experienced by the reviewers. Customer reviews on the price of the platform indicate a satisfaction of the offered features.

Cross platform functionality

While SolarNexus provides a full fledged software it does not presume that all customer requirements are the same and therefore there are several compatible integrations with well known solar system design software such as Helioscope & Aurora Solar. This allows the solar system installer to take advantage of the best functionalities of other software providers as well. Integration with financial provider for platform integrated offering of their products is available. Distributors and manufacturers who want to work closely with the solar installers to provide an integrated service as well as managing their network of customers and installers would benefit from the platform.

Conclusion

Solar Nexus is a great starting point for installers new to the industry who can possibly save themselves time spent on considering several software and then, add functionalities or improve effectiveness as they proceed. Weighing the customer reviews, pros and cons; Yes, SolarNexus is a tool every solar installer who is stepping into the market should consider. SolarNexus is the base on which a full suite of specializations can be built on. There are very few, if any, shortcomings in the product and Solar Nexus is most importantly a company that delivers value.

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PV Sol Review https://siliken.com/pv-sol-review/ Wed, 03 Mar 2021 10:53:11 +0000 https://siliken.com/?p=993 PV Sol Review Read More »

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PV Sol by Valentino Software is created for photovoltaic system performance assessment and to prepare technical and financial proposals for residential, commercial, on grid and off grid projects. There are a lot of reasons why PV Sol is a reliable software program. However, now, PV Sol is beginning to show its age and in comparison to contemporary software makers they are behind the curve. While everyone else has reduced the expertise level required of the user. PV Sol requires the user to have engineering, sales, compliance and financial expertise to design and create a proposal that covers everything correctly.

Requirements of Solar Design and Proposal Software

While PV Sol is the required standard to aspire to, a standard that is necessary for robust & dependable design of thousands of solar PV systems. PV Sol’s competitors have taken the need for much of the heavy lifting away from the expert and used the capabilities of computing & algorithms to provide dramatically better results with fewer inputs. This difference in approach is the primary hurdle for the effectiveness of PV Sol as a solar design software. Engaging the customers with information and content that is relevant to their needs is just as important as features that allow for accurately estimating the shading on PV panels and modelling obstructions on the roof.

1. Design

The process of design begins with your choosing the type of solar system from a list of standard on grid and off grid systems. While the leaning is towards residential, commercial systems can also be designed, albeit requiring more processing power. PV Sol allows import of roof diagrams and images upon which modules can be placed in portrait or landscape at optimal locations. The images may not have accurate measurements and these will need the designer’s input.

It is counterintuitive to use a software for design and manually state the number of solar modules or the target capacity of the system. The preference would be for the design tool to place the panels in an optimal layout suitable to the constraints of the roof based on the locations’ conditions, shading analysis and other compliance requirements. PV Sol requires data and measurements to be taken at the site and assess the shading conditions on the ground. In order to have the ability to use 3D modeling you would need to pay for PV Sol premium, which allows for using satellite imagery and provides modelling of keepouts and near shading objects.

2. Database

PV Sol provides an extensive database, items such as modules and inverters have regular updates by the development team. The software can automatically suggest inverters from the database or the installer’s preferred inverters and PV optimizers (which act as boost converters).

3. Climate Data and Energy Simulation

Climate data and choice of location data is limited and shading models appear to be only available in PV Sol Premium. Diagrams that describe the stage losses occurring through the PV systems are available in the energy balance section. Estimating a standardized power consumption load profile for a customer would be dependent on the expertise of the designer. Several load profiles exist that can be applied including from utility providers. However, a definitive estimate of the customer’s specific consumption is only possible through the import feature that allows an 8760 spreadsheet. While, this may be acceptable for most design cases the competition offers far more accurate models of the customer’s energy consumption and load profile estimation. For the purposes of permitting single line diagrams and other configurations can be fine tuned as required and exported to several file formats.

4. Financial Analysis

Financial analysis will also require a sales or a financial expert for navigation what could be uncharted territory for engineers. Furthermore, creating the financial report requires greater understanding of financing and debt options. Once again PV Sol is limited by the fact that a single person cannot complete the entire proposal process. There doesn’t seem to be a pre-configured pricing model which would be immensely more convenient. The estimation of price and cost assumptions are entirely left up-to the ultimate designer of the system. In order for us to better understand the relative performance of different projects a comparison page is available for suitable analysis.

5. Sales

PV Sol is on balance a tool for design and therefore the completed assessment report is suitable to the technically inclined. While the developers at PV Sol do understand the need for communication with customers who are less aware of technical and financial aspects of a solar project, they do not quite deliver in this aspect when it comes to the creation of the sales proposal.

6. Compatibility

PV Sol’s user interface feels dated and limited compatibility to Windows only devices creates a limit to the ubiquity that is required by the installers. Using the tool requires expertise in engineering, sales, financial and other compliance related skill sets. It will not be possible to employ a layman for the purposes of design. Given the lack of platform flexibility the tool will also need a reasonable investment in hardware and office facilities. This is a cost that while not immediately apparent will contribute to the overall cost of operations using PV Sol.

7. Pricing

The PV Sol versions are offered in 2 tiers PV Sol and PV Sol Premium. The PV Sol Premium software provides the ability to design 3D models of the solar system. Both PV Sol and PV Sol Premium have the option to pay for software maintenance at an added cost. One would imagine that the price being charged for the PV Sol and PV Sol Premium would include the software maintenance. What is more confounding is the lack of the exact nature of software maintenance.

8. Customer Reviews

Customer reviews suggest that they find the software a reliable tool for their purposes. The forum of self support is filled with an engaged customer base actively participating. Supported by the moderators the forum is where questions that otherwise do not have answers can be addressed, including requesting and prioritizing feature requirements.

Conclusion

Will the finished and installed reflect the design that has been proposed here? Does it help the customer make a better more informed decision? What are the net advantages of using the software as opposed to the competitor? In Summary, PV Sol feels like bloated software to design PV systems, with very little computing intelligence, 3D modelling PV systems only included in PV Sol Premium and PV Sol limited to image and graphic 2D modeling.

