API & SDK
Models & Algorithms
## External Inputs
### **Weather Data**
| Variable | Symbol | Units | Destination(s) |
| ----------------------------- | ---------- | -------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| UTC Date-Time | — | datetime | • Solar Position
• Extraterrestrial Irradiance
• Sunrise/Sunset Model | | Global Horizontal Irradiance | $GHI$ | W/m² | • Irradiance Quality Check
• Decomposition
• Transposition
• Ground-Reflected Shading | | Direct Normal Irradiance | $DNI$ | W/m² | • Irradiance Quality Check
• Transposition
• Ground-Reflected Shading | | Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance | $DHI$ | W/m² | • Irradiance Quality Check
• Transposition
• Ground-Reflected Shading | | Ambient Air Temperature | $T_a$ | °C | • Solar Position (refraction)
• Module Temperature
• Inverter Derating
• Decomposition (Reindl)
• Spectral Models | | Wind Speed | $v_w$ | m/s | Module Temperature | | Atmospheric Pressure | $P$ | hPa | • Solar Position (refraction)
• Air Mass
• Decomposition (DIRINT)
• Bird Clear Sky | | Relative Humidity | $RH$ | % | • Decomposition (Reindl)
• Spectral Models | | Wind Gust Speed | $v_{gust}$ | m/s | Wind Stow | | Dewpoint Temperature | $T_d$ | °C | Spectral Models | | Plane-of-Array Irradiance | $G_{POA}$ | W/m² | POAI Decomposition (when Frontside POAI enabled) | ### **Site Configuration** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Destination(s) | | ------------------- | ------------------------- | ------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Latitude | $\varphi$ | degrees | Solar Position | | Longitude | $\lambda$ | degrees | Solar Position | | Altitude | $h$ | m | • Solar Position (
• Pressure calculation
• Inverter Derating | | Albedo | $\rho$ | — | • Transposition
• Bifacial Model
• Bird Clear Sky | | Standard UTC Offset | $\text{UTC}_{\text{off}}$ | hours | Sunrise/Sunset Model | | Horizon Profile | $(\gamma_i, e_i)$ | degrees | Horizon Shading | ### **Other Time Series Inputs (Optional)** | Input | Units | Used In | | | ------------------------------ | ---------------- | ----------------------- | ------------------------------- | | Monthly Albedo Factors | — | Transposition | | | Monthly Soiling Factors | % | Soiling Model | | | Module Temperature Time Series | $T_{m,measured}$ | °C | Override calculated temperature | | Tracking Angle Time Series | degrees | User-defined tracking | | | Vmpp Time-Series Adjustment | $\Delta V_{MPP}$ | % | Operating Region (V7+) | | Impp Time-Series Adjustment | $\Delta I_{MPP}$ | % | Operating Region (V7+) | | Inverter Derate Time Series | — | Power derating schedule | | | Inverter Set Point Time Series | W | Power limiting schedule | | | LGIA Limit Time Series | MW | POI power clipping | | *** ## Model Parameters ### **Module Parameters (Single Diode Model)** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | --------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | ------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Reference Short-Circuit Current | $I_{sc,ref}$ | A | Parameter Translation
→ Single Diode Model | | Reference Power | $P_{mp,ref}$ | W | Parameter Translation / DC Wiring Resistance | | Number of Cells in Series | $N_c$ | — | • Parameter Translation
• Single Diode Model | | Temperature Coefficient of Isc | $\alpha_{I_{sc}}$ | %/°C | Parameter Translation
→ Single Diode Model | | Diode Ideality Factor | $\gamma_{ref}$ | — | Parameter Translation | | Temp. Coeff. of Ideality Factor | $\alpha_{\gamma}$ | 1/°C | Parameter Translation | | Ideality Factor Polynomial Coefficients | $a_\gamma, b_\gamma, c_\gamma, d_\gamma$ | various | Parameter Translation | | Reference Series Resistance | $R_{s,ref}$ | Ω | Parameter Translation
→ Single Diode Model | | Reference Shunt Resistance | $R_{sh,ref}$ | Ω | Parameter Translation
→ Single Diode Model | | Reference Saturation Current | $I_{0,ref}$ | A | Parameter Translation
→ Single Diode Model | | Dark Shunt Resistance | $R_{sh,0}$ | Ω | Parameter Translation (irradiance)
→ Single Diode Model | | Shunt Resistance Exponent | $R_{sh,exp}$ | — | Parameter Translation (irradiance)
→ Single Diode Model | | Bandgap Energy | $E_g$ | eV | Parameter Translation (temperature)
→ Single Diode Model | | Recombination Parameter | $d_i^2/\mu\tau$ | V | Single Diode Model (7-parameter) | | Built-in Voltage | $V_{bi}$ | V | Single Diode Model (7-parameter) | | Reference Irradiance | $G_{ref}$ | W/m² | • Parameter Translation
• Temperature Models
• DC Wiring Resistance | | Reference Temperature | $T_{ref}$ | °C | • Parameter Translation
• DC Wiring Resistance | ### **Module Temperature Parameters** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Model | | ------------------------------------- | ---------------- | -------------- | ----------------------- | | Conductive Heat Transfer Coefficient | $u_c$ | W/m²·K | Heat Balance | | Convective Heat Transfer Coefficient | $u_v$ | W/m²·K per m/s | Heat Balance | | Cell-to-Module Temperature Difference | $\Delta T_{c-m}$ | °C | All temperature models | | Absorption Coefficient | $\alpha_T$ | — | Heat Balance | | Module STC Efficiency | $\eta_{STC}$ | — | Heat Balance / NOCT-SAM | | Conductive Coefficient | $a$ | — | Sandia | | Convective Coefficient | $b$ | s/m | Sandia | | Transmittance-Absorptance | $\tau\alpha$ | — | NOCT-SAM | | NOCT | $NOCT$ | °C | NOCT-SAM | ### **Inverter Parameters** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | ------------------------ | ------------------------ | ------- | ------------------------------------- | | Minimum MPP Voltage | $V_{MPP,min}$ | V | Operating Region | | Maximum MPP Voltage | $V_{MPP,max}$ | V | Operating Region | | Maximum Absolute Voltage | $V_{max}$ | V | Operating Region | | Minimum DC Power | $P_{min}$ | W | Operating Region | | AC Rated Power | $P_{AC,rated}$ | kVA | Power Limiting | | Efficiency Curves | $\eta_{V_j}(P_{AC,i})$ | kW, % | Efficiency Model | | Temperature-kVA Curves | $P_{AC,derate,h_k}(T_j)$ | °C, kVA | Temperature Derating | | AC Power Setpoint | $P_{AC,set}$ | kVA | Temperature Derating / Power Limiting | ### **DC Field & Loss Parameters** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | ----------------------------- | ----------------- | -------- | ---------------------------------------------------- | | Module Mismatch Coefficient | $f_{MM}$ | % | DC Power Reduction | | Light-Induced Degradation | $f_{LID}$ | % | DC Power Reduction | | Module Quality Factor | $f_{MQ}$ | % | DC Power Reduction | | DC Health Factor | $f_{DCH}$ | % | DC Power Reduction | | DC Wiring Loss Percentage | $L_{wire}$ | % | DC Wiring Resistance | | DC Wiring Resistance | $R_{DC,module}$ | Ω | Added to Series Resistance | | Degradation Rate (Linear) | $r_{deg}$ | %/year | Annual Degradation | | Nonlinear Degradation Rates | $[r_0, r_1, ...]$ | %/year | Nonlinear Degradation | | LeTID Annual Rates | $[l_0, l_1, ...]$ | %/year | LeTID Degradation | | Bifaciality Factor | $\phi$ | — | Rear-Side Weighting | | Structure Shading Factor | $f_{str}$ | % | Rear-Side Losses | | Backside Mismatch Factor | $f_{MM,rear}$ | % | Rear-Side Losses | | Module Transmission Factor | $\tau$ | — | Rear Irradiance (bifacial) | | SunSolve Transmission Gain | $f_T$ | — | Rear Irradiance (bifacial, SunSolve-calibrated mode) | | Field-Level Wiring Resistance | $R_{DC,field}$ | Ω | Loss Reporting | | Energization Date | $t_0$ | datetime | DC Degradation Model | ### **Transformer Parameters** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | ----------------------------- | -------------- | ----- | -------------------------------- | | MV Transformer No-Load Loss | $L_{NL,MV}$ | % | MV Transformer Model (quadratic) | | MV Transformer Full-Load Loss | $L_{FL,MV}$ | % | MV Transformer Model (quadratic) | | MV Transformer Rated Power | $P_{MV,rated}$ | kVA | Transformer Model (quadratic) | | HV Transformer No-Load Loss | $L_{NL,HV}$ | % | HV Transformer Model (quadratic) | | HV Transformer Full-Load Loss | $L_{FL,HV}$ | % | HV Transformer Model (quadratic) | | HV Transformer Rated Power | $P_{HV,rated}$ | MVA | HV Transformer Model (quadratic) | ### **AC System Parameters** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | ----------------------------- | ----------- | --------- | -------------------------------------------------- | | AC Collection Loss | $f_{coll}$ | % | Array-Level Losses | | Transmission Line Resistance | $R_{line}$ | Ω/1000 ft | Transmission Loss | | Transmission Line Length | $\ell_t$ | km | Transmission Loss | | Transformer High-Side Voltage | $V_{HS}$ | kV | Transmission Loss | | Conductors per Phase | $N_{cond}$ | — | Transmission Loss | | Inverter Design Derate | $d$ | — | Power Factor / Transmission Loss | | Cooling Load | $L_{cool}$ | W | Auxiliary Load | | Tracker Motor Load | $L_{track}$ | W | Auxiliary Load | | DAS Load | $L_{DAS}$ | W | Auxiliary Load | | Availability Loss Factor | $f_{avail}$ | % | • Availability Loss
• Power Flow (ESS re-run) | | Grid Limit (LGIA) | $P_{POI}$ | MW | POI Power Clipping | ### **DC Field Geometry** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | -------------------------- | -------------------------- | ------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Fixed Tilt Angle | $\beta_{fixed}$ | degrees | Surface Orientation | | Fixed Azimuth Angle | $\gamma_{fixed}$ | degrees | Surface Orientation | | Tracker Axis Azimuth | $\gamma_{axis}$ | degrees | Tracking Algorithm | | Tracker Axis Tilt | $\beta_{axis}$ | degrees | Tracking Algorithm | | Minimum Rotation Limit | $\alpha_{min}$ | degrees | Tracking Algorithm | | Maximum Rotation Limit | $\alpha_{max}$ | degrees | Tracking Algorithm | | Nighttime Stow Angle | $\alpha_{stow,night}$ | degrees | Tracking Algorithm | | Wind Stow Angle | $\alpha_{stow,wind}$ | degrees | Wind Stow | | Ground Slope | $\beta_g$ | degrees | • Backtracking
• Shading Models | | Ground Slope Azimuth | $\gamma_g$ | degrees | • Backtracking
• Shading Models | | Ground Coverage Ratio | $GCR$ | — | • Backtracking
• Shading Models
• Bifacial Model | | Post Height | $h_{post}$ | m | Bifacial Model | | Row-to-Row Pitch | $p$ | m | • Shading Models
• Backtracking
• Bifacial Model
• GCR calculation | | Collector Width | $\ell_m$ | m | • Shading Models
• Backtracking
• Bifacial Model
• GCR calculation | | Row Length | $L$ | m | Row-to-Row Beam Shading | | Bay Pile Heights | $(h_{S,i}, h_{N,i})$ | m | Terrain-Aware Backtracking | | East Neighbor Pile Heights | $(h'_{E,S,i}, h'_{E,N,i})$ | m | Terrain-Aware Backtracking | | West Neighbor Pile Heights | $(h'_{W,S,i}, h'_{W,N,i})$ | m | Terrain-Aware Backtracking | | Bay Length | $L_b$ | m | Row-to-Row Beam Shading | | Bay Spacing | $s_b$ | m | Row-to-Row Beam Shading | | Bays Per Row | $N_b$ | — | Row-to-Row Beam Shading | | Number of Rows | $N_{rows}$ | — | Row-to-Row Beam Shading | | Cross-Axis Slope | $\beta_c$ | degrees | Sky Diffuse Shading | | DC Field Repeater Count | $n_{rep,i}$ | — | DC Field Aggregation | | Inverter Repeater Count | $n_{rep,inv}$ | — | Array-Level Losses | | Array Repeater Count | $n_{rep,array}$ | — | • Array-Level Losses
• Plant-Level Losses | | Block Repeater Count | $n_{rep,block}$ | — | Plant-Level Losses | | Strings per Inverter | $N_{p,i}$ | — | • Current scaling (parallel)
• DC wiring resistance | | Modules per String | $N_{s,i}$ | — | • String voltage (Vmp, Voc)
• DC wiring resistance | ### **Tracking Control Parameters** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | ------------------- | --------------- | --------- | ----------------------- | | Hesitation Factor | $f_h$ | — | Irradiance Optimization | | Rotation Speed | $\omega$ | degrees/s | Irradiance Optimization | | Wind Stow Threshold | $v_{threshold}$ | m/s | Wind Stow | | Time Interval | $\Delta t$ | seconds | Irradiance Optimization | | Time Interval | $\delta t$ | minutes | Battery Model | ### **Spectral Correction Parameters** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | ------------------------- | ------------------ | ----- | -------------------------------------- | | Sandia Polynomial Factors | $[a_0, ..., a_4]$ | — | Spectral Correction (Sandia) | | Two-Variable Coefficients | $[b_0, ..., b_5]$ | — | Spectral Correction (Two-Variable) | | Monthly Spectral Loss | $L_{spectr,month}$ | % | Spectral Correction (Monthly Override) | ### **Electrical Shading Parameters** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | -------------------------- | ------ | ----- | ------------------------------------------ | | Fractional Shading Percent | $f$ | % | Electrical Shading (Fractional) | | Number of Module Rows | $M$ | — | Electrical Shading (Fractional, pre-V12) | | Number of Bay Fractions | $N$ | — | Electrical Shading (Step-Fractional, V12+) | ### **IAM Parameters** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | ------------------------------ | --------------------- | ---------- | --------------------------------------- | | ASHRAE IAM Parameter | $b_0$ | — | IAM (ASHRAE) / Ground-Reflected Shading | | Sandia IAM Polynomial Factors | $[b_0, ..., b_5]$ | degree⁻ⁱ | IAM (Sandia) | | Refractive Index | $n$ | — | IAM (Physical) | | ARC Refractive Index | $n_{ARC}$ | — | IAM (Physical) | | Absorption Coefficient (glass) | $\alpha_{abs}$ | m⁻¹ | IAM (Physical) | | Glass Thickness | $L_{glass}$ | m | IAM (Physical) | | IAM Factor Pairs | $\{(\theta_i, f_i)\}$ | degrees, — | IAM (Tabular) | ### **ESS Parameters (Optional)** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | ---------------------------------- | ------------------ | ------- | ---------------------------------------------- | | Nameplate Energy Capacity | $E_{nom}$ | MWh | State-of-Charge Calculation | | Usable Capacity Factor | $f_{usable}$ | — | State-of-Charge Calculation | | Initial Round-Trip DC Efficiency | $\eta_{RT,init}$ | % | Round-Trip Efficiency | | Capacity Cycle Degradation Rate | $d_{E,cycle}$ | %/cycle | Battery Degradation | | Capacity Calendar Degradation Rate | $d_{E,year}$ | %/year | Battery Degradation | | RTE Cycle Degradation Rate | $d_{\eta,cycle}$ | %/cycle | Battery Degradation | | RTE Calendar Degradation Rate | $d_{\eta,year}$ | %/year | Battery Degradation | | ESS Inverter Efficiency | $\eta_{inv}$ | % | DC/AC Conversion Efficiency (Charge/Discharge) | | ESS Inverter Rated AC Power | $P_{AC,rated,ESS}$ | MW | Charge & Discharge Limits | | ESS MV Transformer No-Load Loss | $L_{NL,ESS}$ | % | ESS Transformer Model (quadratic) | | ESS MV Transformer Full-Load Loss | $L_{FL,ESS}$ | % | ESS Transformer Model (quadratic) | | ESS MV Transformer Rating | $P_{MV,rated,ESS}$ | MVA | ESS Transformer Model (quadratic) | | Custom Inverter Capacity Fraction | $f_{cap}$ | — | Charge & Discharge Limits (Custom Dispatch) | | Dispatch Table | $D_{m,h}$ | boolean | Dispatch Algorithms | | Custom Dispatch Time Series | $C_t$ | — | Dispatch Algorithms | *** ## Stage 1: Irradiance Variables ### **Solar Position, Extraterrestrial, and Clear-Sky Irradiance** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination(s) | | ----------------------------------------- | ------------- | -------- | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Solar
• Decomposition
• Transposition
• Shading
• Bird Clear Sky | | Solar
• Shading | | Sunrise Time | $t_{rise}$ | datetime | Sunrise/Sunset Model | • Operational hours
• Horizon Shading | | Sunset Time | $t_{set}$ | datetime | Sunrise/Sunset Model | • Operational hours
• Horizon Shading | | Extraterrestrial Direct Normal Irradiance | $DNI_{extra}$ | W/m² | Extraterrestrial Irradiance | • Transposition
• Decomposition
• Bird Clear Sky | | Clear-Sky Global Horizontal Irradiance | $GHI_{clear}$ | W/m² | Bird Clear Sky Model | Decomposition (DIRINT) | | Clear-Sky Direct Normal Irradiance | $DNI_{clear}$ | W/m² | Bird Clear Sky Model | Decomposition (DIRINT) | | Clear-Sky Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance | $DHI_{clear}$ | W/m² | Bird Clear Sky Model | Decomposition (DIRINT) | ### **Derived Irradiance Parameters** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination(s) | | --------------------------------- | ------------ | ----- | ------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------- | | Relative
• Spectral Models | | Precipitable Water | $W$ | cm | Weather file or calculated from RH/T | Spectral Models | | Spectral Correction Factor | $U_{spectr}$ | — | Spectral Model | POA Irradiance adjustment | ### **Tracker & Surface Orientation** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination(s) | | ----------------------- | ----------------- | ------- | ------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | | Tracker Rotation Angle | $\alpha$ | degrees | True Tracking | • Backtracking
• Irradiance Optimization | | Backtracking Angle | $\alpha_B$ | degrees | Standard Backtracking | Terrain-Aware Backtracking | | Terrain-Corrected Angle | $\alpha_{TABT,i}$ | degrees | Terrain-Aware Backtracking | Surface Orientation | | Optimized Tracker Angle | $\alpha_{opt}$ | degrees | Irradiance Optimization | Wind Stow / Surface Orientation | | Commanded Tracker Angle | $\alpha_{final}$ | degrees | Wind Stow | Surface Orientation | | Module Tilt Angle | $\beta_m$ | degrees | • Configuration
• Tracking | • Transposition (view factors)
• AOI Calculation | | Module Azimuth Angle | $\gamma_m$ | degrees | • Configuration