Having said that if your operations involve or your team has sufficient engineering, sales and financial expertise then you would be well suited to use the software. In this case, you are looking for an avenue to convey your expertise through the form of a software. This would mean that the software in itself provides very little assistance and is most like a word document. The expertise in creation lying with the creator and not the software program

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Solargraf Review https://siliken.com/solargraf-review/ Sat, 06 Feb 2021 07:05:29 +0000 https://siliken.com/?p=929 Solargraf Review Read More »

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Solargraf is a design and sales software for residential and commercial solar requirements, providing an easy to use platform for solar installers and developers. Solargraf is part of a suite of products provided by Sofdesk, which also includes Roofgraf a product for roofing providers. Solargraf’s approach to design and creation of sales proposal depends on a browser based solution that allows Solargraf users to create and contribute to design, estimation, costing and quotation of solar solutions in one all encompassing cloud based solution.

Sofdesk

Founded by Lennie Morenoe, CEO and Maxime Fafard, CTO in 2013, based in Montreal to provide solution for the solar and roofing industry. Sofdesk has been growing with the last Series B fundraising round at $5.7 million in 2019 for a total of $8 million. In January 2021, Enphase Energy announced the acquisition of Sofdesk to expand Enphase’s digitalization drive and improve their solar and storage offerings to residential consumers and better facilitate their solar installers. Enphase Energy, joined the S&P 500 earlier the same month and is valued at $24 billion, the first solar focused energy company to do so, after a banner 2019 & 2020 stock rally. Sofdesk’s acquisition by Enphase Energy is driven by a realization of the underlying strength and capability of Solargraf and its ability to drive growth and performance of the residential solar market in the United States and Canada.

Solar Software

Solar software for solar installers need to be designed with one goal, to facilitate the operational requirements that allows them to better cater to the needs of the distributed residential and commercial solar projects. The demand for solar and storage continues to increase due to greater awareness, better prices and increasing environmental consciousness. Residential consumers require greater attention and customization, requiring specific attention to individual needs. From a solar installer’s perspective it drives the soft cost of the projects, in other words, the cost of customer acquisition as opposed to the life time value of the customer increases rapidly. With the large amount of web traffic generated leads that need to be pursued in order to achieve growth in the residential solar market a software that streamlines the process of design and quotation is vital to the installers’ operation.

Solar Design Principles

In solar design there are site specific conditions that are dependent on each individual house & rooftop location and the electricity consumption; and the general conditions such as solar irradiance, utility rates and state and federal taxes & incentives. The solar design software is required to be capable of optimizing a size of installation that creates the best benefit of these varying factors, considering the installers product and solution mix. A winning combination balances these multitude of factors appropriately such that it meets all the customer’s expectations. Residential consumers are retail consumers and therefore expect a customer service level and attention that feel like any other equivalent product or service.

Standard features of solar sales software vendors

Solar design software follows the best practice that is a sequence of steps that is now tried and tested by all participants in the industry. The sequence is as follows;

1. Site

Site specific conditions need to be measured and quantified, this involves measurement of the available space at the installation location. For residential applications the most cost effective location is the roof. Shade analysis of the roof space is evaluated for its accessibility to abundant sunlight. The electric consumption of the residential unit over the course of the day, month and year will be required along with the cost of the electricity.

2. Design

The design places the solar modules on the roof factoring in the restrictions of the roof’s ability to accept the modules, the electricity generation potential of the location, the choice and capacity of the inverter, cabling and other structural components. The placement of the modules considers the constraints of the orientation and tilt of the modules and the shading of nearby objects and the horizon. Arriving at an optimal balance of system capacity and price in consideration of the current electricity needs and the cost of the electricity.

3. Quote

The quotation compares the design & the price of the system against the current cost of electricity and allows the installer to present to the customer the best case option for going solar, the financial factors, product performance reviews that will required to be considered too.

4. Contract

The contract stipulates all parties to deliver on their respective commitments and adhere to the promised timelines, warranties and guarantees. The contract is usually signed in person but increasingly we see the adoption of electronic signature of contracts as the norm. The integration of electronic signature in the contract onto a software platform updates to a frictionless customer buying experience.

5. Permitting

Interacting with several city, county and state regulatory authorities for compliance and permits is often complicated by the numerous agencies and government bodies with whom there is a need to interact. And as is often the case, poor understanding or management of the various lead times of each permitting can impact the delivery and installation of projects. Software that tracks and facilitates the permit management proves to be beneficial to the solar installation process.

6. Installation

On site delivery, installation and commissioning of the solar system needs to be a coordinated project management with the occupant. This involves communication of timeline and setting expectations for the customer.

7. O&M and Monitoring

Operation & Maintenance of the solar system requires a periodic cleaning, inspection dependent on site specific conditions and firmware updates of monitoring equipment. The details and schedule of which need to be explained and agreed upon at the contract stage. The use of remote monitoring equipment to monitor system performance in addition to the O&M activities allows the customer & the solar installer to have visibility and provides for reviews on the performance of the solar system.

Solargraf

Solargraf is to be a solar software platform that is the core for all of solar installers’ business needs. Solargraf provides all the functionalities required by the solar installer that is enhanced by the various user roles and ubiquitous access capabilities. Solargraf is also offered as a white labelled enterprise software platform to large residential installers with national operations in the United States, Solargraf in essence provides a more closely aligned software to suit a national enterprise’s needs. Solargraf software features are easy to use and feel like they are intuitive for seasoned solar sales executives, engineers and managers.

Rule settings

As a platform for solar that is easy to use, Solargraf depends on setting the correct parameters based on which each quotation and proposal is created. This requires creating a list of preferred modules, inverters, mounting structures, shade analysis metrics, cables and accessories. Solargraf allows for default settings of the most used equipment & default values affecting shade analysis, making the design process essentially automated.

The rule settings can also specify defaults for setbacks, keepouts and stringing principles. Regulatory requirements are drawn in from other sources such as county and state documents that will be automatically applied based on the location of the solar systems’s installation.

Pricing for equipment & services is available at this stage and these values are also inputed into the Solargraf platform. Once the rule settings of default equipment, material and services with their respective prices are available, the hardware components and costs of the system are factored.

Design Process

Solargraf design process is as follows; The new project begins with the address of the location. In the event the address is unavailable because it is a building that is under construction the location’s geographic coordinates can be used.

1. Lead Generation

The details of the customer such as name and contact details can be imported automatically from Solargraf lead generation or another source. Solargraf provides customer leads as an additional feature which can be paid for using monthly credits applied to the leads. Solargraf’s provision of leads is a convenient methodology of allocation marketing and promotional resources that would otherwise be spent to drive web traffic to the solar installers’ websites, the direct Solargraf lead integration is helpful in improving solar sales. Solargraf’s lead generation division was acquired by WaveSolar in 2019.

2. Utility

Solargraf allows you to enter just one month’s (or as many as available) utility bill; utility providers based on location are suggested and utility rate options can be chosen. This capability is provided by the integration with Genability’s API for utility rates and electricity usage pattern over a period of day, month and year. The Genability integration with Solargraf enhances the estimation of the customer’s electricity usage pattern. Solargraf provides the user with a convenient metric of estimation that is a useful reference point in sizing the solar system and the placement of solar panels.

United States Federal & State tax incentives and credits are retrieved from the database based on the location. This gives the Solargraf user a visibility on the avenues for additional cost savings and an indication of the pricing model that is best suited for the customer. The database and reference information is vetted and verified by Solargraf, allowing the user to depend on the Solargraf’s platform to provide the best results for modeling the customer’s needs.

3. Aerial HD Overhead Imagery

The design of solar panel systems with browser based software necessitates the use of satellite imagery. However, due to the higher altitude and the frequency of imaging, satellite imagery is being eschewed in favor of aerial HD overhead imagery. In Solargraf we are provided with access to satellite imagery from Google & Bing and aerial HD overhead imagery from Nearmaps & Eagleview. Solargraf offers these images built in as default in all packages, quite unusual where other software vendors charge additional fees or require you to subscribe directly to the image provider.

Aerial HD overhead imagery has certain advantages to satellite imagery, particularly in the top view, where the lower altitude produces a result that allows for more accurate measurements of the roof. Solargraf also allows users to import their projects’ images from other sources. Solargraf can be used to create layout of solar panels for yet to be constructed residential units.

4. Autopitch

Estimating layout of solar panels is simple in Solargraf, the layout can be quickly demarcated and adjusted to the most favorable option. Solargraf rule settings providing the constraints on setbacks and keepouts. The pitch can be automatically estimated with the use of Solargraf’s proprietary AI and Machine Learning capability. Solargraf Autopitch estimation saves crucial time in determining the mounting and tilt requirements.

Some Solargraf competitors are providing LIDAR based imagery for use of measurement and modeling of the roof for more accuracy. In using Solargraf for design of the solar panels it would be largely for estimation purposes as opposed to a final design. The mounting methodology determines the costing and standard offsets for the region can be pre-configured or used as a global default settings in Solargraf, based on city or county regulations and fire codes.

5. Shading

Solargraf Shading analysis provided by Google’s Project Sunroof allows for an estimation of the installations’ generation ability. The inverter size estimation is similarly completed on the basis of the shading and panel capacity

Solargraf offers Roof Design as a Service based on standard and additional credits available to all users. This allows users to benefit from Solargraf support online and focus on their immediate business needs that the users are more qualified to do, allowing sales teams to spend more time on customer interaction.

6. Proposal Creation

Proposal creation in Solargraf collates all the information, electricity usage data, shading analysis, customer financing options from the design and applies the calculation on the basis of the rule settings to create proposals. Users of Solargraf create proposals that are customized with branding and corporate color requirements as needed by the solar installer.

Customer Choice

Solar sales professionals understand the virtue of choice for their customers. Customers will consider other solar installers and would like options that better suite their budgetary and financing constraints. Solargraf provides good, better and best options in the equipment quotation and therefore allows for the possibility of exploring pricing options for the customer to better choose a solution that is more pertinent to their particular use.

Solargraf proposals are fully customizable in terms of the order of information and the customer discovery methodology leading to purchase decisions. Solargraf allows users’ sales team to define and finetune the proposal layout structuring with options such as; company details, electricity consumption usage data, image of solar panel systems, shading analysis, electricity generation modeling, product comparison pages, permit management, customer financing options, project workflows, user reviews, contract language all prepared and available for electronic signature. Project timeline can be customised with dates and during the installation process serves as a live progress update to keep track of the project milestones.

In Solargraf the installers’ sales teams are available to provide support online in real time to facilitate the purchase decisions of their customers. The proposals can be shared with customers by sending them the link; real time across the table during a discussion about the financing options, explore the product comparison pages or drop down financing options; or as a PDF document. The purpose of a live proposal link is the ability for the solar installers’ sales executive to discuss with the customer the options and requirements with both parties looking at the same data and details. This facilitates a discussion and improves the engagement of the customer for their purchase options. It allows the sales executive to design while interacting with the customer and actively seeking their input during the design process. The shared proposal is a contract that can be digitally signed and the process of loan or lease application, permitting and installation process can begin.

Virtual Assessment & Permitting

Solargraf provides a platform for solar Virtual Assessment which can be completed for permitting & design by providing the customer with the required details. The customer is then able to use the link provided to upload directly to Solargraf the appropriate pictures. It follows a simple browser based form that is customized by the engineering or sales team in the single projects window. Permits from city or county authorities for roof additions, electrical modifications and environmental clearances as applicable can be completed through Solargraf. Permitting is part of the features that are available upon payment per transaction or application of permit credits in a manner similar to roof design.

Easy to Use Finance Applications

Financing is integrated into Solaragraf, this is another of the features that is available to users in the single window of the customers’ projects. When interacting with customers over real time interaction the financial options can also be explored while considering the pricing model that is best suited for the customer. At the design, sales and proposal creation stage of project workflows the applicable choice can be taken from a drop down financing options list. The selection can be applied, after the contract signature, for approval through the integrations in Solargraf. A link can be sent to the customer over email for the customer details and the application process for certain types of loans and customer categories is near instantaneous creating great engagement and confidence in the installers’ abilities.