• Tracking | AOI Calculation | | Angle of Incidence | $\theta_{AOI}$ | degrees | Geometry Calculation | • Transposition (beam)
• IAM
• Row-to-row shading | ### **Plane-of-Array Irradiance Components** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination(s) | | -------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ----- | ---------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | | Transposition Factor (Global) | $TF_{POA}$ | — | 3D Transposition | POA Irradiance adjustment | | Transposition Factor (Beam) | $TF_{beam}$ | — | 3D Transposition | POA Irradiance adjustment | | Transposition Factor (Sky Diffuse) | $TF_{sky}$ | — | 3D Transposition | POA Irradiance adjustment | | Transposition Factor (Ground) | $TF_{ground}$ | — | 3D Transposition | POA Irradiance adjustment | | Pre-Shading POA Irradiance (B/D/G) | — | W/m² | Transposition | Shading Models | | Shaded POA Irradiance (B/D/G) | — | W/m² | Shading Models | Soiling | | POA Irradiance After Soiling (B/D/G) | — | W/m² | Soiling Model | IAM | | POA Irradiance After IAM (B/D/G) | — | W/m² | IAM Model | Effective POA | | Front POA Irradiance | $G_{POA,front}$ | W/m² | Transposition (sum of B/D/G) | • NOCT-SAM Temperature Model
• Irradiance Optimization | | Effective Front POA Irradiance (B/D/G) | $G_{POA,front,eff}$ | W/m² | After All Adjustments | Effective POA Irradiance | | Back POA Irradiance (B/D/G) | — | W/m² | Bifacial Model | Effective POA Irradiance | | Effective POA Irradiance | $G_{POA,tot,eff}$ | W/m² | Front + Back × Bifaciality | Single Diode Model | ### **Loss/Adjustment Factors** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Applied To | | -------------------------- | ---------------- | ----- | ------------------------------ | ----------------------------- | | Horizon Shading Factor | $U_{horizon}$ | — | Horizon Shading | Beam POA Irradiance | | Beam Shading Factor | $U_{shd,B}$ | — | Near Shading Models | Beam POA Irradiance | | Sky Diffuse Shading Factor | $U_{shd,D}$ | — | Diffuse Shading (view factors) | Sky Diffuse POA Irradiance | | Ground Shading Factor | $U_{shd,G}$ | — | Ground-Reflected Shading | Ground POA Irradiance | | Electrical Shading Factor | $U_{shd,B,elec}$ | — | Electrical Shading | Beam POA Irradiance | | Soiling Factor | $U_{soil}$ | — | Soiling Model | All POA Irradiance Components | | Beam IAM Factor | $U_{IAM,B}$ | — | IAM Model | Beam POA Irradiance | | Sky Diffuse IAM Factor | $U_{IAM,D}$ | — | IAM Model | Sky Diffuse POA Irradiance | | Ground Diffuse IAM Factor | $U_{IAM,G}$ | — | IAM Model | Ground POA Irradiance | *** ## Stage 2: DC Performance Variables ### **Module Temperature** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination(s) | | -------------------------- | ------ | ----- | ----------------- | ------------------ | | Cell Temperature | $T_c$ | °C | Temperature Model | Single Diode Model | | Module Surface Temperature | $T_m$ | °C | Temperature Model | Output | ### **DC System Losses & Parameter Translation** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination(s) | | --------------------------- | ------------------ | ----- | --------------------- | --------------------- | | Scaled Effective Irradiance | $G'_{POA,tot,eff}$ | W/m² | DC System Losses | Parameter Translation | | Series Resistance | $R_s$ | Ω | Parameter Translation | Single Diode Model | | Shunt Resistance | $R_{sh}$ | Ω | Parameter Translation | Single Diode Model | | Diode Ideality Factor | $\gamma$ | — | Parameter Translation | Single Diode Model | | Saturation Current | $I_0$ | A | Parameter Translation | Single Diode Model | | Photocurrent | $I_{ph}$ | A | Parameter Translation | Single Diode Model | ### **DC Power Outputs** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination(s) | | --------------------- | -------- | ----- | ---------------------- | ------------------------------------- | | Open-Circuit Voltage | $V_{oc}$ | V | Single Diode Model | • Inverter Region Model
• Output | | Short-Circuit Current | $I_{sc}$ | A | Parameter Translation | Output | | MPP Voltage | $V_{mp}$ | V | Single Diode Model | Inverter Region Model | | MPP Current | $I_{mp}$ | A | Single Diode Model | Inverter Region Model | | MPP Power | $P_{mp}$ | W | $V_{mp} \times I_{mp}$ | Inverter Region Model | *** ## Stage 3: Inverter Variables | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination(s) | | ------------------------------- | ---------------- | ----- | ------------------------- | ------------------------- | | DC Open-Circuit Voltage | $V_{DC,oc}$ | V | DC Field Aggregation | Inverter Region Model | | DC Voltage (after clipping) | $V_{DC}$ | V | Inverter Region Model | Inverter Efficiency Model | | DC Operating Power | $P_{DC}$ | W | Inverter Region Model | Inverter Efficiency Model | | Degraded DC Power | $P_{DC,deg}$ | W | DC Degradation Model | Inverter Region Model | | DC Degradation Loss | $L_{deg}$ | W | DC Degradation Model | Output | | DC LeTID Loss | $L_{LeTID}$ | W | DC Degradation Model | Output | | Temperature-Corrected Max Power | $P_{AC,derated}$ | W | Temperature Derating | Inverter Region Model | | Inverter Efficiency | $\eta$ | — | Inverter Efficiency Model | AC Power | | Inverter AC Power | $P_{AC,inv}$ | W | Inverter Efficiency Model | Inverter Aggregation | *** ## Stage 4: AC & Plant-Level Variables ### **Array Level** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination | | ------------------- | -------------- | ----- | ----------------------- | -------------------- | | Array AC Power | $P_{AC,array}$ | W | Inverter Aggregation | AC Degradation Model | | Degraded AC Power | $P_{AC,deg}$ | W | AC Degradation Model | Auxiliary Loads | | AC Degradation Loss | $L_{deg}$ | W | AC Degradation Model | Output | | LeTID Loss | $L_{LeTID}$ | W | LeTID Model | Output | | Auxiliary Loads | $P_{aux}$ | W | Cooling + Tracker + DAS | MV Transformer Model | | MV Transformer Loss | $L_{MV,trans}$ | W | MV Transformer Model | Output | | Block Power | $P_{block}$ | W | Array-Level Losses | Plant-Level Losses | ### **Energy Storage (Optional)** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination | | --------------------------- | --------------- | ------- | ---------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | | PV MV Transformer Output | $P_{MV}$ | W | Array-Level Losses | • Charge & Discharge Limits
• Power Flow | | PV Power After Availability | $P_{avail}$ | W | Plant-Level Losses (PV-only) | • Charge & Discharge Limits
• Dispatch Algorithms | | HV Equipment Losses | $L_{HV}$ | W | Plant-Level Losses (PV-only) | Charge & Discharge Limits | | Charge Flag | $F_c$ | boolean | Dispatch Algorithms | Battery Model | | Discharge Flag | $F_d$ | boolean | Dispatch Algorithms | Battery Model | | Available Charge Power | $P_{charge}$ | W | Charge & Discharge Limits | Battery Model | | Available Discharge Power | $P_{discharge}$ | W | Charge & Discharge Limits | Battery Model | | State of Charge | $SOC$ | Wh | Battery Model | Battery Model (feedback) / Output | | Battery DC Power | $P_{DC,batt}$ | W | Battery Model | Power Flow | | DC RTE Loss | $L_{\eta}$ | W | Battery Model | Output | | Combined PV+ESS Power | $P_{combined}$ | W | Power Flow | HV Transformer Model (re-run) | ### **Plant Level** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination | | ------------------------ | ------------ | ----- | ------------------------------------- | ------------------ | | Plant Power | $P_{plant}$ | W | Block Aggregation (or $P_{combined}$) | HV Equipment | | HV Transformer Loss | $L_{HV}$ | W | HV Transformer Model | Transmission Model | | Transmission Line Loss | $L_{line}$ | W | Transmission Model | Availability | | Power After HV Equipment | $P_{HV,out}$ | W | HV Equipment Chain | Availability | | Power After Availability | $P_{avail}$ | W | Availability Model | LGIA Clipping | | Grid Limit Clipping | $L_{LGIA}$ | W | LGIA Clipping | Output | | Grid Power | $P_{grid}$ | W | LGIA Clipping | Output |
***
**Notes:**
1. **B/D/G**: Beam, Diffuse, and Ground components are tracked and exported separately.
2. **V12+**: Some variables (e.g., Bay Fractions for electrical shading) are only available in Version 12 and later.
3. **Aggregation**: Power variables aggregate hierarchically: DC Field → Inverter → Array → Block → Plant.
4. **Timestep Loop**: All time-series variables are calculated for each timestep, then aggregated to hourly/daily/monthly/annual summaries.
# Bird Clear Sky Model
Source: https://docs.plantpredict.com/models/horizontal-irradiance/bird_clear_sky_model
## Summary
The Bird Clear Sky Model computes theoretical clear-sky irradiance components (• Extraterrestrial Irradiance
• Sunrise/Sunset Model | | Global Horizontal Irradiance | $GHI$ | W/m² | • Irradiance Quality Check
• Decomposition
• Transposition
• Ground-Reflected Shading | | Direct Normal Irradiance | $DNI$ | W/m² | • Irradiance Quality Check
• Transposition
• Ground-Reflected Shading | | Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance | $DHI$ | W/m² | • Irradiance Quality Check
• Transposition
• Ground-Reflected Shading | | Ambient Air Temperature | $T_a$ | °C | • Solar Position (refraction)
• Module Temperature
• Inverter Derating
• Decomposition (Reindl)
• Spectral Models | | Wind Speed | $v_w$ | m/s | Module Temperature | | Atmospheric Pressure | $P$ | hPa | • Solar Position (refraction)
• Air Mass
• Decomposition (DIRINT)
• Bird Clear Sky | | Relative Humidity | $RH$ | % | • Decomposition (Reindl)
• Spectral Models | | Wind Gust Speed | $v_{gust}$ | m/s | Wind Stow | | Dewpoint Temperature | $T_d$ | °C | Spectral Models | | Plane-of-Array Irradiance | $G_{POA}$ | W/m² | POAI Decomposition (when Frontside POAI enabled) | ### **Site Configuration** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Destination(s) | | ------------------- | ------------------------- | ------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Latitude | $\varphi$ | degrees | Solar Position | | Longitude | $\lambda$ | degrees | Solar Position | | Altitude | $h$ | m | • Solar Position (
• Pressure calculation
• Inverter Derating | | Albedo | $\rho$ | — | • Transposition
• Bifacial Model
• Bird Clear Sky | | Standard UTC Offset | $\text{UTC}_{\text{off}}$ | hours | Sunrise/Sunset Model | | Horizon Profile | $(\gamma_i, e_i)$ | degrees | Horizon Shading | ### **Other Time Series Inputs (Optional)** | Input | Units | Used In | | | ------------------------------ | ---------------- | ----------------------- | ------------------------------- | | Monthly Albedo Factors | — | Transposition | | | Monthly Soiling Factors | % | Soiling Model | | | Module Temperature Time Series | $T_{m,measured}$ | °C | Override calculated temperature | | Tracking Angle Time Series | degrees | User-defined tracking | | | Vmpp Time-Series Adjustment | $\Delta V_{MPP}$ | % | Operating Region (V7+) | | Impp Time-Series Adjustment | $\Delta I_{MPP}$ | % | Operating Region (V7+) | | Inverter Derate Time Series | — | Power derating schedule | | | Inverter Set Point Time Series | W | Power limiting schedule | | | LGIA Limit Time Series | MW | POI power clipping | | *** ## Model Parameters ### **Module Parameters (Single Diode Model)** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | --------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | ------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Reference Short-Circuit Current | $I_{sc,ref}$ | A | Parameter Translation
→ Single Diode Model | | Reference Power | $P_{mp,ref}$ | W | Parameter Translation / DC Wiring Resistance | | Number of Cells in Series | $N_c$ | — | • Parameter Translation
• Single Diode Model | | Temperature Coefficient of Isc | $\alpha_{I_{sc}}$ | %/°C | Parameter Translation
→ Single Diode Model | | Diode Ideality Factor | $\gamma_{ref}$ | — | Parameter Translation | | Temp. Coeff. of Ideality Factor | $\alpha_{\gamma}$ | 1/°C | Parameter Translation | | Ideality Factor Polynomial Coefficients | $a_\gamma, b_\gamma, c_\gamma, d_\gamma$ | various | Parameter Translation | | Reference Series Resistance | $R_{s,ref}$ | Ω | Parameter Translation
→ Single Diode Model | | Reference Shunt Resistance | $R_{sh,ref}$ | Ω | Parameter Translation
→ Single Diode Model | | Reference Saturation Current | $I_{0,ref}$ | A | Parameter Translation
→ Single Diode Model | | Dark Shunt Resistance | $R_{sh,0}$ | Ω | Parameter Translation (irradiance)
→ Single Diode Model | | Shunt Resistance Exponent | $R_{sh,exp}$ | — | Parameter Translation (irradiance)
→ Single Diode Model | | Bandgap Energy | $E_g$ | eV | Parameter Translation (temperature)
→ Single Diode Model | | Recombination Parameter | $d_i^2/\mu\tau$ | V | Single Diode Model (7-parameter) | | Built-in Voltage | $V_{bi}$ | V | Single Diode Model (7-parameter) | | Reference Irradiance | $G_{ref}$ | W/m² | • Parameter Translation
• Temperature Models
• DC Wiring Resistance | | Reference Temperature | $T_{ref}$ | °C | • Parameter Translation
• DC Wiring Resistance | ### **Module Temperature Parameters** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Model | | ------------------------------------- | ---------------- | -------------- | ----------------------- | | Conductive Heat Transfer Coefficient | $u_c$ | W/m²·K | Heat Balance | | Convective Heat Transfer Coefficient | $u_v$ | W/m²·K per m/s | Heat Balance | | Cell-to-Module Temperature Difference | $\Delta T_{c-m}$ | °C | All temperature models | | Absorption Coefficient | $\alpha_T$ | — | Heat Balance | | Module STC Efficiency | $\eta_{STC}$ | — | Heat Balance / NOCT-SAM | | Conductive Coefficient | $a$ | — | Sandia | | Convective Coefficient | $b$ | s/m | Sandia | | Transmittance-Absorptance | $\tau\alpha$ | — | NOCT-SAM | | NOCT | $NOCT$ | °C | NOCT-SAM | ### **Inverter Parameters** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | ------------------------ | ------------------------ | ------- | ------------------------------------- | | Minimum MPP Voltage | $V_{MPP,min}$ | V | Operating Region | | Maximum MPP Voltage | $V_{MPP,max}$ | V | Operating Region | | Maximum Absolute Voltage | $V_{max}$ | V | Operating Region | | Minimum DC Power | $P_{min}$ | W | Operating Region | | AC Rated Power | $P_{AC,rated}$ | kVA | Power Limiting | | Efficiency Curves | $\eta_{V_j}(P_{AC,i})$ | kW, % | Efficiency Model | | Temperature-kVA Curves | $P_{AC,derate,h_k}(T_j)$ | °C, kVA | Temperature Derating | | AC Power Setpoint | $P_{AC,set}$ | kVA | Temperature Derating / Power Limiting | ### **DC Field & Loss Parameters** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | ----------------------------- | ----------------- | -------- | ---------------------------------------------------- | | Module Mismatch Coefficient | $f_{MM}$ | % | DC Power Reduction | | Light-Induced Degradation | $f_{LID}$ | % | DC Power Reduction | | Module Quality Factor | $f_{MQ}$ | % | DC Power Reduction | | DC Health Factor | $f_{DCH}$ | % | DC Power Reduction | | DC Wiring Loss Percentage | $L_{wire}$ | % | DC Wiring Resistance | | DC Wiring Resistance | $R_{DC,module}$ | Ω | Added to Series Resistance | | Degradation Rate (Linear) | $r_{deg}$ | %/year | Annual Degradation | | Nonlinear Degradation Rates | $[r_0, r_1, ...]$ | %/year | Nonlinear Degradation | | LeTID Annual Rates | $[l_0, l_1, ...]$ | %/year | LeTID Degradation | | Bifaciality Factor | $\phi$ | — | Rear-Side Weighting | | Structure Shading Factor | $f_{str}$ | % | Rear-Side Losses | | Backside Mismatch Factor | $f_{MM,rear}$ | % | Rear-Side Losses | | Module Transmission Factor | $\tau$ | — | Rear Irradiance (bifacial) | | SunSolve Transmission Gain | $f_T$ | — | Rear Irradiance (bifacial, SunSolve-calibrated mode) | | Field-Level Wiring Resistance | $R_{DC,field}$ | Ω | Loss Reporting | | Energization Date | $t_0$ | datetime | DC Degradation Model | ### **Transformer Parameters** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | ----------------------------- | -------------- | ----- | -------------------------------- | | MV Transformer No-Load Loss | $L_{NL,MV}$ | % | MV Transformer Model (quadratic) | | MV Transformer Full-Load Loss | $L_{FL,MV}$ | % | MV Transformer Model (quadratic) | | MV Transformer Rated Power | $P_{MV,rated}$ | kVA | Transformer Model (quadratic) | | HV Transformer No-Load Loss | $L_{NL,HV}$ | % | HV Transformer Model (quadratic) | | HV Transformer Full-Load Loss | $L_{FL,HV}$ | % | HV Transformer Model (quadratic) | | HV Transformer Rated Power | $P_{HV,rated}$ | MVA | HV Transformer Model (quadratic) | ### **AC System Parameters** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | ----------------------------- | ----------- | --------- | -------------------------------------------------- | | AC Collection Loss | $f_{coll}$ | % | Array-Level Losses | | Transmission Line Resistance | $R_{line}$ | Ω/1000 ft | Transmission Loss | | Transmission Line Length | $\ell_t$ | km | Transmission Loss | | Transformer High-Side Voltage | $V_{HS}$ | kV | Transmission Loss | | Conductors per Phase | $N_{cond}$ | — | Transmission Loss | | Inverter Design Derate | $d$ | — | Power Factor / Transmission Loss | | Cooling Load | $L_{cool}$ | W | Auxiliary Load | | Tracker Motor Load | $L_{track}$ | W | Auxiliary Load | | DAS Load | $L_{DAS}$ | W | Auxiliary Load | | Availability Loss Factor | $f_{avail}$ | % | • Availability Loss