1. Mosaic

Mosaic integrated in Solargraf provides financing solutions that are tailored to the residential solar market in the United States providing financing solutions that have features and services favorable to solar installers’ need to improve their closure rates.

2. Dividend

Dividend provide loans as flat fixed rates or variable rates with no down payment. The option for application is simple in Solargraf and once configured by the installer it is a near instantaneous approval by Dividend. Also, Dividend offers Solargraf installers in the United States the option to provide financing for solar and storage.

3. LoanPal

LoanPal provides financial products in the United States for home improvement on energy efficiency features of the residential unit. This is not restricted to solar, it extends to energy efficiency modifications as well as storage solutions. The broader scope of the product offering is enhanced by the commitment for quick approvals. This is certainly enabled by the Solargraf integration and the pre-vetting of the installer’s projects, delivery credentials and user reviews.

4. GreenSky

Through Solargraf, GreenSky offers home improvement loans for energy efficiency home automation and solar loans. The installers are provided with the ability to quickly interact with the customers, with zero down payment and low interest rate loans in the United States. The financing model is designed to enable the installers to grow their business reach by offering customers and depend on closed deals for financing and ensuring immediate cash flow.

Solargraf Unique Features

Solargraf does have a few features that are unique among fellow solar software vendors. While they are not solutions that cannot be matched by solar industry peers it does warrant a mention.

Training Sessions

Training on the Solargraf platform is available for the user for free. While, this level of commitment to training of users is unusual in an industry that is increasingly dependent on video tutorials and self support knowledgebases, it is certainly commendable.

AI & Machine Learning

Solargraf’s application of Artificial Intelligence in image recognition and modeling the solar layout to better suite the roof space and use solar availability and shading data to arrive at an optimal electricity generation capability is a pioneering approach for solar design. The ambition for Solargraf and now Enphase Energy is to better apply this capability to shorten design times and simultaneously improve accuracy; a drive towards improving the practical operational performance as near to the designed performance.

Zapier integration

Zapier is a toolset of API integrations that allows for connecting SaaS that are otherwise incompatible to work together. The options with Zapier and Solargraf are really only limited by the creativity of the users. This integration puts additional resources at the installers disposal which would otherwise not be possible, such as but not limited to; CRM, Cataloguing, Scheduling & Automation of Appointments, Payment Reminders, Social Media Integration and Remote Monitoring & Alerts.

Browser based

Users of Solargraf are provided with a cloud software that is fully mobile browser based, enabling remote use capabilities. Users’ access rights management allows various contributors from managers, sales executives, engineers, purchase managers and marketing contributors to work together; for on the go Solargraf professionals the features available to the users makes all the difference as a reliable projects software.

Enterprise Channel

Enterprise users of Solargraf software benefit from management of their nationwide dealer and installer network in the United States. Solargraf provides a Whitelabel platform for use by residential solar developers such as Enphase Installer Network keen on their digitalisation as a path to growth. Video tutorials & training is available and allow to expand and explore the capabilities of the Solargraf.

Solargraf Reviews

Solargraf foot print is rather large and often the question arises of the platform’s ability to deliver on all fronts. User reviews suggest that Solargraf succeeds in delivering what the users expect when adopting Solargraf as their core solar software. Solargraf reviews are positive, customers are particularly pleased with their pricing model and features list.

Conclusion

Solargraf is certainly a strong platform for installers, channel managers, project managers and financiers alike. It combines several favored features from other solar software vendors in a winning combination that works well together

The speed with which projects are closed is one of the prominent features; the customer journey from discovery, selection, financial options, purchase decisions, contract language to electronic signature in a single browser window is commendable. As is Solargraf’s ability to work on any browser even on mobile devices, although some cookie settings might need to be adjusted to improve performance.

Solargraf design bankability will need more time to be proven as compared to other software vendors dedicated to achieving higher accuracy levels. The AI and Machine Learning features’ effectiveness can only be seen after the reviews of time tested installations come through. Solargraf is certainly more inclined towards design capabilities; largely oriented towards speed and customer engagement. The various features, API integration and financial integrations in particular are of great value. Pricing starting at $79 per user, considering default inclusion of aerial HD overhead imagery, is commendable value for customers in United States and Canada.

The recent Enphase acquisition will drive and strengthen both Solargraf and Enphase. Enphase’s growth and market capabilities with growing demand in residential solar market is promising for the future as attested to by the investors’ confidence.

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Sighten Solar Review https://siliken.com/sighten-solar-review/ Sat, 06 Feb 2021 06:57:52 +0000 https://siliken.com/?p=923 Sighten Solar Review Read More »

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Co-Founders

Sighten, based in San Francisco, was founded in 2013 by Co Founder: Conlan O Leary, Co Founder: Graham Hommel and Co Founder: David Villagra to create an independent software platform for the residential solar market. Sighten provides solutions for solar installers, channel managers and financiers. As one of the few software companies that provides solutions for several parts of the solar residential value chain, Sighten stands out.

The Needs of a Residential Solar Company

The residential solar market is driven by the need to deliver solutions to differing customer requirements in large volumes. This requires a robust sales, design and quotation process to address the consumer needs effectively. Software such as Sighten provide the backbone of this process, additionally functionality for the channel managers and financiers differentiates Sighten from the competition.

Partnership with Sunnova: Leading Privately Held U S Residential Solar Service Provider

In 2019 the residential solar market in United States was fast evolving and Sighten CEO & Co Founder, Conlan O Leary announced that “Sighten has launched a major partnership with Sunnova the leading privately held U S Residential Solar & Storage service provider”.

Sighten partnerships with leading solar asset management and solar financing companies puts them in a strong position to build on the value chain and provide support over the life cycle of solar & storage installation.

Sighten

Sales & Marketing

Sighten allows for exploration of the marketing and sales strategy that is pertinent to the interest of solar companies. Their solar sales series blog posts dives in and describes the sales using the science of decision making. Sighten would be boosting your solar sales by providing software customers can easily train their employees to use.

The browser based Sighten solar software is simple to use and follows an operational process that is now tried and tested by their solar installers. Sighten software platforms is creating a unique iteration in software for solar development that will empower your employees, who will benefit from the adoption of best practices. Sighten proposals and quotations are based on the principles of decision making involving the following;

1. Single Option Aversion

The customer’s need to have more than one option to make a decision.

2. Decoy Effect

The creation of an option that highlights the benefits of an option by providing the appropriate juxtaposition, thereby making it more favorable in the eyes of the customer.

3. Storytelling

Providing information and mundane data in a narrative that allows the customer to better relate to the communication of the benefits.

4. Social Proof

The understanding that everyone wants great reviews testimonials that raise the name recognition of the solar company in the eyes of its customers thereby providing confidence to the customer.

Process

Any solar design software’s worth is dependent on its ability to facilitate a frictionless business process. In the day to day process for the solar installer, employees’ expertise needs to be applied in sequence and at the very appropriate moment to successfully complete the sales proposal. This is akin to an assembly line; any lack of metaphorical parts in this context will cause the assembly line to come to a halt. This would mean that the sales proposal will wait for the appropriate input from the engineer, purchase manager or sales executive to be completed. Often, this input is less than a minute’s worth of action but the time lag between information request and information receipt could mean that a day is wasted in the interim.

Bottleneck

Mitigating these bottlenecks is the very reason Sighten was created, in the context of solar design what we are looking for is ensuring that all the internal inputs are available immediately. By ensuring that this information is pre-determined and available in the Sighten software. In practice, this translates into creating a list of preferred solar modules, inverters, mounting methods and standard equipment. In addition, the cost implications of these preferred equipment are already determined. The variables that are brought in are site & customer specific; to which the best application of these preferred equipment is applied.

Kaizen: Notification Frequency Lifecycle Stage Analysis

Solar installer companies use the techniques that are distillation of the best in class system design capability and benefit from Sighten’s industry knowledge. The engineer has determined the best equipment from a design and reliability perspective, the purchase manager has weighed in on the costs based on market conditions, the marketing & sales process manager has given the requisite input in branding & consumer touch points and, finally, the financial implications of loans & lease contracts are vetted by the financial & legal team. For continuous improvement the frequency with which each contributing resource is notified or requested to provide an input in each design lifecycle stage is analyzed; reduction of which is the goal of Kaizen.

Installers

Sighten brings with it best industry practices and applies them in a manner such that solar installers can focus on their core competencies and depend on the browser based software’s ability to balance the varying factors to cohesively deliver on the process requirements. Sighten does this by creating a standardized design process which relies on various inputs being predetermined in order to provide a frictionless sales process to create a solar proposal and quotation. In addition provision of software features such as project sunroof, integrated financing options and e-signing of contracts enhances the user experience for the solar installer.

Channels

For a larger multi-locational company concerned with several locations spread over a geographical region the channels platform allows for the management of the network. Allowing to extend the abilities of Sighten beyond that of a solar design and proposal software tool. In this way Sighten stands apart from a large number of its industry peers.

Financier

In addition, Sighten platform for financiers, is another unique iteration of a standard solar sales platform. Beyond the usual integration of financial services and options within the solar design platform Sighten provides a solution for the financiers to view the various companies using their financial services as part of their sales proposal. This provides financiers & investors in solar asset with the insight and metrics that they require to address the needs of the customers and modify and fine tune their financial offerings to better suite their clientele. They would also be able to look at regional differences and anomalies stemming from unique circumstances and benefit from not having to create all encompassing standard products.

Sighten Value

Sighten brings its value to financiers by making the process of providing a financial solution a comparative and dialogue based process. By providing each customer and installer with several financing options SIghten is able to receive feedback from the market about the financing solutions in comparison to competing solutions. What Sighten achieves by providing this feedback back to the financiers is the real world analysis of their product as compared to the peers. In comparison to a standard integration, which is a product pushed to the market by the financier, there is a treasure trove of data for the financier using the Sighten Financier product.

Sighten Solar Reviews Testimonials and Referrals

The reviews testimonials and referrals indicate that Sighten is a solution that delivers on the expectations of the participants of the value chain. In Sighten end customers are encouraged to provide referrals with the referral email option integrated in the Sighten solar proposal.

Conclusion

The, San Francisco company, raised a Series A funding of $3.5 million from investors keen on making the world a different place. Software startups in the residential solar industry finds investors who are willing to make a big difference in driving residential solar sales using strategic investment in solar software. Sighten stands shoulder to shoulder with other software companies in the quest to combat climate change and foster first past the post in our solar proliferation ideology.

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Aurora Solar Review https://siliken.com/aurora-solar-review/ Fri, 22 Jan 2021 13:59:56 +0000 https://siliken.com/?p=872 Aurora Solar Review Read More »

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Founded in 2012 by Sam & Chris, Aurora Solar based in San Francisco, delivers what they saw as a vital need for solar installers. Having to learn system design from their own experience installing solar system for a school in East Africa, they saw that the design and analysis of the solar system took longer than the actual sourcing and installation. Sam & Chris saw this as a bottleneck in the process that needs to be eliminated to increase the proliferation of solar energy.

The residential solar market can be addressed by a standardized solar design in the form of DIY kits that can serve the purposes of most customers. However, this approach is increasingly out of vogue because customers prefer a customized design suitable to their specific energy consumption & the energy production in estimated kWh forecast. The solar system design will need to consider factors such as the panels’ location, system size, battery preferences (such as Tesla PowerWall) and the customer’s price consciousness or affordability & the applicable tax incentives.

Aurora Solar

Database

The simplicity of Aurora Solar depends on creating the correct parameters of engineering design. Before solar providers begin using Aurora Solar for all their solar engineering design and project design, the configurations will need to be completed.

Modules

You are presented with the full database of modules from major solar panel manufacturers. You get to create preferred or most used favorites that are commonly used or available to you, the solar installer.