• Power Flow (ESS re-run) | | Grid Limit (LGIA) | $P_{POI}$ | MW | POI Power Clipping | ### **DC Field Geometry** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | -------------------------- | -------------------------- | ------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Fixed Tilt Angle | $\beta_{fixed}$ | degrees | Surface Orientation | | Fixed Azimuth Angle | $\gamma_{fixed}$ | degrees | Surface Orientation | | Tracker Axis Azimuth | $\gamma_{axis}$ | degrees | Tracking Algorithm | | Tracker Axis Tilt | $\beta_{axis}$ | degrees | Tracking Algorithm | | Minimum Rotation Limit | $\alpha_{min}$ | degrees | Tracking Algorithm | | Maximum Rotation Limit | $\alpha_{max}$ | degrees | Tracking Algorithm | | Nighttime Stow Angle | $\alpha_{stow,night}$ | degrees | Tracking Algorithm | | Wind Stow Angle | $\alpha_{stow,wind}$ | degrees | Wind Stow | | Ground Slope | $\beta_g$ | degrees | • Backtracking
• Shading Models | | Ground Slope Azimuth | $\gamma_g$ | degrees | • Backtracking
• Shading Models | | Ground Coverage Ratio | $GCR$ | — | • Backtracking
• Shading Models
• Bifacial Model | | Post Height | $h_{post}$ | m | Bifacial Model | | Row-to-Row Pitch | $p$ | m | • Shading Models
• Backtracking
• Bifacial Model
• GCR calculation | | Collector Width | $\ell_m$ | m | • Shading Models
• Backtracking
• Bifacial Model
• GCR calculation | | Row Length | $L$ | m | Row-to-Row Beam Shading | | Bay Pile Heights | $(h_{S,i}, h_{N,i})$ | m | Terrain-Aware Backtracking | | East Neighbor Pile Heights | $(h'_{E,S,i}, h'_{E,N,i})$ | m | Terrain-Aware Backtracking | | West Neighbor Pile Heights | $(h'_{W,S,i}, h'_{W,N,i})$ | m | Terrain-Aware Backtracking | | Bay Length | $L_b$ | m | Row-to-Row Beam Shading | | Bay Spacing | $s_b$ | m | Row-to-Row Beam Shading | | Bays Per Row | $N_b$ | — | Row-to-Row Beam Shading | | Number of Rows | $N_{rows}$ | — | Row-to-Row Beam Shading | | Cross-Axis Slope | $\beta_c$ | degrees | Sky Diffuse Shading | | DC Field Repeater Count | $n_{rep,i}$ | — | DC Field Aggregation | | Inverter Repeater Count | $n_{rep,inv}$ | — | Array-Level Losses | | Array Repeater Count | $n_{rep,array}$ | — | • Array-Level Losses
• Plant-Level Losses | | Block Repeater Count | $n_{rep,block}$ | — | Plant-Level Losses | | Strings per Inverter | $N_{p,i}$ | — | • Current scaling (parallel)
• DC wiring resistance | | Modules per String | $N_{s,i}$ | — | • String voltage (Vmp, Voc)
• DC wiring resistance | ### **Tracking Control Parameters** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | ------------------- | --------------- | --------- | ----------------------- | | Hesitation Factor | $f_h$ | — | Irradiance Optimization | | Rotation Speed | $\omega$ | degrees/s | Irradiance Optimization | | Wind Stow Threshold | $v_{threshold}$ | m/s | Wind Stow | | Time Interval | $\Delta t$ | seconds | Irradiance Optimization | | Time Interval | $\delta t$ | minutes | Battery Model | ### **Spectral Correction Parameters** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | ------------------------- | ------------------ | ----- | -------------------------------------- | | Sandia Polynomial Factors | $[a_0, ..., a_4]$ | — | Spectral Correction (Sandia) | | Two-Variable Coefficients | $[b_0, ..., b_5]$ | — | Spectral Correction (Two-Variable) | | Monthly Spectral Loss | $L_{spectr,month}$ | % | Spectral Correction (Monthly Override) | ### **Electrical Shading Parameters** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | -------------------------- | ------ | ----- | ------------------------------------------ | | Fractional Shading Percent | $f$ | % | Electrical Shading (Fractional) | | Number of Module Rows | $M$ | — | Electrical Shading (Fractional, pre-V12) | | Number of Bay Fractions | $N$ | — | Electrical Shading (Step-Fractional, V12+) | ### **IAM Parameters** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | ------------------------------ | --------------------- | ---------- | --------------------------------------- | | ASHRAE IAM Parameter | $b_0$ | — | IAM (ASHRAE) / Ground-Reflected Shading | | Sandia IAM Polynomial Factors | $[b_0, ..., b_5]$ | degree⁻ⁱ | IAM (Sandia) | | Refractive Index | $n$ | — | IAM (Physical) | | ARC Refractive Index | $n_{ARC}$ | — | IAM (Physical) | | Absorption Coefficient (glass) | $\alpha_{abs}$ | m⁻¹ | IAM (Physical) | | Glass Thickness | $L_{glass}$ | m | IAM (Physical) | | IAM Factor Pairs | $\{(\theta_i, f_i)\}$ | degrees, — | IAM (Tabular) | ### **ESS Parameters (Optional)** | Parameter | Symbol | Units | Used In | | ---------------------------------- | ------------------ | ------- | ---------------------------------------------- | | Nameplate Energy Capacity | $E_{nom}$ | MWh | State-of-Charge Calculation | | Usable Capacity Factor | $f_{usable}$ | — | State-of-Charge Calculation | | Initial Round-Trip DC Efficiency | $\eta_{RT,init}$ | % | Round-Trip Efficiency | | Capacity Cycle Degradation Rate | $d_{E,cycle}$ | %/cycle | Battery Degradation | | Capacity Calendar Degradation Rate | $d_{E,year}$ | %/year | Battery Degradation | | RTE Cycle Degradation Rate | $d_{\eta,cycle}$ | %/cycle | Battery Degradation | | RTE Calendar Degradation Rate | $d_{\eta,year}$ | %/year | Battery Degradation | | ESS Inverter Efficiency | $\eta_{inv}$ | % | DC/AC Conversion Efficiency (Charge/Discharge) | | ESS Inverter Rated AC Power | $P_{AC,rated,ESS}$ | MW | Charge & Discharge Limits | | ESS MV Transformer No-Load Loss | $L_{NL,ESS}$ | % | ESS Transformer Model (quadratic) | | ESS MV Transformer Full-Load Loss | $L_{FL,ESS}$ | % | ESS Transformer Model (quadratic) | | ESS MV Transformer Rating | $P_{MV,rated,ESS}$ | MVA | ESS Transformer Model (quadratic) | | Custom Inverter Capacity Fraction | $f_{cap}$ | — | Charge & Discharge Limits (Custom Dispatch) | | Dispatch Table | $D_{m,h}$ | boolean | Dispatch Algorithms | | Custom Dispatch Time Series | $C_t$ | — | Dispatch Algorithms | *** ## Stage 1: Irradiance Variables ### **Solar Position, Extraterrestrial, and Clear-Sky Irradiance** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination(s) | | ----------------------------------------- | ------------- | -------- | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Solar
• Decomposition
• Transposition
• Shading
• Bird Clear Sky | | Solar
• Shading | | Sunrise Time | $t_{rise}$ | datetime | Sunrise/Sunset Model | • Operational hours
• Horizon Shading | | Sunset Time | $t_{set}$ | datetime | Sunrise/Sunset Model | • Operational hours
• Horizon Shading | | Extraterrestrial Direct Normal Irradiance | $DNI_{extra}$ | W/m² | Extraterrestrial Irradiance | • Transposition
• Decomposition
• Bird Clear Sky | | Clear-Sky Global Horizontal Irradiance | $GHI_{clear}$ | W/m² | Bird Clear Sky Model | Decomposition (DIRINT) | | Clear-Sky Direct Normal Irradiance | $DNI_{clear}$ | W/m² | Bird Clear Sky Model | Decomposition (DIRINT) | | Clear-Sky Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance | $DHI_{clear}$ | W/m² | Bird Clear Sky Model | Decomposition (DIRINT) | ### **Derived Irradiance Parameters** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination(s) | | --------------------------------- | ------------ | ----- | ------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------- | | Relative
• Spectral Models | | Precipitable Water | $W$ | cm | Weather file or calculated from RH/T | Spectral Models | | Spectral Correction Factor | $U_{spectr}$ | — | Spectral Model | POA Irradiance adjustment | ### **Tracker & Surface Orientation** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination(s) | | ----------------------- | ----------------- | ------- | ------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | | Tracker Rotation Angle | $\alpha$ | degrees | True Tracking | • Backtracking
• Irradiance Optimization | | Backtracking Angle | $\alpha_B$ | degrees | Standard Backtracking | Terrain-Aware Backtracking | | Terrain-Corrected Angle | $\alpha_{TABT,i}$ | degrees | Terrain-Aware Backtracking | Surface Orientation | | Optimized Tracker Angle | $\alpha_{opt}$ | degrees | Irradiance Optimization | Wind Stow / Surface Orientation | | Commanded Tracker Angle | $\alpha_{final}$ | degrees | Wind Stow | Surface Orientation | | Module Tilt Angle | $\beta_m$ | degrees | • Configuration
• Tracking | • Transposition (view factors)
• AOI Calculation | | Module Azimuth Angle | $\gamma_m$ | degrees | • Configuration
• Tracking | AOI Calculation | | Angle of Incidence | $\theta_{AOI}$ | degrees | Geometry Calculation | • Transposition (beam)
• IAM
• Row-to-row shading | ### **Plane-of-Array Irradiance Components** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination(s) | | -------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ----- | ---------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | | Transposition Factor (Global) | $TF_{POA}$ | — | 3D Transposition | POA Irradiance adjustment | | Transposition Factor (Beam) | $TF_{beam}$ | — | 3D Transposition | POA Irradiance adjustment | | Transposition Factor (Sky Diffuse) | $TF_{sky}$ | — | 3D Transposition | POA Irradiance adjustment | | Transposition Factor (Ground) | $TF_{ground}$ | — | 3D Transposition | POA Irradiance adjustment | | Pre-Shading POA Irradiance (B/D/G) | — | W/m² | Transposition | Shading Models | | Shaded POA Irradiance (B/D/G) | — | W/m² | Shading Models | Soiling | | POA Irradiance After Soiling (B/D/G) | — | W/m² | Soiling Model | IAM | | POA Irradiance After IAM (B/D/G) | — | W/m² | IAM Model | Effective POA | | Front POA Irradiance | $G_{POA,front}$ | W/m² | Transposition (sum of B/D/G) | • NOCT-SAM Temperature Model
• Irradiance Optimization | | Effective Front POA Irradiance (B/D/G) | $G_{POA,front,eff}$ | W/m² | After All Adjustments | Effective POA Irradiance | | Back POA Irradiance (B/D/G) | — | W/m² | Bifacial Model | Effective POA Irradiance | | Effective POA Irradiance | $G_{POA,tot,eff}$ | W/m² | Front + Back × Bifaciality | Single Diode Model | ### **Loss/Adjustment Factors** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Applied To | | -------------------------- | ---------------- | ----- | ------------------------------ | ----------------------------- | | Horizon Shading Factor | $U_{horizon}$ | — | Horizon Shading | Beam POA Irradiance | | Beam Shading Factor | $U_{shd,B}$ | — | Near Shading Models | Beam POA Irradiance | | Sky Diffuse Shading Factor | $U_{shd,D}$ | — | Diffuse Shading (view factors) | Sky Diffuse POA Irradiance | | Ground Shading Factor | $U_{shd,G}$ | — | Ground-Reflected Shading | Ground POA Irradiance | | Electrical Shading Factor | $U_{shd,B,elec}$ | — | Electrical Shading | Beam POA Irradiance | | Soiling Factor | $U_{soil}$ | — | Soiling Model | All POA Irradiance Components | | Beam IAM Factor | $U_{IAM,B}$ | — | IAM Model | Beam POA Irradiance | | Sky Diffuse IAM Factor | $U_{IAM,D}$ | — | IAM Model | Sky Diffuse POA Irradiance | | Ground Diffuse IAM Factor | $U_{IAM,G}$ | — | IAM Model | Ground POA Irradiance | *** ## Stage 2: DC Performance Variables ### **Module Temperature** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination(s) | | -------------------------- | ------ | ----- | ----------------- | ------------------ | | Cell Temperature | $T_c$ | °C | Temperature Model | Single Diode Model | | Module Surface Temperature | $T_m$ | °C | Temperature Model | Output | ### **DC System Losses & Parameter Translation** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination(s) | | --------------------------- | ------------------ | ----- | --------------------- | --------------------- | | Scaled Effective Irradiance | $G'_{POA,tot,eff}$ | W/m² | DC System Losses | Parameter Translation | | Series Resistance | $R_s$ | Ω | Parameter Translation | Single Diode Model | | Shunt Resistance | $R_{sh}$ | Ω | Parameter Translation | Single Diode Model | | Diode Ideality Factor | $\gamma$ | — | Parameter Translation | Single Diode Model | | Saturation Current | $I_0$ | A | Parameter Translation | Single Diode Model | | Photocurrent | $I_{ph}$ | A | Parameter Translation | Single Diode Model | ### **DC Power Outputs** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination(s) | | --------------------- | -------- | ----- | ---------------------- | ------------------------------------- | | Open-Circuit Voltage | $V_{oc}$ | V | Single Diode Model | • Inverter Region Model
• Output | | Short-Circuit Current | $I_{sc}$ | A | Parameter Translation | Output | | MPP Voltage | $V_{mp}$ | V | Single Diode Model | Inverter Region Model | | MPP Current | $I_{mp}$ | A | Single Diode Model | Inverter Region Model | | MPP Power | $P_{mp}$ | W | $V_{mp} \times I_{mp}$ | Inverter Region Model | *** ## Stage 3: Inverter Variables | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination(s) | | ------------------------------- | ---------------- | ----- | ------------------------- | ------------------------- | | DC Open-Circuit Voltage | $V_{DC,oc}$ | V | DC Field Aggregation | Inverter Region Model | | DC Voltage (after clipping) | $V_{DC}$ | V | Inverter Region Model | Inverter Efficiency Model | | DC Operating Power | $P_{DC}$ | W | Inverter Region Model | Inverter Efficiency Model | | Degraded DC Power | $P_{DC,deg}$ | W | DC Degradation Model | Inverter Region Model | | DC Degradation Loss | $L_{deg}$ | W | DC Degradation Model | Output | | DC LeTID Loss | $L_{LeTID}$ | W | DC Degradation Model | Output | | Temperature-Corrected Max Power | $P_{AC,derated}$ | W | Temperature Derating | Inverter Region Model | | Inverter Efficiency | $\eta$ | — | Inverter Efficiency Model | AC Power | | Inverter AC Power | $P_{AC,inv}$ | W | Inverter Efficiency Model | Inverter Aggregation | *** ## Stage 4: AC & Plant-Level Variables ### **Array Level** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination | | ------------------- | -------------- | ----- | ----------------------- | -------------------- | | Array AC Power | $P_{AC,array}$ | W | Inverter Aggregation | AC Degradation Model | | Degraded AC Power | $P_{AC,deg}$ | W | AC Degradation Model | Auxiliary Loads | | AC Degradation Loss | $L_{deg}$ | W | AC Degradation Model | Output | | LeTID Loss | $L_{LeTID}$ | W | LeTID Model | Output | | Auxiliary Loads | $P_{aux}$ | W | Cooling + Tracker + DAS | MV Transformer Model | | MV Transformer Loss | $L_{MV,trans}$ | W | MV Transformer Model | Output | | Block Power | $P_{block}$ | W | Array-Level Losses | Plant-Level Losses | ### **Energy Storage (Optional)** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination | | --------------------------- | --------------- | ------- | ---------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | | PV MV Transformer Output | $P_{MV}$ | W | Array-Level Losses | • Charge & Discharge Limits
• Power Flow | | PV Power After Availability | $P_{avail}$ | W | Plant-Level Losses (PV-only) | • Charge & Discharge Limits
• Dispatch Algorithms | | HV Equipment Losses | $L_{HV}$ | W | Plant-Level Losses (PV-only) | Charge & Discharge Limits | | Charge Flag | $F_c$ | boolean | Dispatch Algorithms | Battery Model | | Discharge Flag | $F_d$ | boolean | Dispatch Algorithms | Battery Model | | Available Charge Power | $P_{charge}$ | W | Charge & Discharge Limits | Battery Model | | Available Discharge Power | $P_{discharge}$ | W | Charge & Discharge Limits | Battery Model | | State of Charge | $SOC$ | Wh | Battery Model | Battery Model (feedback) / Output | | Battery DC Power | $P_{DC,batt}$ | W | Battery Model | Power Flow | | DC RTE Loss | $L_{\eta}$ | W | Battery Model | Output | | Combined PV+ESS Power | $P_{combined}$ | W | Power Flow | HV Transformer Model (re-run) | ### **Plant Level** | Variable | Symbol | Units | Origin | Destination | | ------------------------ | ------------ | ----- | ------------------------------------- | ------------------ | | Plant Power | $P_{plant}$ | W | Block Aggregation (or $P_{combined}$) | HV Equipment | | HV Transformer Loss | $L_{HV}$ | W | HV Transformer Model | Transmission Model | | Transmission Line Loss | $L_{line}$ | W | Transmission Model | Availability | | Power After HV Equipment | $P_{HV,out}$ | W | HV Equipment Chain | Availability | | Power After Availability | $P_{avail}$ | W | Availability Model | LGIA Clipping | | Grid Limit Clipping | $L_{LGIA}$ | W | LGIA Clipping | Output | | Grid Power | $P_{grid}$ | W | LGIA Clipping | Output |
**For $K_t > 0.6$:**
| Coefficient X | $c_0$ | $c_1$ | $c_2$ | $c_3$ |
| ------------- | ------ | ------ | ------ | ----- |
| $A$ | −5.743 | 21.77 | −27.49 | 11.56 |
| $B$ | 41.4 | −118.5 | 66.05 | 31.9 |
| $C$ | −47.01 | 184.2 | −222 | 73.81 |
**For $K_t \leq 0.6$:**
| Coefficient X | $c_0$ | $c_1$ | $c_2$ | $c_3$ |
| ------------- | ----- | ----- | ------ | ------ |
| $A$ | 0.512 | −1.56 | 2.286 | −2.222 |
| $B$ | 0.37 | 0.962 | 0 | 0 |
| $C$ | −0.28 | 0.932 | −2.048 | 0 |
The actual transmittance and DNI are then:
$$
K_n = K_{nc} - \Delta K_n
$$
$$
DNI_{DISC} = K_n \times DNI_{extra}
$$
$DNI_{DISC} = 0$ if any of the following conditions are met:
* $GHI < 1$ W/m²
* $DNI_{DISC} < 0$
* $\theta_z > 87°$ (Version 09 and earlier) or $\theta_z > 90°$ (Version 10 and later)
**Step 2: DIRINT Correction Coefficient Lookup**
DIRINT improves upon DISC by using four parameters to look up a correction coefficient $C_{DIRINT}$: modified clearness index ($K'_t$), temporal stability ($\Delta K'_t$), zenith angle ($\theta_z$), and precipitable water ($W$, not used by PlantPredict).