Inverters

A full list of inverters is also available to you to choose. From which, it is prudent to choose a few preferred make and models that are ideally suited to project types. At the design stage the Aurora energy modeling allows you to give a few options for the system design to be based upon rather than a rigid single choice.

For both modules and inverters or micro inverters you could also use a generic Aurora model which helps create proposals without committing to a manufacturer at the configuration stage, thereby allowing some flexibility at the execution stage. The equipment reviews based on the power production, PV systems’ review by company employees and cost, can be considered to choose the modules and inverters at the time of installation.

Utility Rates

You choose particular utility rates that are applicable for your project based on the utility companies available. Aurora Solar will populate all the rates options that are available for residential and commercial.

Incentives

The options for incentives both federal and state can be configured, along with particular tax implications applicable for commercial installations as default. These settings can be fine tuned to specific customers during the creation of the financial proposal. Incentives could be multiple and also include EV incentives or tariffs.

Financing

The financing options can be created and favorited for convenient quick access. Choosing between, cash, loan, lease or PPA models as applied to the customer, from different providers with different rates and periods. The pre-configuration and shortlisting makes the speed of creating the sales proposals that much more impressive.

Financial & Proposal Templates

Individual targeted proposals per customer segment can be created with several easily editable options that can be customized as per branding, marketing and sales communication requirements that are suitable to each individual company’s exacting standards.

Accessories

Other accessories, installations and configurations can be configured that have been determined through experience to be applicable to the majority of the projects and requirements of the customer segments.

Jurisdictions

Customization and notes for particular jurisdictions can be used to specify regulatory and compliance requirements such as building codes and fire codes applicable to counties, city or zoning requirements. Setbacks from edges or eaves can be predefined as per regional regulation requirements.

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Project Considerations

Both residential and commercial solar design are largely similar, with a few differences and additional details required in both cases where the purposes diverge from each other. For example; mostly flat roof and standing seam metal roof or standard seam metal roofs are applicable for commercial projects, whereas pitched roofs are applicable for residential projects.

Location

In Aurora Solar, much like its industry peers, the process starts with the address of the location or geographic coordinates and therefore determines the state or jurisdiction that is applicable to that location.

Utility

The utility provider is chosen, thereby enabling to choose from the multiple tariffs available. You get to choose the type of installation, residential or commercial, here the applicable billing and tariffs are chosen including demand charges in the case of commercial installation.

Energy Consumption

The energy consumption can be provided as individual bills for few months and Aurora Solar models the energy usage and the bills for the remaining months in the year based on the statistically available information for the specific location. The full years information as monthly bills, CSV file or Green Button data could also be provided increasing the accuracy of the energy consumption model. The energy model can be refined by an Hourly Load Profile or factoring in EV charging requirements (with specific car models and mileage estimations), Pool, Air Conditioning, Heating & Hot Water requirements, Lighting and Base Loads.

This allows refining the energy consumption profile based on these factors and depending on Aurora energy simulation and estimation capabilities to derive a consumption and load profile that accurately reflects the customer’s usage profile. The commercial choice allows you to choose the type of building and therefore pre-load the most appropriate energy consumption profile that is typical for that particular usage in that region.

Smart Solar Roof

The smart solar roof design is as simple to use as it is intuitive. Aurora Solar’s software and simulation ability really shines through here by creating a 3D model of the roof in no time at all. For an experienced Aurora Solar user this would be quickly executed and rely on Aurora rendering the roof accurately. LIDAR data that is available can be used to fit the created 3D model to fix the exact roof locations.

Obstacles on the roof can be easily added based on standard shapes. The aurora software would also pick out similar shapes automatically shortening the time required to find and highlight each obstacle of similar type. Adding a few nearby trees is convenient thanks to the satellite imagery and the split screen option that allows you to get a perspective and street view of the building, enabling a better understanding of the location. Further enhanced by the LIDAR function, tree heights and shapes can be more accurately compared. Roof keep outs and setbacks, as set in jurisdictions at the database pre-configuration stage, is automatically loaded for the location reducing the effort needed for site specific adjustments

Solar Irradiance

The solar irradiance simulation now compares the designed roof to the TMY data to provided an accurate rendering of the best locations for installation of the solar panels.

Solar System Design

Aurora Solar allows the placement of modules to be done manually or automatically based on the demarcated roof, particular zone or predetermined minimum performance requirements. Stringing and inverter choice can also be done automatically on the basis of a few choices of inverter and specific DC-AC ratio targets.

Savings Estimation

Energy offset, utility bill offset, monthly bill savings and the comparison between solar electricity production & consumption can be calculated. The simulation engine calculates and highlights the solar system’s performance metric. Specific attributable sources of loss, that effect the annual yield or the performance ratio of the solar installation, can be identified

Prices

System prices cost calculator allows costing based on Cost per Watt or Line Item pricing. Panel prices, inverters and individual services can be valued separately providing the cost of the solar power project.

Finance Options & Proposals

Financing options such as Cash, Loan, Lease or PPA can be chosen to be included in the proposal and therefore financial projection on the basis of these options and the respective cumulative and annual financial projections, payback and returns calculations can be completed.

Aurora sales proposals with customized pages can be created and printed or exported to pdf. The premium Aurora subscription allows additional outputs such as; bill of materials, bankable shading report, and editable single line diagrams.

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Customer Service

There are three levels of service in Aurora Solar basic, premium and custom; starting from $135 per user per month. The basic will meet most residential solar installer requirements, larger organizations will certainly benefit from the advanced features such as LIDAR, battery storage and dedicated customer service available in the premium & custom pricing levels. Support for 3D modeling, proposal template design and business process customization is available as additional paid services.

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Conclusion

Aurora solar is a cloud based software that is best suited for solar system design. The speed of creation of a sales proposal as compared to the industry average is noteworthy. Aurora Solar’s software is a vital tool for being able to quickly and accurately design and deliver sales proposals to customers. Despite efforts to standardize, the requirements of each customer is unique and therefore flexibility without compromising on quality becomes vital for operational efficiency. The cloud based design software for solar Aurora provides, allows the solar installers to reduce the requirement of site visits by being able to conduct site analysis remotely.

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Helioscope Review https://siliken.com/helioscope-review/ Fri, 22 Jan 2021 13:59:05 +0000 https://siliken.com/?p=874 Helioscope Review Read More »

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Helioscope is a web based solar design software that is designed to bring accuracy and reliability to solar estimation and energy simulation. Folsom Labs, founded by Paul Grana in 2012 and based in San Francisco, is intent on making solar photovoltaic estimation and simulation effortless yet accurate at the same time. No easy task, considering the multitude of factors, mechanical, electrical and environmental that influence the simulation of a solar photovoltaic system.

Folsom Labs

Folsom Labs’ Helioscope is pitted against PVsyst a comparison that they readily make in several of their own communications. At Helioscope, they believe that the calculations and formulae that form the basis of solar estimation and energy simulation are universal, providing a detailed mathematical formulae and calculation document that can be examined by all. While, Helioscope do not claim proprietary rights to the simulation methodology, they do believe in their method of applying these calculations and in their platform’s ability to simulate accurate results.

Solar Photovoltaic Estimation

The current needs of solar photovoltaic estimation, energy simulation and proposals software can be quantified as follows;

1. Simplicity

In other words, the ease with which the tool can be used. Essentially, the designers getting the user interface and user experience just right.

2. Agnostic

Each device and operating system brings with it their own benefits and limitations, creating a tool that can be used across all these devices is a great feature.

3. Learnability

The ability of the user to self learn or be quickly trained is vital to an organizations’ adoption of the platform and hiring of resources.

4. Accuracy

The accuracy of the results is the raison d’être for solar photovoltaic estimation and energy simulation software and there will be no compromise on this by any respectable solar developer and solar installer.

5. Bankability

The financial commitment for a solar project is always a carefully considered action irrespective of the size. At current costs, installing solar is an upfront financial investment with the expectation of a profitable return on investment. The estimated solar PV system delivering on the simulated energy yield targets is non-negotiable; ensuring technical targets are met, and therefore, financial expectations are satisfied.

Helioscope

The overarching mission of having a pv design tool is accelerating growth and development of solar PV projects and its beneficial contribution to energy transformation to renewable sources. Helioscope adds impetus to this already growing solar juggernaut by ensuring that every solar developer and installer have a tool that is in their own words, bankable. It could be argued that Helioscope is the preferred tool for the newer generation of solar designers who are more internet savvy and are comfortable with a web based tool. Helioscope has been designed with this user in mind and yet has not compromised on a solar photovoltaic estimation and energy simulation tool’s need for accuracy and bankability.

1. Configuration

Helioscope configuration of profiles are open and flexible to suit the operational needs of a solar developer or solar installer. Whether you are looking for a tool that is applying a standard solution to several locations, creating custom solar designs for each location or modeling several permutations & combinations for optimal estimation; Helioscope allows to customize the toolset to your needs.

Helioscope default profiles for residential, commercial, carport and ground mount are available. These Helioscope default profiles can be fine tuned to suit the needs of the project types or region by setting the common factors as a default. Removing the need for these profiles to be created for every project. These default settings, apply to mechanical, electrical, environmental, solar irradiance and regulatory aspects of the project. This method of having default settings takes the need for repeated settings out of the process and allows the sales executive or engineer to consider the site specific modifications.

2. Project

Creating a project in Helioscope starts with the name and address with the address determining the location of the project. Although not explicitly stated, the address field will accept geographic longitude and latitude coordinates. The map view to the right of the fields will centre on the address or coordinates. You can set a default profile to use which is preloaded, choose from customized profiles created by you or from Helioscope default profiles. Helioscope provides default profiles for residential, commercial, carport and ground-mount projects; each of which can be further customized to suit specific requirements in profile settings

3. Estimation

Helioscope has a process flow that has a logical flow to the solar estimation and energy simulation. Helioscope supporting documentation, Modeling 101, provides the science behind the process in considerable detail. Reading this documentation allows for the designer to be better informed in the estimation of solar energy yield and the Helioscope modeling methodology. Throughout the estimation process each additional parameter or change is reflected immediately in the simulation, this makes it an exploratory process.

4. Map

The map is the starting point of the layout tools. Helioscope by default has Google, Bing and Google Street Map (where available). This provides standard satellite imagery from Google or Bing, aerial drone imagery can be used with the integration of NearMap or files from Pictometry. Your own images, line diagrams or drone imagery can also be provided as the starting point.

5. Mechanical

The layout of arrays starts with marking out the roof or installation location. Helioscope can fill in the panels based on the default settings immediately. Azimuth is set as default to South or North based on the location of the site relative to the equator. The Azimuth for the arrays can be set to an edge of the field segment with a few clicks. If the default is acceptable you can move to the next step, else, you can choose an alternative module from the list; adjust the tilt, inter-row spacing, racking specifications and height of the array from the ground (in the case of roof installations).

6. Keepout

Objects and obstructions that will preclude installation of solar modules or effect their generation capacity can be marked. The exact shape & height of keepouts can be specified based on the image available and factors known to the designer such as setbacks & walkways can be included. The shading influences of keepouts and obstructions, including neighboring buildings and trees can be assessed. Modules can be automatically removed in Helioscope based on time of the year shading factors or individual module shading cut-off percentages.

7. Electrical

The default inverter is preloaded, the number of inverters and the string sizing is completed based on the number of panels determined by the software factoring the mechanical and keepout parameters. The electrical equipment can include DC optimizers, combiner boxes and cable gauge specifications. Factors such as inverter efficiency, MPPTs, voltage drops and resistance losses on cabling homeruns are considered in the electrical estimation. The default can be tweaked by choosing an alternative inverter, changing the DC-AC ratio, string sizing and various factors. The entire electrical estimation can be exported as a single line diagram that is dynamically calculated based on the electrical parameters.

8. Report & Simulation

The final Helioscope report considers all the Mechanical, Electrical and Condition Sets (including custom or default settings for soiling, snow and TMY Weather Data) to create an 8760 energy model for each individual module. Helioscope aggregates this to the string, inverter and system level 8760 energy model to create the full report and energy simulation of the solar project. This entire simulation process is completed in a matter of minutes.