The modified clearness index normalizes for air mass effects, isolating the influence of clouds and excess atmospheric turbidity:
$$
K'_t = \frac{K_t}{1.031 \exp\left(-\frac{1.4}{0.9 + 9.4/AM'}\right) + 0.1}
$$
with constraint $K'_t \leq 0.82$.
Temporal stability captures cloud transients by comparing clearness across adjacent timestamps:
$$
\Delta K'_t = 0.5 \left( |K'_t - K'_{t,next}| + |K'_t - K'_{t,prev}| \right)
$$
A four-dimensional lookup table retrieves the DIRINT correction coefficient $C_{DIRINT}$ based on binned values of these four parameters. PlantPredict does not use precipitable water as an input for the model and defaults to the "precipitable water unavailable" bin.
**Step 3: Final DNI and DHI Calculation**
The final DNI is the DISC estimate scaled by the DIRINT correction coefficient:
$$
DNI = DNI_{DISC} \times C_{DIRINT}
$$
DHI is then derived using the
| Software Version | $c_0$ | $c_1$ | $c_2$ |
| ---------------- | ------ | ------ | ------ |
| ≤ 10 | 6.11 | 17.1 | 234.2 |
| ≥ 11 | 6.1094 | 17.625 | 243.04 |
Version 11+ uses the improved coefficients from Alduchov and Eskridge (1996), which provide less than 0.4% error over the range -40°C to 50°C.
Then calculate $W$ from $RH$ using the Gueymard method above.
### Application to Irradiance
Spectral correction factor applied after IAM:
$$
G_{beam,spectral} = G_{beam,IAM} \times U_{spectr}
$$
$$
G_{sky,spectral} = G_{sky,IAM} \times U_{spectr}
$$
$$
G_{ground,spectral} = G_{ground,IAM} \times U_{spectr}
$$
***
## References
* King, D. L., Boyson, W. E., & Kratochvil, J. A. (2004). *Photovoltaic array performance model.* SAND2004-3535, Sandia National Laboratories. DOI: [10.2172/919131](https://doi.org/10.2172/919131)
* Lee, M., & Panchula, A. (2016). *Spectral correction for photovoltaic module performance based on air mass and precipitable water.* 2016 IEEE 43rd Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC), 1351-1356. DOI: [10.1109/PVSC.2016.7749836](https://doi.org/10.1109/PVSC.2016.7749836)
* Gueymard, C. (1994). *Analysis of monthly average atmospheric precipitable water and turbidity in Canada and Northern United States.* Solar Energy, 53(1), 57-71. DOI: [10.1016/0038-092X(94)90175-9](https://doi.org/10.1016/0038-092X\(94\)90175-9)
* Alduchov, O. A., & Eskridge, R. E. (1996). *Improved Magnus form approximation of saturation vapor pressure.* Journal of Applied Meteorology, 35(4), 601-609. DOI: [10.1175/1520-0450(1996)035%3C0601:IMFAOS%3E2.0.CO;2](https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0450\(1996\)035%3C0601:IMFAOS%3E2.0.CO;2)
# 3D Shading - DC Field Level (Legacy)
Source: https://docs.plantpredict.com/models/shading/3d_shading_dc_field
## Summary
The DC Field 3D Shading algorithm is a legacy (version 11 and below) pixel-counting approach that calculates shading within individual DC fields. The algorithm constructs 3D shadow volumes from each occluding object, then renders the DC field from the sun's perspective and counts which User Guide
SOC 2 Type II
MSPAlliance Cyber Verify™ Level 3
SOC 2 Type II
PlantPredict has completed a **SOC 2 Type II** examination covering controls related to:
* **Security**
* **Availability**
* **Confidentiality**
The assessment evaluates the design and operating effectiveness of controls over a defined review period and helps ensure that PlantPredict maintains effective operational and technical safeguards.
MSPAlliance Cyber Verify™ Level 3
PlantPredict has also completed the **MSPAlliance Cyber Verify™ Level 3** assessment, an independent verification program for cloud and managed service providers. The assessment evaluates operational and security practices across governance, change management, service operations, information security, backup and recovery, and related controls.
Unlike point-in-time certifications, **Cyber Verify Level 3** includes testing over a defined review period to validate that controls are operating effectively.
Summary
The first-ever **onymous** blind modeling comparison, led by Sandia National Laboratories, benchmarked seven commercially used PV software tools — including **PlantPredict** — against measured performance from lab- and utility-scale fixed-tilt, monofacial systems at sub-hourly time intervals. * **PlantPredict was selected as one of seven industry-leading commercial PV modeling tools** evaluated, alongside 3E SynaptiQ, PVsyst, RatedPower, SAM, SolarFarmer, and Solargis Evaluate. * Predictions were submitted directly by the PlantPredict team, ensuring the platform was exercised exactly as intended by its developers. * PlantPredict demonstrated **sub-hourly modeling capability** across both lab- and utility-scale benchmarks. * Across all seven tools, annual energy-yield deviations from the mean were within **±2.5 %** at the lab scale and **±6.0 %** at the utility scale — placing PlantPredict squarely within the range of the industry's most established modeling software. * The paper publishes four side-by-side feature-comparison tables (POA transposition, module temperature, shading, and performance models) intended as a resource to help users select the most suitable software for their application.Summary
Researchers from the Technical University of Denmark, ISC Konstanz, and European Energy A/S validated eight bifacial PV simulation tools — including **PlantPredict** — against measured data from 26-kWp bifacial arrays within a 420-kWp site in Denmark (55.6° N, 12.1° E). * **PlantPredict was one of eight bifacial PV modeling tools** included in the validation, spanning commercial, freeware, and open-source categories. * The study used consistent input parameters and on-site meteorological data (spectrally flat Class A sensors) across all tools to enable a true apples-to-apples comparison. * State-of-the-art bifacial performance models — **including PlantPredict's** — were shown to add only **\~0.5 % uncertainty** to the overall PV modeling chain. * For fixed-tilt configurations, 2-D view-factor simulations (PlantPredict's bifacial approach) agreed with measured monthly bifacial gain to within **±1 %**. * For horizontal single-axis tracker (HSAT) configurations, 2-D view-factor simulations agreed with measured bifacial gain to within approximately **±2 %**. * PlantPredict completed full-year annual simulations in **under 10 seconds**, comparable to the fastest commercial tools in the study.Summary
Authored by First Solar engineers and presented at the 42nd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, this foundational paper validated PlantPredict in two complementary ways: against the industry-standard PVsyst software and against measured operational data from utility-scale PV plants. * **Strong agreement with PVsyst:** across 51 equivalent simulations, the mean energy-yield difference between PlantPredict and PVsyst was just **0.13 % ± 0.52 % (1-σ)**. * **Strong agreement with real operating plants:** actual-versus-expected analyses across **20 utility-scale systems totaling nearly 1 GWDC** of CdTe modules showed PlantPredict under-predicted energy by only **0.41 % ± 2.01 % (1-σ)**. * PlantPredict's **Hayes advanced thermal model reduced hourly module temperature RMSE by 43 %** compared to standard thermal modeling. * The paper established the empirical foundation for PlantPredict's accuracy claims, including documented benchmarks of transposition models (Perez vs. Hay–Davies) and hourly vs. monthly spectral correction.Summary
DNV GL — a globally recognized independent energy advisor — performed a comprehensive technology review of PlantPredict's platform architecture, model algorithms, and validation methodology. * Reviewed PlantPredict's implementations of **irradiance transposition, near and far shading, module thermal, single-diode, and inverter performance models** — concluding that the underlying algorithms are appropriately selected and substantiated. * Benchmarked PlantPredict's outputs against **PVsyst** (the de facto industry-standard tool at the time) and against **operational performance data** from First Solar's utility-scale portfolio. * Confirmed PlantPredict's **alignment with PVsyst** for comparable input assumptions and project configurations. * Concluded that PlantPredict is **suitable for bankable, utility-scale PV energy assessments**.Summary
ICF — a global management and analytical consulting firm with a dedicated Energy Advisory Services group focused on independent engineering and due-diligence — conducted an independent assessment of the PlantPredict platform spanning user interface, model algorithms, reporting capabilities, and revision management. * Reviewed PlantPredict's **user interface, platform hierarchy, model algorithms, reporting and integration capabilities, and revision management** practices, finding the platform's design "straightforward and well documented" and its hierarchy "logical." * Independently benchmarked PlantPredict against PVsyst across **four geographically diverse theoretical projects** spanning CSi and CdTe module technologies and both fixed-tilt and single-axis tracker configurations. * Confirmed that PlantPredict's algorithms are **appropriately implemented and substantiated** for utility-scale PV generation estimates. * Concluded that PlantPredict produces PV generation estimates with **uncertainty comparable to PVsyst** and other bankable modeling platforms. * Endorsed PlantPredict's resource-center documentation of critical algorithms and source citations as supporting transparency for users and reviewers.Summary
Black & Veatch — a leading global engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm in the energy sector — performed an independent engineer's review of PlantPredict in the context of utility-scale PV project development and project finance. * Evaluated PlantPredict's **algorithms, validation methodology, and modeling outputs** against the requirements of bankable utility-scale PV project finance. * Reviewed the platform's suitability for both **engineering decision-making and lender / investor due-diligence** processes. * Confirmed PlantPredict's suitability as a **bankable energy assessment tool** for utility-scale solar projects.Summary
Leidos Engineering — a widely recognized independent engineer for utility-scale PV projects — completed a review of PlantPredict and its underlying modeling methodology, benchmarking the platform against PVsyst and against operational performance data. * Performed a comprehensive review of PlantPredict's **modeling approach, input/output structure, and underlying algorithms**. * Benchmarked PlantPredict against **PVsyst**, the de facto industry-standard PV simulation tool at the time. * Concluded that PlantPredict provides **modeling accuracy equivalent to other energy-prediction modeling tools** currently used in the industry. * Verified that PlantPredict's predictions **match operational performance data within the uncertainty expected of bankable simulation tools**.| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Upload PVC File** | Button | — | Upload a 3D shade scene in PVC format (version 1.4.1). This is the native PlantPredict 3D scene format exported from the Advanced 3D Design editor or external CAD tools. | [3D Shading](/models/shading/3d_shading_dc_field) |
| **2** | **Upload SHD File** | Button | — | Upload a 3D shade scene in SHD format (PVsyst format). This option is currently in **Beta** and allows import of shade scenes created in PVsyst for cross-platform analysis. | — |
| **3** | **Apply Rotation Around Origin** | Checkbox | — | When enabled, applies a rotation transformation to the imported scene around the origin point. Useful for aligning imported scenes with the correct site orientation. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **4** | **View** | Button | — | Opens the 3D scene viewer to visually inspect the uploaded scene, including PV surfaces, non-PV objects, and terrain. | — |
| **5** | **Rename** | Button | — | Opens a dialog to rename the uploaded 3D scene. | — |
| **6** | **Delete** | Button | — | Removes the uploaded 3D scene from the prediction. The prediction will revert to 2D analysis mode. | — |
| **7** | **Download Data** | Button | — | Downloads the current 3D scene as a **PVC** file, including any custom 3D objects that were added or edited in the 3D shade scene. | — |
| **8** | **Tracker Rotation Model** | Dropdown | — | Select how tracker orientations are calculated. Options: **Representative DC Field**, **Time Series Schedule**, **Terrain-Aware Backtracking**. | [Terrain-Aware Backtracking](/models/tracking/backtracking/terrain_aware_backtracking) |
| **9** | **Target DC Field** (Orientations) | Dropdown | — | Select which DC Field's tracking parameters (method, optimization, wind stow) are used when Tracker Rotation Model is set to Representative DC Field. | — |
| **10** | **Direct Shading** | Dropdown | — | Select the direct shading calculation method. Options: **Module File Defined Shading**, **None**, **Linear**, **Fractional Electrical Shading**, **Step Fractional Electrical Shading**. | [3D Shading](/models/shading/3d_shading_dc_field) |
| **11** | **Target DC Field** (3D Calculation) | Dropdown | — | Select which DC Field's configuration is used as the reference for 3D calculation settings. | — |
| **12** | **Binning Type** | Dropdown | — | Select the granularity of shade factor calculations. **Detailed** provides the highest accuracy with per-timestamp calculations. **Balanced** and **Quick** options use sun position binning and interpolation between sun positions to reduce calculations and speed processing time. Note: Export Shade Factor Table requires Detailed binning. | — |
| **13** | **Shade Object Simplification** | Dropdown | — | Select the level of geometric simplification for shade objects. **None (High Fidelity)** uses full object geometry. **Bounding Box (Fast)** reduces calculation time for scenes with complex 3D shade objects. | — |
| **14** | **Queue 3D Calculations** | Button | — | Initiates the 3D shading calculations. The process runs through four steps: Orientations Calculated, Calculate Transposition, Calculate Shading, and Results Ready. Progress is shown in the right panel. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **15** | **View 3D Scene Results** | Button | — | Opens the 3D Shade Scene viewer to visualize shading patterns, irradiance distribution, and other calculated metrics across the scene using heat maps. | [3D Shade Scene](/user-guide/ui/3d-shade-scene) |
| **16** | **Export Shade Factor Table** | Button | — | Downloads a shade factor table for comparison with PVsyst results. **Availability restrictions:** For tracking systems, this option is only available when Tracker Rotation Model is set to Representative DC Field and both Irradiance Optimization and Wind Stow are disabled. For both tracking and fixed-tilt systems, Binning Type must be set to Detailed. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Shade View** (Tab) | Tab | — | Currently selected tab. Provides real-time shading visualization for any timestamp in the weather file. The 3D scene shows shadows cast on PV surfaces based on sun position. | — |
| **2** | **Objects** (Tab) | Tab | — | Navigate to the Objects tab to add, edit, and manage shading objects within the 3D scene. | — |
| **3** | **Heat Map** (Tab) | Tab | — | Navigate to the Heat Map tab to visualize calculated shading results. Only available after 3D calculations have been completed on the 3D Scene Overview page. | [3D Scene Overview](/user-guide/ui/3d-scene-overview) |
| **4** | **Month** | Dropdown | — | Select the month for the shading simulation. Combined with Day and Hour to define the specific timestamp for visualization. | — |
| **5** | **Day** | Slider | — | Select the day of the month using the slider or play button. The play button animates through all days of the selected month to show seasonal shading progression. | — |
| **6** | **Hour** | Slider | — | Select the hour of the day using the slider or play button. The play button animates through all hours to show daily shadow movement from sunrise to sunset. | — |
| **7** | **Minutes** | Slider | — | Select the minute interval within the selected hour. This control is only visible when the associated weather file uses sub-hourly time resolution (e.g., 15-minute or 5-minute intervals). | — |
| **8** | **Sun Position & Tilt** | Read-only | ° | Displays the current **Sun Zenith**, **Sun Azimuth**, and **Tilt Angle** for the selected timestamp. These values update dynamically as time controls are adjusted. | — |
| **9** | **Animate Shade Simulation** | Button | — | Starts an animated visualization cycling through timestamps to show shadow patterns across the selected time period. Useful for understanding overall shading behavior. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **10** | **Shape** | Dropdown | — | Select the type of shading object to create. Options include: **Wall** (straight runs such as fences, walls, or barriers — requires Width and Height), **Polygon** (enclosed area such as a building footprint — requires Height), and **Cylinder** (round object such as a pole or tree trunk — requires Radius and Height). | — |
| **11** | **Width (W)** | Numeric | m / ft | Thickness of the shading object along the ground, perpendicular to the line. Applicable to the **Wall** shape type. Units depend on the project's units toggle setting. | — |
| **12** | **Height (H)** | Numeric | m / ft | Height of the shading object above the terrain surface. Applicable to **Wall**, **Polygon**, and **Cylinder** shape types. Units depend on the project's units toggle setting. | — |
| **13** | **Start Draw** | Button | — | Begins the interactive drawing mode in the 3D viewer. For a **Cylinder**, single-click on the terrain to place the object. For a **Wall** or **Polygon**, single-click to place each vertex and double-click to complete the shape. After drawing, use **Save** or **Discard** at the top of the view to confirm or cancel. | — |
| **14** | **Terrain Buffer** | Numeric | m / ft | Extends the satellite and terrain surface imagery beyond the bounds of the layout by the specified distance. A larger buffer provides more visible ground context around the PV arrays in the 3D view. Only applicable to georeferenced scenes where satellite/terrain imagery is available. Units depend on the project's units toggle setting. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **15** | **Beam Irradiance Shade Loss** | Radio Button | — | Display heat map showing direct/beam irradiance losses due to shading. Red indicates higher losses, green indicates lower losses. | [3D Shading](/models/shading/3d_shading_dc_field) |
| **16** | **Shade Electrical Effect Loss** | Radio Button | — | Display heat map showing non-linear electrical losses due to partial shading on module strings. Accounts for bypass diode activation and mismatch effects. | [Electrical Shading](/models/shading/electrical_shading_effect) |
| **17** | **Transposition (POAI) Loss / Gain** | Radio Button | — | Display heat map showing plane-of-array irradiance transposition effects. Values can be positive (gain) or negative (loss) relative to the reference calculation. Accounts for diffuse and reflected irradiance components. | [Transposition Models](/models/transposition/overview) |
| **18** | **Combined Loss / Gain** | Radio Button | — | Display heat map showing the net combined effect of all three factors: beam shade loss, electrical effect loss, and transposition loss/gain. | — |
| **19** | **Color Scale** | Toggle | — | Toggle between **Absolute** and **Relative** color scaling. Absolute uses a fixed scale across all surfaces; Relative scales colors to the min/max values of the current view, providing better contrast for subtle variations. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Generate Module** | Button | — | Generates the complete module file from entered data and opens the module editor for final review and saving. | — |