The resulting Helioscope report provides a loss tree and source of losses torus chart that allows for a quick view of the major losses. This is convenient, enabling returning to the problem area and minimize the losses stemming from it. For example, changing an inverter capacity or type can improve the inverter losses or increasing cable gauge can reduce resistance losses.

Proposals Beta

Helioscope team has launched a private beta for sales & financial proposals which considers the cost of the components, the utility rates, state & federal incentives and financing options. This will extend Helioscope features beyond a solar estimation tool and bring it into the sales proposal category.

Integrations

Helioscope provides the ability to integrate with, import from and export to several peripheral service providers such as;

  • Solar GIS
  • NearMap
  • Energy ToolBase
  • Homer
  • UniRack
  • Adobe DocuSign
  • Mosaic

to name but a few to improve the primary solar modeling capabilities.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are laudatory with particular emphasis on the ease of use and the ability of the customers to quickly train engineers and sales executives to estimate solar and run energy simulations as the greatest benefit. Some customers have reduced their estimation times by a factor of 10.

Conclusion

Helioscope has achieved what Paul Grana set out to do, make a platform that creates bankable designs of solar projects. The industry at large would need to acknowledge that going forward, the global acceptance of PVsyst reports is being challenged. Perhaps, the solar industry is hesitant to admit that estimation and simulation accuracy for solar projects can be achieved so easily, but we would be remiss not to do so. Helioscope is the next evolutionary step to simulate solar projects and provide bankable documentation and shading analysis. The fact that, Helioscope is a cloud based tool which is device agnostic and integrates with several peripheral data & service providers; is a stunning example of what the future holds for solar photovoltaic design, estimation and simulation.

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PVsyst Review https://siliken.com/pvsyst-review/ Fri, 22 Jan 2021 13:57:57 +0000 https://siliken.com/?p=877 PVsyst Review Read More »

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In some parts of the solar energy industry PVsyst is the gold standard in solar design and modeling software and with good reason. PVsyst has a long track record and has proven to be a software that can be relied upon for the accurate estimation of the electricity that the solar installation will provide. Certainly manual estimation of the numerous factors that influence the performance of solar photovoltaic installation are difficult to formulate and calculate accurately without the aid of such software.

Founders André Mermoud & Michel Villoz

Founders of PVsyst are André Mermoud; a particle physicist & Michel Villoz; an electrical engineer, whose individual experiences in the solar & renewable energy is a testament to the depth of knowledge and the robustness of the software. The need for the software was clear from the outset and they set out to design a software that has now become a valued and mandatory solar PV design software across the world from Canada to Japan. Although, Folsom Labs with their Heliscope product are nipping at their heels.

PV System Design

The usefulness of the PV System design does not end at the modeling or proposal stage. The design will need to be installed, commissioned and operated within the parameters and projections modeled at the initial stage. This makes design a critical part of solar development at any scale. The correct design tool increases the certainty that the project can be executed as designed, therefore the financial and material resources committed to the project can therefore be justified and the predicted returns on invested capital can be achieved. This is succinctly stated as bankability. Bankability is where PVsyst truly delivers and is therefore trusted as a tool for solar design in markets as different from each other as Germany and India.

Solar Energy Photovoltaic System

A solar photovoltaic system design requires the consideration of the following components of the solar power plant;

  • Solar PV Modules
  • Inverters
  • Mounting Structures
  • Electrical Cabling & Transformation Components

Which are influenced by variables such as;

  • Annual Solar Radiation at the location and orientation
  • Maximum Energy Output by the specified module
  • Interface point of the solar power plant to the electricity network
  • Clipping control of the inverter

The accuracy level of the performance metrics will need to be the same irrespective of the size of the solar power plant ranging from rooftop installations to utility scale projects.

PVsyst Features

PVsyst 7 the new version brings with it some advancements and improvements, the biggest of which is the ability to conduct financial analysis. The ability to assess the financial aspects is a new component to PVsyst which had until now eschewed the financial and economic implications of solar design, choosing to focus on the technical analysis.

The design begins by choosing a project and its location based on the geographic coordinates. If not a satellite map is provided that can be used to fine tune the specific location of the project.

1. Module

You could use a generic module as provided as a standard by PVsyst or you could bring your own PAN file from the module manufacturer that provides fully detailed specifications.

2. Inverter

Similar to the modules you could use a generic inverter from PVsyst or you could specify a particular model and provide the specifications in an OND file provided by the inverter manufacturer.

3. Location, Orientation & Azimuth

The module and arrays’ installation location, orientation and azimuth can be specified in general as an array. Without creating a 3D model it is difficult to make a simple visualization of your individual modules and arrays.

4. Simulation

The simulation of the energy generation for the given solar system is based on default meteo data that is available. If you require more accurate site specific TMY data you would need to bring your own or source it from providers such as SolarGIS who allow you to export site specific report in files compatible to PVsyst.

5. Financial Models

New in this version is the financial features which allows you to add financial and economical factors to the energy report of your photovoltaic system. This allows you to work on costing of components, project management, administrative and operation & maintenance for the full life cycle of the PV systems.

Helioscope by Folsom Labs

Folsom Labs has created a strong albeit slightly more expensive tool for assessment of solar renewable energy systems. The user interface of Helioscope is intuitive and diametrically opposite to the user experience in PVsyst. The projects’ results in energy output & performance simulation is close if not better than PVsyst.

Final Analysis

PVsyst is a tool the performance of which is only as good as the users’ ability to get the best out of it. For the seasoned PVsyst users the new version is an enhancement of a reliable tool that has provided exemplary performance and as such fits correctly into their operational model. Products like Helioscope are not to be ignored and will continue to challenge the predominance of PVsyst. Where PVsyst looses out is the dated user interface & user experience, its inability to be platform agnostic, lack of cloud storage abilities and visualization based on satellite imagery. The financial and economic analysis component of version 7 will be a much valued addition to their existing customer-base, many of whom are unlikely to switch to new products any time soon.

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