| **2** | **Cell Technology** | Dropdown | — | Select the cell technology. Options: **n-type mono c-Si**, **p-type mono c-Si PERC**, **p-type mono c-Si BSF**, **poly c-Si PERC**, **poly c-Si BSF**, **CdTe**, **CIGS**, **Mixed**. | — |
| **3** | **Number of Cells in Series** | Numeric | — | Number of cells connected in series within the module. | — |
| **4** | **Model Type** | Dropdown | — | Select the diode model type. Options: **1-Diode**, **1-Diode Recombination**, **1-Diode Recombination Non-Linear**. Use **1-Diode** for crystalline silicon modules; use **1-Diode Recombination** for CdTe modules. | [Single Diode Model](/models/dc-performance/5_parameter_model) |
| **5** | **Maximum Power** | Numeric | W | Rated maximum power at STC (Pmax). | — |
| **6** | **Power Temp. Coeff.** | Numeric | %/°C | Temperature coefficient of power (typically negative). | — |
| **7** | **Voc** | Numeric | V | Open circuit voltage at STC. | — |
| **8** | **Voc Temp. Coeff.** | Numeric | %/°C | Temperature coefficient of open circuit voltage (typically negative). | — |
| **9** | **Isc** | Numeric | A | Short circuit current at STC. | — |
| **10** | **Isc Temp. Coeff.** | Numeric | %/°C | Temperature coefficient of short circuit current (typically positive). | — |
| **11** | **Vmp** | Numeric | V | Voltage at maximum power point at STC. | — |
| **12** | **Imp** | Numeric | A | Current at maximum power point at STC. | — |
| **13** | **Module Temp.** | Numeric | °C / °F | Temperature for calculated performance preview (adjustable). | — |
| **14** | **Irradiance** | Numeric | W/m² | Irradiance for calculated performance preview (adjustable). | — |
| **15** | **Show/Hide Advanced Fine Tuning Options** | Toggle | — | Expands or collapses the 1-Diode Parameters and Effective Irradiance Response (EIR) tuning sections. | — |
| **16** | **Use algorithmic defaults** | Checkbox | — | When checked, 1-diode parameters are calculated automatically. Unchecks automatically when any parameter is manually modified. Re-check to revert to defaults. | — |
| **17** | **Series Resistance at STC** | Numeric | Ω | Series resistance at STC. Key parameter for EIR optimization. | [Single Diode Model](/models/dc-performance/5_parameter_model) |
| **18** | **Recombination Parameter** | Numeric | V | Recombination loss parameter for the diode model. | [Recombination Model](/models/dc-performance/7_parameter_model) |
| **19** | **Shunt Resistance at STC** | Numeric | Ω | Shunt resistance at STC. | [Single Diode Model](/models/dc-performance/5_parameter_model) |
| **20** | **Exp. Dep. of Shunt Resist.** | Numeric | — | Exponential dependence of shunt resistance on irradiance. | — |
| **21** | **Dark Shunt Resistance** | Numeric | Ω | Shunt resistance in the dark (zero irradiance). | — |
| **22** | **Optimize to match EIR** | Button | — | Algorithmically tunes Series Resistance at STC to match the desired Effective Irradiance Response curve. | — |
| **23** | **Add Curve** | Button | — | Add a new temperature curve for the Effective Irradiance Response. Only the 25°C curve is used for EIR optimization. | — |
| **24** | **Irradiance / Rel. Efficiency Table** | Table | W/m², % | Enter desired irradiance-relative efficiency pairs to define target EIR performance. | — |
| **26** | **Add Point** | Button | — | Add a new irradiance-efficiency data point to the EIR table. | — |
| **27** | **Clear Form Data** | Button | — | Clear all EIR data points from the table. | — |
| **28** | **Relative Efficiency** | Radio | — | Display the EIR chart showing relative efficiency vs. irradiance. Solid line = model-calculated; circles = target values. | — |
| **29** | **Difference/Error** | Radio | — | Display the difference between target and model-calculated relative efficiencies at each irradiance point. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Latitude** | Numeric | ° | Enter the latitude of your project location. Positive values for North, negative for South. Used to query available weather data providers for your location. | — |
| **2** | **Longitude** | Numeric | ° | Enter the longitude of your project location. Positive values for East, negative for West. Used to query available weather data providers for your location. | — |
| **3** | **Clear Search** | Button | — | Clears the latitude and longitude inputs and resets the provider search results. | — |
| **4** | **Select File** | Button | — | Opens a file browser to upload your own weather file. Supported formats: **CSV**, **TMY3**, **PPP** (PlantPredict native format), and **AWS**. After upload, PlantPredict guides you through the data mapping process to ensure correct integration. See [Weather File Upload Steps](#weather-file-upload-steps) below. | — |
| **5** | **Generate File** | Button | — | Opens the synthetic weather generator. Create hourly weather data from monthly average values. Useful when only monthly summary data is available for a location. | — |
| **6** | **NSRDB PSM Download** | Button | — | Download weather data from the **National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB)** using the Physical Solar Model (PSM). Offers free datasets including: Hourly TMY, sub-hourly Time Series, and Multi-Year Time Series. | — |
| **7** | **PVGIS Download** | Button | — | Download weather data from **PVGIS** (Photovoltaic Geographical Information System). Provides a free Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) dataset with hourly meteorological and solar radiation data, compiled by selecting the most representative month from each calendar month across multiple years based on irradiance, temperature, and humidity patterns. No separate API key is required. | — |
| **8** | **SolarAnywhere Download** | Button | — | Download weather data from **SolarAnywhere**. Provides hourly weather and irradiance datasets generated from visible and infrared satellite data. Supports versions 3.4 through 4.0. Requires API credentials configured in [User Profile](/user-guide/ui/profile) or [Company Settings](/user-guide/ui/company-settings). | — |
| **9** | **Meteonorm Download** | Button | — | Download weather data from **Meteonorm**. Provides unlimited access to Meteonorm's web service containing 8,325 weather stations and five geostationary satellites. Interpolation models deliver global Hourly TMY data. | — |
| **10** | **NASA-SSE Download** | Button | — | Download weather data from **NASA-SSE** (Surface meteorology and Solar Energy). Provides freely available monthly data from NASA Langley Research Center, converted to synthetic hourly weather through a weather generator. | — |
| **11** | **SolarGIS Download** | Button | — | Download weather data from **SolarGIS**. Provides programmatic access to SolarGIS irradiance and weather datasets. Supported formats: TMY15, TMY60. Note: PVPlanner format is deprecated. Requires API credentials. | — |
| **12** | **Solcast Download** | Button | — | Download weather data from **Solcast**. Provides historical TMY data using the Engerer2 separation model with global aerosol measurements from high-resolution satellite imagery. Supported formats: TMY Hourly, PT15M (15-minute), PT60M (60-minute). Requires API credentials. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Edit Default Settings** | Button | — | Opens the Company Default Settings page for editing. This button is only visible to Admins. See [Company Default Settings](#company-default-settings) below for available configuration tabs. | — |
| **2** | **Search** | Text Field | — | Search for users by name or email. Filter toggles allow filtering by **Active Accounts** and **Pending Accounts** (invited but not yet registered). | — |
| **3** | **Add New User** | Button | — | Expands the new user invitation form to invite one or more users to join the organization. | — |
| **4** | **First Name** | Text Field | — | New user's first name. Required field for sending an invitation. | — |
| **5** | **Last Name** | Text Field | — | New user's last name. Required field for sending an invitation. | — |
| **6** | **Email Address** | Text Field | — | New user's email address. The invitation will be sent to this address. Required field. | — |
| **7** | **Job Title** | Text Field | — | New user's job title within the organization. Required field. | — |
| **8** | **User Type** | Dropdown | — | Select the permission level for the new user. Options: **User** (standard access), **Manager** (can manage projects), **Admin** (full administrative access), **IT Admin** (IT administrative access). Required field. | — |
| **9** | **Cancel** | Button | — | Cancels the new user invitation and clears the form. | — |
| **10** | **Add Another** | Button | — | Adds another row to invite multiple users at once. Click the minus button to remove a row. | — |
| **11** | **Send Invite** | Button | — | Sends invitation emails to all users in the form. Invited users will appear as "Pending" until they complete registration. | — |
| **12** | **User Card** | Interactive | — | Click on a user card to open the User Detail view. Each card displays the user's name, status (Active/Pending), email, job title, and user type. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **13** | **Set User Password** | Button | — | Opens a dialog to set or reset the user's password. Use this if a user is locked out or needs a password reset. | — |
| **14** | **Edit Profile** | Button | — | Opens the profile editor to modify the user's name, email, job title, and user type. | — |
| **15** | **Generate API Credentials** | Button | — | Generates new API credentials for the user. **Warning:** This overwrites any existing API credentials for this user. The user will need to update their API integrations with the new credentials. | [API Documentation](/api-docs/intro) |
| **16** | **Search** (Files) | Text Field | — | Search for files (projects, predictions) owned by this user by name. | — |
| **17** | **Reassign Multiple** | Button | — | Opens a bulk reassignment dialog to transfer multiple files to a different user at once. | — |
| **18** | **Reassign** | Button | — | Reassigns an individual file (project or prediction) to a different user. The new owner will have full control over the file. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Project Name** | Text Field | — | Enter a descriptive name for the project. This name will be used to identify the project throughout PlantPredict. | — |
| **2** | **Pick Project Location** | Search Field | — | Search for a location by entering a city, address, or landmark. The search uses Google Maps to find and geocode the location, automatically populating the Latitude and Longitude fields. | — |
| **3** | **Latitude** | Text Field | degrees | The latitude coordinate of the project location. Positive values indicate North, negative values indicate South. Can be entered manually or populated via location search or map click. | — |
| **4** | **Longitude** | Text Field | degrees | The longitude coordinate of the project location. Positive values indicate East, negative values indicate West. Can be entered manually or populated via location search or map click. | — |
| **5** | **Map / Satellite** | Toggle | — | Switch between Map view (street/terrain) and Satellite view (aerial imagery) for the interactive map. | — |
| **6** | **Save New Project** | Button | — | Saves the project with the specified name and location. The project will be created and you will be redirected to the project dashboard. | [Predictions Library](/user-guide/ui/predictions) |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Nameplate** | Text Field | MWh | Total nameplate energy capacity of the battery system. **Required to enable energy storage.** This is the manufacturer-rated capacity before applying the usable factor. | — |
| **2** | **Factor** | Text Field | — | Usable capacity factor (0 to 1). Represents the fraction of nameplate capacity that is actually usable, accounting for depth-of-discharge limits and reserve margins. Linked to Usable — editing one updates the other. | — |
| **3** | **Usable** | Text Field | MWh | Usable energy capacity calculated as Nameplate × Factor. This is the actual available capacity for charging and discharging operations. Linked to Factor — editing one updates the other. | — |
| **4** | **Calendar Degradation** | Text Field | % Per Year | Annual capacity degradation due to calendar aging (time-based). Applied regardless of cycling activity. Reduces usable capacity over the system lifetime. | — |
| **5** | **Cycling Degradation** | Text Field | % Per Cycle | Capacity degradation per charge/discharge cycle. Applied based on actual cycling activity during the simulation. Combined with calendar degradation for total capacity loss. | — |
| **6** | **Initial Efficiency** | Text Field | % | DC roundtrip efficiency of the battery system at initial conditions. Represents the ratio of energy discharged to energy charged, accounting for internal losses. | — |
| **7** | **Calendar Degradation** (Efficiency) | Text Field | % Per Year | Annual efficiency degradation due to calendar aging. Reduces roundtrip efficiency over time regardless of cycling. | — |
| **8** | **Cycling Degradation** (Efficiency) | Text Field | % Per Cycle | Efficiency degradation per charge/discharge cycle. Applied based on actual cycling activity. | — |
| **9** | **Real Power** | Text Field | MW | Rated real power of the battery inverter. **Required to enable energy storage.** Determines maximum charge and discharge power rates. | — |
| **10** | **Efficiency** | Text Field | % | Inverter conversion efficiency from DC to AC (discharge) and AC to DC (charge). Applied in addition to battery roundtrip efficiency. | — |
| **11** | **Power Rating** | Text Field | MVA | Apparent power rating of the MV transformer for the storage system. Can be manually entered or automatically matched to inverter power using the checkbox below. | — |
| **12** | **No Load Loss** | Text Field | % | Transformer core losses as a percentage of rated MVA. These losses occur whenever the transformer is energized, regardless of load. | [AC System Losses](/models/ac-losses/ac_system_losses) |
| **13** | **Full Load Loss** | Text Field | % | Transformer winding losses at full load as a percentage of rated MVA. Scales with the square of the load. | [AC System Losses](/models/ac-losses/ac_system_losses) |
| **14** | **Match Inverter Real Power** | Checkbox | — | When checked, the transformer power rating is automatically set to match the inverter real power rating. Uncheck to manually specify a different transformer size. | — |
| **15** | **Constant Loss per Nameplate Energy** | Text Field | kW/MWh | Baseline HVAC power consumption proportional to nameplate capacity. Represents thermal management load required regardless of dispatch activity. | — |
| **16** | **Operating Loss per MW Dispatched** | Text Field | kW/MW | Additional HVAC power consumption proportional to dispatch power. Accounts for increased cooling requirements during active charging or discharging. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **17** | **Interconnect Excess** | Radio Button | — | Charges the battery when PV production exceeds the plant output limit (interconnection capacity). The battery stores clipped energy that would otherwise be curtailed, then discharges during target periods. | — |
| **18** | **Energy Available** | Radio Button | — | Charges the battery whenever energy is available from the PV system until full capacity is reached. Discharges during target periods. This mode maximizes battery utilization for energy shifting. | — |
| **19** | **Custom** | Radio Button | — | Upload a custom CSV file defining charge/discharge behavior for each timestamp. Provides maximum flexibility for complex dispatch strategies or externally-optimized schedules. | — |
| **20** | **Target Period Table** | Interactive Table | — | Click cells to select the hours (columns 0–23) and months (rows January–December) during which maximum available stored energy should be discharged to the grid. Selected cells show a checkmark. Typically set to peak demand hours for energy arbitrage. | — |
| **21** | **Clear Table** | Button | — | Clears all selected cells in the Target Period Table, removing all discharge period selections. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Change Selection** | Button | — | Opens the weather file selection dialog to choose a different weather file for the prediction. Weather files contain hourly or sub-hourly irradiance, temperature, wind speed, and other meteorological data. | [Weather Library](/user-guide/ui/weather-library), [Weather File](/user-guide/ui/weather-file) |
| **2** | **Air Mass** | Dropdown | — | Selects the air mass calculation model. Options: **Bird-Hulstrom** or **Kasten-Sandia**. Air mass quantifies the optical path length through the atmosphere and affects transposition, decomposition, and spectral calculations. | [Air Mass Model](/models/solar-geometry/air_mass) |
| **3** | **Use Weather File Albedo** | Toggle | — | When **ON**, albedo values are read from the weather file (if available). When **OFF**, user-defined monthly albedo values from the Monthly Parameters table are used. | [Bifacial Irradiance](/models/poa-irradiance/rear_irradiance) |
| **4** | **Soiling** | Dropdown | — | Selects the soiling loss model. Options: **None** (no soiling), **Monthly Override** (user-defined monthly values), or **Weather** (time-series values from weather file). | [Soiling](/models/poa-irradiance/soiling) |
| **5** | **Spectral** | Dropdown | — | Selects the spectral shift adjustment model. Options: **None**, **Monthly Override**, **1-Param Pwat or Sandia**, **2-Param Pwat and AM (Spectral 2)**. Spectral adjustments account for module performance variations due to atmospheric conditions. | [Spectral Shift Adjustment](/models/poa-irradiance/spectral_correction) |
| **6** | **Albedo** | Table Column | — | Monthly ground reflectance values (0 to 1). Typical values: 0.2 for grass/soil, 0.6+ for snow. Used in bifacial rear-side irradiance calculations and ground-reflected irradiance. | [Bifacial Irradiance](/models/poa-irradiance/rear_irradiance) |
| **7** | **Soiling Loss (%)** | Table Column | % | Monthly soiling loss percentages (0 to 100%). Represents irradiance reduction due to dust, dirt, and particulate accumulation on module surfaces. Only editable when Soiling model is set to **Monthly Override**. | [Soiling](/models/poa-irradiance/soiling) |
| **8** | **Annual Override** | Button | — | Opens a dialog to set a single annual value that will be applied to all 12 months for albedo and/or soiling loss. Useful for simplified modeling scenarios. | — |
| **9** | **Import NSRDB** | Button | — | Imports albedo and/or other environmental data from the National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB) based on the project location. | — |
| **10** | **Show Soiling Import** | Button | — | Opens the soiling import interface to load soiling loss data from external sources or soiling models. | [Soiling](/models/poa-irradiance/soiling) |
| **11** | **Override Recommendations** | Button | — | Opens a dialog to manually override the ASHRAE-derived plant design temperatures. Design temperatures are used for module voltage calculations at temperature extremes. | — |
| **12** | **Show Horizon Scene Import** | Button | — | Opens the horizon scene import interface to define far-field obstructions (mountains, trees, buildings) that block direct beam irradiance at low sun angles. | [Horizon Shading](/models/shading/horizon_shading) |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Search** | Text Field | — | Search for inverters by name, manufacturer, model, or ID. Filter toggles allow filtering by status (e.g., Global, Active, Draft). Sort options include alphabetical ordering. | — |
| **2** | **Add New Inverter** | Button | — | Opens the Add New Inverter page where you can upload inverter files (PPI or OND format) or create a custom inverter from scratch. | [Add New Inverter](/user-guide/ui/add-new-inverter) |
| **3** | **Change Status** | Button | — | Bulk status change for selected inverters. Available statuses: **Draft Private** (visible only to creator), **Draft Shared** (visible to company), **Active** (approved for use), **Retired** (archived), **Global** (shared with all users), **Global-Retired** (archived global). | — |
| **4** | **Inverter Card** | Interactive | — | Click on an inverter card to open the inverter detail view. Each card displays the inverter name, status, owner, last modified date, and key specifications. | [Inverter File](/user-guide/ui/inverter-file) |
| **5** | **Change Status** (per inverter) | Button | — | Change the status of an individual inverter. See callout #3 for available status options. | — |
| **6** | **Clone** (per inverter) | Button | — | Create a copy of the inverter specification. Useful for creating custom variations of existing inverters or Global inverters. | — |
| **7** | **Export** (per inverter) | Button | — | Export the inverter specification. Available export formats include PPI (PlantPredict native inverter format). | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Search** | Text Field | — | Search for modules by name, manufacturer, model, or ID. Filter toggles allow filtering by status (e.g., Global, Active, Draft). Sort options include alphabetical ordering. | — |
| **2** | **Add New Module** | Button | — | Opens the Add New Module options. See [Add New Module Options](#add-new-module-options) below for available methods. | [Add New Module](/user-guide/ui/add-new-module) |
| **3** | **Change Status** | Button | — | Bulk status change for selected modules. Available statuses: **Draft Private** (visible only to creator), **Draft Shared** (visible to company), **Active** (approved for use), **Retired** (archived), **Global** (shared with all users), **Global-Retired** (archived global). | — |
| **4** | **Module Card** | Interactive | — | Click on a module card to open the module detail view. Each card displays the module name, status, owner, last modified date, and key specifications. | [Module File](/user-guide/ui/module-file) |
| **5** | **Change Status** (per module) | Button | — | Change the status of an individual module. See callout #3 for available status options. | — |
| **6** | **Clone** (per module) | Button | — | Create a copy of the module specification. Useful for creating custom variations of existing modules or Global modules. | — |
| **7** | **Export** (per module) | Button | — | Export the module specification. Available export formats include PPM (PlantPredict native module format). | — |
| Column | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| **Height** | Display | Height range categories for post heights (e.g., ≤1.5m, 2m, 2.5m, 3m, 3.5m, >3.5m). |
| **Count** | Display | The number of posts falling within each height category. |
| **%** | Display | The percentage of total posts in each height category. |
| Input | Type | Units | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Terrain Slope Constraints** | Toggle | — | Enables terrain slope analysis to identify and generate exclusion areas where terrain exceeds slope tolerances. When enabled, racks in high-slope areas can be automatically excluded from the layout. |
| **North** | Slider | % | Maximum allowable terrain slope percentage for north-facing slopes. Areas exceeding this threshold will be flagged or excluded. |
| **South** | Slider | % | Maximum allowable terrain slope percentage for south-facing slopes. Different tolerances can be configured for north and south to account for varying design requirements. |
| **Terrain Slope Banding** | Toggle | — | Enables visual banding to display terrain slope gradients across the site, helping to identify slope variations. |
| **Table Slope Constraints** | Toggle | — | Enables identification of racks that exceed table slope constraints. This helps ensure racking structures remain within acceptable tilt limits based on terrain. |
| **Table Slope Constraint Value** | Slider | % | Maximum allowable slope for individual rack tables. Racks exceeding this constraint will be highlighted. |
| **Post Height Analysis** | Toggle | — | Enables post height calculation and analysis based on terrain elevations and rack positions. |
| **Minimum post height** | Text Field | m / ft | The minimum acceptable post height. Posts below this threshold will be flagged and counted in the "Below min" result. |
| **Maximum post height** | Text Field | m / ft | The maximum acceptable post height. Posts above this threshold will be flagged and counted in the "Above max" result. |
| **Below min / Above max** | Display | m / ft | Results showing the cumulative length of posts that fall below the minimum or exceed the maximum height thresholds. |
| **Execute** | Button | — | Runs the terrain and post height analysis based on the configured parameters. Results will populate in the Height Analysis Table and the Below min/Above max displays. |
| **Export** | Button | — | Exports the post height analysis data to a CSV file. The export includes: Pile ID, Rack ID, Easting and Northing coordinates, Existing Grade Elevation, Pile Name, Rack Name, UTM, Latitude and Longitude, Post Height, Failure Check, and Delta measurement for Failure Check. |
| Input | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| **Wireframe** | Checkbox | Toggles the display of the terrain wireframe mesh overlay, showing the underlying terrain grid structure. |
| **DC Layer** | Checkbox | Toggles the display of the DC layout layer, showing the solar array racks and their positions on the terrain. |
| Input | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| **Export Model** | Button | Exports the 3D model as an OBJ file, including terrain and rack geometry, for visualization in external 3D rendering software. |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Block** (Hierarchy) | Button | — | Toggle view to show the hierarchy bar displaying system summary at each level: Block, Array, Inverter, and DC Field. Shows MWdc, MWac, DC:AC ratio, GCR, Array Count, and Inverter Count. | [Block Overview](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-block) |
| **2** | **How Many of this Type?** | Text Field | — | Number of identical arrays within this Block. Each repeat uses the same transformer, inverter, and DC Field configuration. Useful for modeling uniform plant sections without duplicating design work. | — |
| **3** | **Description** | Text Area | — | Optional text field for notes or comments about this array configuration. Does not affect simulation results. | — |
| **4** | **Transformer** (Toggle) | Toggle | — | Enable or disable the MV transformer for this array. When **OFF**, transformer losses are not applied and the transformer configuration fields are hidden. When **ON**, the transformer parameters below become active. | [AC System Losses](/models/ac-losses/ac_system_losses) |
| **5** | **KVA Rating** | Text Field | kVA | Apparent power rating of the MV transformer. Can be manually entered or automatically matched to the total inverter kVA rating using the checkbox below. | [AC System Losses](/models/ac-losses/ac_system_losses) |
| **6** | **Match Total Inverter kVA** | Checkbox | — | When checked, the transformer kVA rating is automatically set to match the sum of all inverter kVA ratings in the array. Uncheck to manually specify a different transformer size. | — |
| **7** | **High Side Voltage** | Text Field | kV | Medium-voltage output of the transformer (high side). Typical values range from 12 kV to 69 kV depending on the collection system design. | — |
| **8** | **No Load Loss** | Text Field | % | Transformer core losses as a percentage of rated kVA. These losses occur whenever the transformer is energized, regardless of load. Also known as iron losses or excitation losses. | [AC System Losses](/models/ac-losses/ac_system_losses) |
| **9** | **Full Load Loss** | Text Field | % | Transformer winding losses at full load as a percentage of rated kVA. Also known as copper losses or load losses. Scales with the square of the load. | [AC System Losses](/models/ac-losses/ac_system_losses) |
| **10** | **AC Collection Loss at Max Array Power** | Text Field | % | Resistive losses in the MV collection circuit at maximum array power output. Includes cable and connection losses between the transformer and the point of interconnection. | [AC System Losses](/models/ac-losses/ac_system_losses) |
| **11** | **Data Acquisition System Loss** | Text Field | W | Constant power consumption of data acquisition and monitoring equipment (SCADA, meters, sensors, communication systems) at the array level. | — |
| **12** | **Shelter Cooling Loss** | Text Field | W | Constant power consumption for inverter shelter or equipment enclosure cooling systems (HVAC, fans). Set to 0 if no active cooling is used. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Toggle View** | Button | — | Toggles between condensed view (showing block summary and construction dates) and expanded view (showing the full hierarchy tree). Located on the hierarchy navigation bar. | — |
| **2** | **Edit** (Block) | Button | — | Opens the Block configuration dialog to edit block-level parameters including the block name and repeater count. | [Block Overview](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-block) |
| **3** | **Clone** (Block) | Button | — | Creates a copy of the selected block including all arrays, inverters, and DC fields within it. | — |
| **4** | **Remove** (Block) | Button | — | Removes the selected block and all associated arrays, inverters, and DC fields. This action requires confirmation. | — |
| **5** | **Energization** | Toggle | — | When **ON**, enables construction date staggering for the block. This allows different blocks to have different energization dates, which affects degradation calculations. | [Degradation](/models/inverter-models/degradation_dc_applied) |
| **6** | **Date** | Date Picker | — | Sets the energization date for the block. Only enabled when Energization toggle is **ON**. Format: MM-DD-YYYY. | — |
| **7** | **DC Field** (Edit) | Button | — | Click the edit icon to open the DC Field configuration page. The DC Field defines the module specifications, string configuration, and field-level losses. | [DC Field - Table](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-table) |
| **8** | **Inverter** (Header) | Display | — | Shows inverter summary in the hierarchy navigation bar including AC capacity (kWac) and DC capacity (kWdc). | [Inverter Overview](/models/inverter-models/overview) |
| **9** | **Inverter** (Edit) | Button | — | Click the edit icon to open the Inverter configuration page. The Inverter defines the inverter model, setpoint, and AC-side parameters. | [Inverter](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-inverter), [Inverter Overview](/models/inverter-models/overview) |
| **10** | **Block** (Edit in List) | Button | — | Click the edit icon in the expanded view to open the Block configuration dialog. | — |
| **11** | **Add a DC Field** | Button | — | Adds a new DC Field to the selected inverter. Multiple DC fields can be connected to a single inverter. | [DC Field Aggregation](/models/inverter-models/dc_field_aggregation) |
| **12** | **Add an Inverter** | Button | — | Adds a new inverter to the selected array. Multiple inverters can be configured within a single array. | [Inverter Overview](/models/inverter-models/overview) |
| **13** | **Add an Array** | Button | — | Adds a new array to the selected block. Arrays represent groups of inverters that share common characteristics such as transformer and AC collection. | [Array](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-array) |
| **14** | **Add Block** | Button | — | Adds a new block to the power plant. Blocks are top-level groupings that can have independent construction dates and may represent physical sections of the plant. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Array Label** | Text Field | — | User-defined name for this custom array configuration. Used to identify the array when placing it on the map or selecting it from the Array Editor. | — |
| **2** | **Modules High** | Text Field | — | Number of modules stacked vertically (perpendicular to tracker axis or along the tilt direction for fixed systems). | [Table](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-table) |
| **3** | **Modules Wide** | Text Field | — | Total number of modules along the tracker length or row direction. | [Table](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-table) |
| **4** | **Table Height** | Text Field | m / ft | Height of the table (collector band width) calculated from module dimensions and Modules High. | — |
| **5** | **Table Length** | Text Field | m / ft | Length of the table calculated from module dimensions and Modules Wide. | — |
| **6** | **Table Spacing** | Text Field | m / ft | Horizontal gap between adjacent tables along a row. | — |
| **7** | **Inverter Qty** | Text Field | — | Number of inverters in this custom array block. Affects the total AC capacity calculation. | [Inverter](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-inverter) |
| **8** | **Design Derate** | Text Field | — | Fractional derate factor applied to the inverter rated power (0 to 1). A value of 0.95 means the inverter operates at 95% of rated capacity. | [Inverter](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-inverter) |
| **9** | **Tables in Row (bottom)** | Text Field | — | Number of tables in each row of the bottom section of the array (below the E-W road). | — |
| **10** | **Tables in Row (top)** | Text Field | — | Number of tables in each row of the top section of the array (above the E-W road). | — |
| **11** | **Rows (left)** | Text Field | — | Number of rows in the left section of the array (west of the N-S road). | — |
| **12** | **Rows (right)** | Text Field | — | Number of rows in the right section of the array (east of the N-S road). | — |
| **13** | **N-S Road Width** | Text Field | m / ft | Width of the North-South oriented access road that divides the array into left and right sections. | — |
| **14** | **E-W Road Width** | Text Field | m / ft | Width of the East-West oriented access road that divides the array into top and bottom sections. | — |
| **15** | **GCR (%)** | Text Field | % | Ground Coverage Ratio — the ratio of module area to ground area. Higher GCR means denser packing. Linked to Row Spacing. | [Table](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-table) |
| **16** | **Row Spacing** | Text Field | m / ft | Distance between tracker rows (pitch). Automatically calculated from GCR and collector width, or can be manually entered. | [Table](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-table) |
| **17** | **Azimuth** | Text Field | degrees | The compass direction the modules face (0° = North, 90° = East, 180° = South, 270° = West). For trackers, this is the axis orientation. Accepts decimal values for precise orientation control. | [Fixed Tilt Arrays](/models/tracking/fixed_tilt_arrays), [Tracking Overview](/models/tracking/overview) |
| **18** | **Racking Angle** | Slider | degrees | The tilt angle of the racking system. For trackers, this represents the current tracker angle position for the preview. For fixed-tilt systems, this is the fixed tilt angle. | [Fixed Tilt Arrays](/models/tracking/fixed_tilt_arrays), [Tracking Overview](/models/tracking/overview) |
| **19** | **Create** | Button | — | Places the custom array on the map at a location you specify. After clicking, you can position the array block on the map canvas. | — |
| **20** | **Cancel** | Button | — | Cancels the current array configuration without saving changes. | — |
| **21** | **Close** | Button | — | Closes the Custom Array Editor dialog and returns to the map interface. | — |
| **22** | **Exclude partial arrays** | Checkbox | — | When enabled, the automated layout uses only the custom array shapes and configurations as defined in the Custom Array Editor. Partial arrays will not be automatically generated, which may result in lower capacity and land utilization. | — |
| **23** | **Update DC Capacity** | Button | — | Applies the custom array configurations to the automated layout. Requires **Use Custom Arrays** to be toggled on in Power Plant Parameters. The layout engine will use these custom block shapes when filling the site boundaries. | [Power Plant Parameters](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-map-parameters) |
| **24** | **Array Builder / Array Editor Tabs** | Tab Toggle | — | Toggle between **Array Builder** and **Array Editor** tabs. Array Builder (shown by default) is used to build full array blocks. Array Editor allows you to break the array block apart for rack-by-rack editing on the map UI. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Edit** (DC Field) | Button | — | Opens a dialog to edit the DC Field name and repeater count. | — |
| **2** | **Table** (Tab) | Tab | — | Navigate to the Table tab to configure module selection, mounting type, and table geometry. | [Table](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-table) |
| **3** | **Field** (Tab) | Tab | — | Currently selected tab. Contains DC Field layout, power configuration, and terrain settings. | — |
| **4** | **Losses** (Tab) | Tab | — | Navigate to the Losses tab to configure DC field losses including mismatch, wiring losses, and thermal model parameters. | [Losses](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-losses) |
| **5** | **Objects** (Tab) | Tab | — | Navigate to the Objects tab to configure near-field shading objects specific to this DC Field (legacy workflow). | [Objects](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-objects) |
| **6** | **Nameplate Power** | Text Field | kW | The total DC nameplate power of the DC Field. Calculated from Module Rating × Module Count. Displays the Inverter DC:AC Ratio below for reference. | — |
| **7** | **Parallel Strings** | Text Field | — | Number of strings connected in parallel to the inverter from this DC Field. "Planned Parallel Strings" shown below indicates the target value based on inverter sizing. | — |
| **8** | **Modules in Series** | Text Field | — | Number of modules connected in series per string. The "Suggested Range" indicates valid values based on inverter voltage limits and module Voc/Vmp characteristics. | — |
| **9** | **Module Rating** | Display | W | The rated power of the selected module. This value is read-only and is set on the Table tab via module selection. | — |
| **10** | **Module Count** | Text Field | — | Total number of modules in the DC Field. Calculated from Parallel Strings × Modules in Series. "Planned Module Count" indicates the target based on layout. | — |
| **11** | **Shading Algorithm** | Dropdown | — | Select the shading calculation method. Options: **2D (default)**, **Infinite Length Rows**, **3D (Legacy)**. | [Row-to-Row Beam Shading](/models/shading/row_to_row_beam_shading) |
| **12** | **Number of Rows** | Text Field | — | The number of tracker or fixed-tilt rows in the DC Field. Use the sync icon to toggle between linked and manual modes. | — |
| **13** | **Tables Per Row** | Text Field | — | Average number of tables per row. May be a decimal if rows have varying table counts. "Planned" value shown below indicates the target configuration. | — |
| **14** | **Table to Table Spacing** | Text Field | m / ft | Horizontal gap between adjacent tables along a row. Used for layout visualization and land area calculations. | — |
| **15** | **Total Number of Tables** | Text Field | — | Total count of tables in the DC Field. Calculated from Number of Rows × Tables Per Row, minus any removed tables. "Planned" value indicates target. | — |
| **16** | **Tables Removed for Inverter** | Text Field | — | Number of tables removed from the layout to accommodate inverter pad placement or other obstructions. | — |
| **17** | **Slope** | Text Field | degrees | Ground slope angle of the DC Field terrain. Affects bifacial calculations and terrain-aware backtracking if enabled. | [Terrain-Aware Backtracking](/models/tracking/backtracking/terrain_aware_backtracking) |
| **18** | **Grade** | Text Field | % | Ground slope expressed as a percentage (rise/run × 100). Linked to Slope field — editing one updates the other. | — |
| **19** | **Slope Azimuth** | Text Field | degrees | Compass direction of the downhill slope (0° = North, 90° = East, 180° = South, 270° = West). | — |
| **20** | **Flat Table Orientation** | Radio Button | — | Tables are oriented horizontally regardless of terrain slope. Standard configuration for level or gently sloped sites. | — |
| **21** | **Sloped Table Orientation** | Radio Button | — | Tables follow the terrain slope, maintaining consistent height above ground across sloped terrain. | — |
| **22** | **Advanced 3D Design** | Button | — | Opens the advanced 3D design interface for detailed field layout customization, including individual row placement and terrain modeling. | [3D Shading](/models/shading/3d_shading_dc_field) |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Block** (Hierarchy) | Button | — | Toggle view to show the Block-level hierarchy bar displaying system summary: MWdc, MWac, DC:AC ratio, GCR, Array Count, and Inverter Count. | [Block Overview](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-block) |
| **2** | **Table** (Tab) | Tab | — | Navigate to the Table tab to configure module selection, mounting type, and table geometry. | [Table](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-table) |
| **3** | **Field** (Tab) | Tab | — | Navigate to the Field tab to configure string count, layout arrangement, terrain, and field-level settings. | [Field](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-field) |
| **4** | **Losses** (Tab) | Tab | — | Currently selected tab. Contains DC loss factors and thermal model configuration. | — |
| **5** | **Objects** (Tab) | Tab | — | Navigate to the Objects tab to configure near-field shading objects specific to this DC Field (legacy workflow). | [Objects](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-objects) |
| **6** | **Module Quality** | Text Field | % | Percentage loss due to module manufacturing quality variation from nameplate rating. Positive values indicate underperformance relative to rated power. | [DC Losses](/models/dc-performance/dc_system_losses) |
| **7** | **Mismatch** | Text Field | % | Percentage loss due to electrical mismatch between modules in a string or array. Accounts for variations in module I-V characteristics. | [DC Losses](/models/dc-performance/dc_system_losses) |
| **8** | **Light Induced Degradation** | Text Field | % | Percentage loss from initial light-induced degradation (LID) that occurs in the first hours of module operation. Applies primarily to crystalline silicon modules. | [DC Losses](/models/dc-performance/dc_system_losses) |
| **9** | **DC Wiring at STC** | Text Field | % | Percentage loss in DC wiring and connections at Standard Test Conditions (STC). Includes string wiring, combiner boxes, and DC home runs. | [DC Losses](/models/dc-performance/dc_system_losses) |
| **10** | **DC Health** | Text Field | % | Percentage loss representing ongoing DC system degradation and health issues not captured by other loss categories. Can be used for aging adjustments. | [DC Losses](/models/dc-performance/dc_system_losses) |
| **11** | **Tracker Actuator Load** | Text Field | MWh/MWp/Year | Annual energy consumption of tracker motors and actuators, expressed per MWp of DC capacity. Only applicable to tracker-mounted systems. | — |
| **12** | **Module Temperature** | Dropdown | — | Select the module temperature calculation method. Options: **Heat Balance**, **Sandia**, **NOCT**. | [Module Temperature](/models/dc-performance/overview#cell-temperature-models) |
| **13** | **Cell to Module Temp. Difference** | Text Field | °C / °F | Temperature offset between the module backsheet (measured) and cell junction temperature. Accounts for thermal resistance within the module. | [Module Temperature](/models/dc-performance/overview#cell-temperature-models) |
| **14** | **Conductive Coefficient** | Text Field | Uc | Conductive heat transfer coefficient (Uc) for the heat balance model. Represents constant heat loss independent of wind speed. | [Module Temperature](/models/dc-performance/overview#cell-temperature-models) |
| **15** | **Convective Coefficient** | Text Field | Uv | Convective heat transfer coefficient (Uv) for the heat balance model. Represents wind-dependent heat loss; multiplied by wind speed in the thermal calculation. | [Module Temperature](/models/dc-performance/overview#cell-temperature-models) |
| **16** | **Enable Time Series Data** | Checkbox | — | When enabled, allows import of custom module surface temperature time series data instead of using the calculated thermal model. | — |
| **17** | **SunSolve Bifacial Parameters Import** | Toggle | — | When **ON**, PlantPredict uses the SunSolve-style inputs below and applies the rear-irradiance adjustment documented for SunSolve import on [Rear (bifacial) plane-of-array irradiance](/models/poa-irradiance/rear_irradiance) (for example, combined front + back mismatch overrides the **Mismatch** value in **General DC Losses**, and transmission-related handling follows the in-app tooltips). When **OFF**, use **Structure Shading** and **Backside Mismatch** in this section. | [Rear (bifacial) plane-of-array irradiance](/models/poa-irradiance/rear_irradiance) |
| **18** | **Structure Shading** | Text Field | % | Rear-side loss from structure shading. Shown when **SunSolve Bifacial Parameters Import** is **OFF**. | [Rear (bifacial) plane-of-array irradiance](/models/poa-irradiance/rear_irradiance) |
| **19** | **Backside Mismatch** | Text Field | % | Mismatch on the back side. Shown when **SunSolve Bifacial Parameters Import** is **OFF**. | [Rear (bifacial) plane-of-array irradiance](/models/poa-irradiance/rear_irradiance) |
| **20** | **SunSolve Structure Shading** | Text Field | % | Shown when **SunSolve Bifacial Parameters Import** is **ON** (0–100%). | [Rear (bifacial) plane-of-array irradiance](/models/poa-irradiance/rear_irradiance) |
| **21** | **SunSolve Combined Front + Back Mismatch** | Text Field | % | Shown when **SunSolve Bifacial Parameters Import** is **ON** (0–100%). Overrides the **Mismatch** value under **General DC Losses** while import is on. | [Rear (bifacial) plane-of-array irradiance](/models/poa-irradiance/rear_irradiance) |
| **22** | **SunSolve Transmission Gain** | Text Field | % | Shown when **SunSolve Bifacial Parameters Import** is **ON** (0–100%). System-level gain applied in the rear-irradiance model; use the in-app info tooltip to avoid double-counting with module-level transmission settings. | [Rear (bifacial) plane-of-array irradiance](/models/poa-irradiance/rear_irradiance) |
| **23** | **Advanced 3D Design** | Button | — | Opens the advanced 3D design interface for detailed field layout customization, including individual row placement and terrain modeling. | [3D Shading](/models/shading/3d_shading_dc_field) |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Block** (Hierarchy) | Button | — | Toggle view to show the Block-level hierarchy bar displaying system summary: MWdc, MWac, DC:AC ratio, GCR, Array Count, and Inverter Count. | [Block Overview](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-block) |
| **2** | **Table** (Tab) | Tab | — | Navigate to the Table tab to configure module selection, mounting type, and table geometry. | [Table](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-table) |
| **3** | **Field** (Tab) | Tab | — | Navigate to the Field tab to configure string count, layout arrangement, terrain, and field-level settings. | [Field](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-field) |
| **4** | **Losses** (Tab) | Tab | — | Navigate to the Losses tab to configure DC field losses including mismatch, wiring losses, and thermal model parameters. | [Losses](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-losses) |
| **5** | **Objects** (Tab) | Tab | — | Currently selected tab. Contains the legacy 3D shading objects configuration for this DC Field. | — |
| **6** | **Open Advanced Editor / Advanced 3D Design** | Button | — | Opens the legacy 3D shade object editor for this DC Field. Both buttons perform the same action. Use this editor to add, modify, or remove near-field shading objects such as buildings, trees, or poles. **Note:** This is a legacy workflow; consider using the plant-level 3D Scene for new projects. | [3D Shading](/models/shading/3d_shading_dc_field) |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Edit** (DC Field) | Button | — | Opens a dialog to edit the DC Field name and repeater count. | — |
| **2** | **Table** (Tab) | Tab | — | Currently selected tab. Contains module selection, mounting type, tracker settings, and table geometry configuration. | — |
| **3** | **Field** (Tab) | Tab | — | Navigate to the Field tab to configure string count, layout arrangement, terrain, and field-level settings. | [Field](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-field) |
| **4** | **Losses** (Tab) | Tab | — | Navigate to the Losses tab to configure DC field losses including mismatch, wiring losses, and thermal model parameters. | [Losses](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-losses) |
| **5** | **Objects** (Tab) | Tab | — | Navigate to the Objects tab to configure near-field shading objects specific to this DC Field (legacy workflow). | [Objects](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-objects) |
| **6** | **Change** (Module) | Button | — | Opens the module selection dialog to choose a different PV module. Displays current module manufacturer, model name, and rated power (W). | [Module Library](/user-guide/ui/module-library), [Module File](/user-guide/ui/module-file) |
| **7** | **Mounting Type** | Toggle | — | Select between **Fixed Tilt** (stationary racking at a fixed angle) or **Tracker** (single-axis tracking that follows the sun). Tracker is shown in this example. | [Tracking Overview](/models/tracking/overview) |
| **8** | **Tracking Method** | Dropdown | — | Select the tracking algorithm. Options: **True Tracking**, **Backtracking**, **Time Series**. Only available when Mounting Type is Tracker. | [Backtracking](/models/tracking/backtracking/standard_backtracking) |
| **9** | **Rotational Limits (Degrees)** | Text Fields | degrees | Minimum and maximum rotation angles for the tracker. Typical values are ±60°. The tracker will not rotate beyond these limits. | [True Tracking](/models/tracking/true_tracking) |
| **10** | **Wind Stow Model** | Dropdown | — | Select the wind stow behavior model. Options: **Disabled**, **PlantPredict**, **Array Technologies**. Controls how the tracker responds to high wind conditions. | [Wind Stow](/models/tracking/wind_stow) |
| **11** | **Wind Gust Threshold** | Text Field | m/s / ft/s | Wind speed threshold that triggers stow behavior. When wind exceeds this value, the tracker moves to the stow angle. | [Wind Stow](/models/tracking/wind_stow) |
| **12** | **Wind Stow Angle** | Text Field | degrees | The angle to which the tracker rotates during high wind conditions. Typically a high angle (e.g., 60°) to reduce wind load. | [Wind Stow](/models/tracking/wind_stow) |
| **13** | **Stow Dwell Time** | Text Field | min | Time that wind gust must remain continuously at or below the **Wind Gust Threshold** before the tracker returns to normal operation after a wind stow. Shown only when **Wind Stow Model** is **PlantPredict**. Integer ≥ 0; default **30** for new DC Fields. Null or missing values are treated as **0** (no dwell delay) for older projects. If gust exceeds the threshold again before the dwell completes, the wait restarts. | [Wind Stow](/models/tracking/wind_stow) |
| **14** | **GCR** | Text Field | % | Ground Coverage Ratio — the ratio of module area to ground area. Higher GCR means denser packing. Linked to Row Spacing. | — |
| **15** | **Row Spacing** | Text Field | m / ft | Distance between tracker rows (pitch). Automatically calculated from GCR and collector width, or can be manually entered. Use the sync icon to toggle between linked and manual modes. | — |
| **16** | **Post Height** | Text Field | m / ft | Height of the tracker post (hub height) above ground. Affects bifacial irradiance calculations and clearance. | [Bifacial Irradiance](/models/poa-irradiance/rear_irradiance) |
| **17** | **Night Stow Angle** | Text Field | degrees | The angle to which the tracker returns at night or during non-tracking periods. Availability controlled by Model Choices settings. | — |
| **18** | **Irradiance Optimization** | Dropdown | — | Select the irradiance optimization algorithm for tracker angle calculation. Options: **None**, **PlantPredict**, **Array Technologies**. Availability controlled by Model Choices settings. | [Irradiance Optimization](/models/tracking/irradiance_optimization) |
| **19** | **Rotation Speed** | Text Field | degrees/sec | The speed at which the tracker rotates. Used in irradiance optimization calculations. Availability controlled by Model Choices settings. | [Irradiance Optimization](/models/tracking/irradiance_optimization) |
| **20** | **Hesitation Factor** | Text Field | decimal | A factor (0-1) that controls tracker response to irradiance changes. Higher values mean more hesitation before moving. Availability controlled by Model Choices settings. | [Irradiance Optimization](/models/tracking/irradiance_optimization) |
| **21** | **Module Orientation** | Dropdown | — | Select **Portrait** (long edge vertical) or **Landscape** (long edge horizontal) module orientation on the racking. | — |
| **22** | **Collector Band Width** | Text Field | m / ft | The total width of the module array on the tracker (perpendicular to the axis of rotation). Calculated from module dimensions and Modules High. | — |
| **23** | **Modules High** | Text Field | — | Number of modules stacked vertically (perpendicular to tracker axis). Use the sync icon to toggle between linked and manual modes. | — |
| **24** | **Strings Wide** | Text Field | — | Number of strings arranged along the tracker length. Use the sync icon to toggle between linked and manual modes. | — |
| **25** | **Modules Wide** | Text Field | — | Total number of modules along the tracker length. Calculated from Strings Wide × modules per string. Use the sync icon to toggle between linked and manual modes. | — |
| **26** | **Module Azimuth** | Text Field | degrees | The compass direction the modules face (0° = North, 90° = East, 180° = South, 270° = West). For trackers, this is the axis orientation. Use the sync icon to toggle between linked and manual modes. | [Fixed Tilt Arrays](/models/tracking/fixed_tilt_arrays) |
| **27** | **Lateral Module Gap** | Text Field | m / ft | Horizontal gap between adjacent modules along the tracker length. | — |
| **28** | **Vertical Module Gap** | Text Field | m / ft | Vertical gap between modules when Modules High > 1. | — |
| **29** | **Unlock all** | Button | — | Unlocks all linked fields, allowing manual entry of values that would otherwise be automatically calculated. | — |
| **30** | **Lock all** | Button | — | Locks all linkable fields, enabling automatic calculation of dependent values based on other inputs. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Block** (Hierarchy) | Button | — | Toggle view to show the hierarchy bar displaying system summary at each level: Block, Array, Inverter, and DC Field. Shows MWdc, MWac, DC:AC ratio, GCR, Array Count, and Inverter Count. | [Block Overview](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-block) |
| **2** | **Change Inverter** | Button | — | Opens the inverter selection dialog to choose a different inverter model. The panel displays current inverter specifications: Manufacturer, Model, Rated Power (kW), Voltage (V), and MPP Range (V). | [Inverter Library](/user-guide/ui/inverter-library), [Inverter Models](/models/inverter-models/overview) |
| **3** | **DC:AC Ratio** | Text Field | — | Ratio of DC nameplate power to inverter AC rated power. Automatically calculated from the DC Field capacity and inverter rating. Modifying this value will automatically adjust the number of parallel strings in the DC Field to achieve the target ratio. | — |
| **4** | **Set Point kW** | Text Field | kW | Maximum AC power output setpoint for the inverter. Used for power curtailment or plant-level power limiting. Linked to Design Derate — editing one updates the other. | [Inverter Models](/models/inverter-models/overview) |
| **5** | **Enable Set Point / Derate Time Series** | Checkbox | — | When enabled, allows import of time-varying setpoint or derate values instead of using a fixed value. Useful for modeling curtailment schedules or seasonal power limits. | — |
| **6** | **Enable Current / Voltage Adjustment Time Series** | Checkbox | — | When enabled, allows import of time-varying current or voltage adjustment values for advanced inverter control modeling scenarios. | — |
| **7** | **Design Derate** | Text Field | — | Fractional derate factor applied to the inverter rated power (0 to 1). Linked to Set Point kW — editing one updates the other. A value of 0.95 means the inverter operates at 95% of rated capacity. | — |
| **8** | **kVA Rating** | Text Field | kVA | Apparent power rating of the inverter. When "Base on 99.6 Cooling Design Temperature" is checked, the kVA rating is adjusted based on the site's design cooling temperature from ASHRAE data. | — |
| **9** | **Inverter and DC Field Repeat Count** | Text Field | — | Number of identical inverter/DC Field combinations within this Array. Each repeat uses the same inverter model and DC Field configuration. Useful for modeling uniform array sections without duplicating design work. | — |
| **10** | **Description** | Text Area | — | Optional text field for notes or comments about this inverter configuration. Does not affect simulation results. | — |
| Input | Type | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Create Shade Scene From Map Layout** | Button | Creates a 3D shade scene from the current map layout and associates it with the project so you can run [3D Scene](/user-guide/ui/3d-scene-overview) calculations without manually downloading a PVC from Map Builder and uploading it to the prediction. If a 3D scene already exists, this action can push an updated layout to that scene, subject to the same workflow. Also available alongside **Convert to Block Builder** in the header toolbar. | [3D Scene Overview](/user-guide/ui/3d-scene-overview) |
| **Convert to Block Builder** | Button | Converts the current map-based design to an equivalent Block Builder design. **Note:** This is a one-directional conversion—you will not be able to convert back to a map design after this action. | [Block Overview](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-block) |
| **Clone to Block Builder** | Button | Creates a clone of the current design in Block Builder form. This is a safer approach than **Convert** as no map builder information is lost—the original map design remains intact. | [Block Overview](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-block) |
| **3D View** | Button | Opens the 3D View of the current design, allowing you to visualize the array layout in three dimensions with terrain and shading analysis. | [3D View](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-3d-view) |
| **PLP-1000** | Button | Opens a modal for configuring and generating a PDF download of the array layout (PLP-1000 report). Configuration options include: **Base Layer** (Satellite or Terrain), **Layer Visibility** (KML Import, Setbacks, Constraint Offsets, Site Boundaries, Constraints with Labels, DC Flood, Annotations), and **Report Details** (Project Developer, Project Name, Design Name, MWac Net Capacity, Redacted Version). | [PLP-1000 Layout](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-plp1000) |
| **Bill of Materials** | Button | Opens a modal displaying a high-level bill of materials for the current design. Displays quantities for: Tables, Modules, Inverters, Combiner Boxes, Harness Pairs, and Home Runs (in linear meters). Click **Download BOM (xlsx)** to export to Excel. | — |
| **Upload Data** | Button | Opens a modal for uploading data files. **KMZ files** allow importing boundaries and exclusions. **DEM (Digital Elevation Model)** files allow importing custom elevation data for the site. | — |
| **Download Data** | Button | Opens the Export Map modal with format options. Available formats: **KMZ** (Google Earth), **DXF** (CAD), **SHP** (ESRI/GIS), **PVC** (PVCollada), **CSV** (Array Area Capacity Report or TerrainPro format). Select the desired **Output Coordinate System** before exporting. | — |
| Input | Type | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Power Plant Parameters** | Panel | Left-side collapsible panel containing all power plant configuration options including module and inverter file selection, MWDC/MWAC targets, DC:AC ratio, and tabbed sections for DC Design, AC Design, Losses, and Slope Design. Also provides access to the Custom Array Editor. | [Power Plant Parameters](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-map-parameters) |
| **Map Overlays** | Panel | Provides controls for layer visibility and styling on the map, including options for displaying various GIS data layers. | [Basemap and Overlays](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-map-overlays) |
| Icon | Tool | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
**Collapse / Expand Panel** | Toggle | Toggles the visibility of the Power Plant Parameters and Map Overlays panel to maximize the map viewing area. |
|
|
**Display Power Plant Parameters** | Button | Displays the Power Plant Parameters section in the left panel when the panel is expanded. |
|
|
**Display GIS Overlay Options** | Button | Displays the Map Overlays section in the left panel, providing controls for layer visibility and styling. |
|
|
**Hide / Display Design Results Pane** | Toggle | Toggles the visibility of the Design Results Pane at the bottom of the screen to maximize the map viewing area. |
|
|
**Toggle Satellite / Terrain View** | Toggle | Toggles the map underlay between Terrain view (showing topographic contours and elevation) and Satellite imagery. See [Basemap and Overlays](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-map-overlays) for details on basemap data sources. |
|
|
**Center and Zoom on Design** | Button | Centers the map view and zooms to fit the entire design layout within the visible canvas area. |
|
|
**Zoom In / Zoom Out** | Button | Adjusts the map zoom level to view more or less detail of the design area. |
|
|
**Undo / Redo** | Button | Undoes or redoes the last action performed on the map canvas. |
|
|
**Select Feature** | Button | Activates single-click selection mode to select individual features (boundaries, constraints, arrays) on the map. |
|
|
**Select Features in Box** | Button | Activates box selection mode to select multiple features by drawing a rectangle on the map. |
|
|
**Draw Site Boundary** | Button | Activates drawing mode to create a new site boundary polygon by clicking points on the map. |
|
|
**Create Site Boundary** | Button | Creates a site boundary from coordinates or by importing geometry data. |
|
|
**Create Linear Constraint** | Button | Activates drawing mode to create linear constraints (e.g., roads, pipelines, streams) that arrays must avoid. |
|
|
**Create Area Constraint** | Button | Activates drawing mode to create area constraints (e.g., wetlands, protected zones) that exclude array placement. |
|
|
**Create Point Constraint** | Button | Activates drawing mode to create point constraints (e.g., wells, utility poles) with configurable exclusion buffers. |
|
|
**Create Annotation** | Button | Adds text annotations to the map for documentation and labeling purposes. |
|
|
**Create Leader Arrow** | Button | Creates leader arrows to point to specific features or areas on the map with associated labels. |
|
|
**Create Cut/Fill Analysis** | Button | Defines an area for cut/fill analysis to evaluate earthwork requirements based on terrain and design elevations. |
|
|
**Measure** | Button | Activates measurement mode to measure distances and areas on the map. |
|
|
**Duplicate Selected Features** | Button | Creates copies of the currently selected features on the map. |
|
|
**Drag Selected Features** | Button | Enables drag mode to reposition selected features on the map. |
|
|
**Delete Selected Features** | Button | Removes the currently selected features from the map. |
| Input | Type | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Design Results Pane** | Panel | Bottom panel displaying site metrics. Toggle between **Site Specifications** (showing Estimated area, Boundary, MWDC, MWAC, DC:AC Ratio, Buildable Area, Array Area, Site Capacity, Boundary Utilization) and **Cut-Fill Data** for earthwork analysis results. | — |
| Input | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| **View Site Assessment** | Button | Opens the Transect environmental assessment panel to view environmental permit concerns for your site. This initial assessment is provided free of charge. |
| **Order Mini Report** | Button | Requests a detailed environmental analysis from Transect. This requires an additional fee and data submission to generate a comprehensive environmental due diligence report. |
| Layer Name | Layer Description | Color Breakdown | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Flood Hazard Zones (USFEMA)** | FEMA flood hazard zone data indicating areas with varying levels of flood risk based on annual probability of flooding. This layer displays Flood Hazard Areas from the Flood Insurance Rate Map created by FEMA as part of the National Flood Insurance Program's floodplain management. To improve performance, Flood Zone values "Area Not Included", "Open Water", "D", "NP", No Data, and areas with Flood Zone value "X" subtype "Area of Minimal Flood Hazard" were removed from the layer. |
1% Chance Annual Flood Hazard 0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard Regulatory Floodway Special Floodway Future Conditions 1% Annual Chance Area with Reduced Risk Due to Levee |
[FEMA](https://www.fema.gov/) |
| **Wetlands-Vectors (USFWS)** | This layer displays wetlands of the United States from the National Wetlands Inventory produced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, updated by Esri annually. |
Freshwater - Forested and Shrub wetland Freshwater Emergent wetland Freshwater pond Estuarine and Marine wetland Riverine Lakes Estuarine and Marine Deepwater Other Freshwater wetland |
[U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service](https://www.fws.gov/program/national-wetlands-inventory/wetlands-data) |
| **Parcels** | Property parcel boundaries from public records showing land ownership divisions. Data covers 160.2 million parcels across more than 3,229 counties and over 99% of the U.S. population. **(Subscription required - included in PlantPredict license)** | Parcel boundary outlines | [ReportAll USA](https://reportallusa.com) |
| **Roadways/Railways (Census)** | Transportation infrastructure including primary roads, secondary roads, local roads, and railroads. |
Interstate/State Route State Highway Local Street/Trails Railway (dashed) |
[U.S. Census Bureau TIGERweb](https://tigerweb.geo.census.gov/tigerwebmain/TIGERweb_main.html) |
| **Survey** | Elevation survey data showing relative elevation compared to site average. If user-supplied survey data is not provided, the layer uses WorldElevation3D/Terrain3D which provides global elevation with orthometric heights (in meters) based on multiple sources ranging from 1000m to 50cm resolution. See [Elevation Coverage Map](https://esriurl.com/elevationcoveragemap) for details. |
> 20% above average elevation > 5% above average elevation Average elevation > 5% below average elevation > 20% below average elevation |
[ArcGIS Terrain3D](http://goto.arcgisonline.com/elevation3d/WorldTerrain3D/Terrain3D) |
| **KML Import** | Display imported KML/KMZ files containing custom geographic data such as boundaries, points, or polygons. | Colors and styles as defined in the imported KML file | |
| **Site Boundaries** | Project site boundary definitions created within the map interface. | Site boundary polygons | |
| **DC Flood** | DC flood analysis results showing array configurations and capacity status. Includes optional Labels toggle. |
Standard array Non-standard array Out of bounds array PCS |
|
| **Constraints** | Site constraints including setbacks, exclusion zones, and user-defined restricted areas. Includes optional Labels toggle. | Colors vary by constraint type (linear, area, point) | |
| **Transmission Lines** | Electric power transmission lines in the United States. Transmission lines are the system of structures, wires, insulators and associated hardware that carry electric energy from one point to another in an electric power system. Lines are operated at relatively high voltages varying from 69 kV up to 765 kV, and are capable of transmitting large quantities of electricity over long distances. Underground transmission lines are included where sources were available. |
Transmission Line (over 115KV) Sub-Transmission Line (115KV or less) Transmission Line (Unknown voltage) |
[HIFLD](https://hifld-geoplatform.opendata.arcgis.com/) |
| **Substations** | Electric substation geospatial data layer displaying the locations of substations in the USA for grid interconnection planning. |
Generation/Receiving Station (over 115KV) Substation (115KV or less) Substation (Unknown voltage) |
— |
| **Crude Oil Pipelines** | Crude oil trunk pipelines utilizing data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). The network of crude oil pipelines in the U.S. includes approximately 55,000 miles of crude trunk lines with diameters between 8 to 24 inches. These larger cross-country crude oil transmission pipelines deliver crude oil from producing areas to refineries and markets throughout the U.S. | Pipeline | [EIA](https://www.eia.gov/) |
| **Natural Gas Pipelines** | Major natural gas transmission pipelines in the U.S. including interstate, intrastate, and gathering pipelines. The U.S. natural gas pipeline network has about 3 million miles of mainline and other pipelines linking natural gas production areas and storage facilities with consumers. Two-thirds of the lower 48 States are almost totally dependent upon the interstate pipeline system for their supplies of natural gas. Data compiled by the U.S. Energy Information Administration from sources including FERC Form 567 and other external sources. |
Interstate Intrastate Gathering |
[EIA](https://www.eia.gov/) |
| **Earthwork** | Cut and fill visualization for terrain grading analysis. Includes optional Labels toggle. | Cut and fill volumes visualized on the map | |
| **Slope Constraints** | Slope-based constraints highlighting areas where terrain slope direction may impact solar performance or construction feasibility. |
North facing slope constraint South facing slope constraint |
|
| **Slope Bands** | Terrain slope visualization using graduated color bands to identify areas of varying slope grade. |
0% - 1% slope 1% - 2% slope 2% - 3% slope 3% - 4% slope 4% - 5% slope 5% - 6% slope 6% - 7% slope 7% - 8% slope 8% - 9% slope 9% - 10% slope > 10% slope |
|
| **Post Analysis** | Post-layout analysis results showing tracker post positions relative to grading tolerances. |
Post below tolerance (cut) Post above tolerance (fill) |
|
| **Annotations** | User-created text annotations and labels placed on the map for documentation purposes. | User-defined text and styling |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Inverter** | Selection Panel | — | Displays the currently selected inverter with Manufacturer and Rated Power (kW). Click **Change** to open the inverter selection dialog and choose a different inverter model from the library. | [Inverter Library](/user-guide/ui/inverter-library), [Inverter](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-inverter) |
| **2** | **Module** | Selection Panel | — | Displays the currently selected PV module with Manufacturer and Rated Power (W). Click **Change** to open the module selection dialog and choose a different module from the library. | [Module Library](/user-guide/ui/module-library), [Table](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-table) |
| **3** | **MWDC (Desired Max.)** | Text Field | MWdc | Target maximum DC capacity for the power plant. The automated layout engine will attempt to place DC blocks until this capacity is reached or the available site area is filled. | — |
| **4** | **MWAC (Desired Max.)** | Text Field | MWac | Target maximum AC capacity for the power plant. Linked to MWDC through the DC:AC Ratio — editing one updates the other. | — |
| **5** | **DC:AC Ratio (Desired)** | Text Field | — | Target ratio of DC nameplate power to AC inverter capacity. Typical values range from 1.1 to 1.4. Adjusting this value will automatically update MWAC based on the MWDC value. | [Inverter](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-inverter) |
| **6** | **Create DC As** | Dropdown | — | Choose how DC blocks are rendered on the map. **Arrays** displays blocks as grouped array sections; **Tables** displays individual tracker tables/racks. This is a visualization option and does not affect the electrical design or simulation results. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **7** | **GCR** | Text Field | % | Ground Coverage Ratio — the ratio of module area to ground area. Higher GCR means denser packing but increased inter-row shading. Linked to Row Spacing. | [Table](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-table) |
| **8** | **Row Spacing** | Text Field | m | Distance between tracker rows (pitch). Automatically calculated from GCR and collector width, or can be manually entered. Use the lock icon to toggle between linked and manual modes. | [Table](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-table) |
| **9** | **Mounting Type** | Dropdown | — | Select between **Horizontal Tracker** (single-axis tracking that follows the sun) or **Fixed Tilt** (stationary racking at a fixed angle). Selection affects available tracking parameters. | [Tracking Overview](/models/tracking/overview) |
| **10** | **Rotational Limits (Degrees)** | Text Fields | degrees | Minimum and maximum rotation angles for the tracker. Typical values are ±60°. The tracker will not rotate beyond these limits. Only available when Mounting Type is Horizontal Tracker. | [True Tracking](/models/tracking/true_tracking) |
| **11** | **Tracking Method** | Dropdown | — | Select the tracking algorithm. Options: **True-Tracking** (tracks sun position directly), **Backtracking** (reduces inter-row shading at low sun angles), **Time Series** (uses imported tracker angle data). Only available when Mounting Type is Horizontal Tracker. | [Backtracking](/models/tracking/backtracking/standard_backtracking), [True Tracking](/models/tracking/true_tracking) |
| **12** | **Modules High** | Text Field | — | Number of modules stacked vertically (perpendicular to tracker axis). Use the lock icon to toggle between linked and manual modes. | [Table](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-table) |
| **13** | **Modules Wide** | Text Field | — | Total number of modules along the tracker length. Use the lock icon to toggle between linked and manual modes. | [Table](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-table) |
| **14** | **Modules Orientation** | Dropdown | — | Select **Portrait** (long edge vertical) or **Landscape** (long edge horizontal) module orientation on the racking. | [Table](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-table) |
| **15** | **Azimuth** | Text Field | degrees | The compass direction the modules face (0° = North, 90° = East, 180° = South, 270° = West). For trackers, this is the axis orientation. Use the lock icon to toggle between linked and manual modes. | [Fixed Tilt Arrays](/models/tracking/fixed_tilt_arrays) |
| **16** | **Setback** | Text Field | m | Default setback distance from site boundaries. Arrays will be placed with this minimum distance from the site perimeter. | — |
| **17** | **Post Height** | Text Field | m | Height of the tracker post (hub height) above ground. Affects bifacial irradiance calculations and ground clearance. | [Bifacial Irradiance](/models/poa-irradiance/rear_irradiance) |
| **18** | **N-S Road Width** | Text Field | m | Width of access roads running North-South through the site. Used for layout planning and land utilization calculations. | — |
| **19** | **E-W Road Width** | Text Field | m | Width of access roads running East-West through the site. Used for layout planning and land utilization calculations. | — |
| **20** | **Use Custom Arrays** | Toggle | — | When **ON**, the automated layout uses DC block configurations defined in the Custom Array Editor. When **OFF**, standard block configurations based on the parameters above are used. Manual placement of custom array blocks is still possible regardless of this setting. | [Custom Array Editor](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-custom-array-editor) |
| **21** | **Custom Array Editor** | Button | — | Opens the Custom Array Editor interface where you can define custom DC block configurations with specific table arrangements and dimensions. | [Custom Array Editor](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-custom-array-editor) |
| **22** | **Unlock all / Lock all** | Buttons | — | **Unlock all** enables manual entry for all linked fields. **Lock all** enables automatic calculation of dependent values based on other inputs. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **23** | **Design Derate** | Text Field | — | Fractional derate factor applied to the inverter rated power (0 to 1). Linked to Set Point kW — editing one updates the other. A value of 0.95 means the inverter operates at 95% of rated capacity. | [Inverter](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-inverter) |
| **24** | **Set Point kW** | Text Field | kW | Maximum AC power output setpoint for the inverter. Used for power curtailment or plant-level power limiting. Linked to Design Derate — editing one updates the other. | [Inverter Models](/models/inverter-models/overview) |
| **25** | **Repeater (per Array)** | Text Field | — | Number of identical inverter/DC Field combinations within each Array. Each repeat uses the same inverter model and DC Field configuration. | [Inverter](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-inverter) |
| **26** | **Transformer** | Toggle | — | When **ON**, enables transformer modeling for each inverter/array. When enabled, transformer losses and specifications are included in the simulation. | — |
| **27** | **kVA Rating** | Text Field | kVA | Apparent power rating of the transformer. Only available when Transformer toggle is **ON**. | — |
| **28** | **High Side Voltage** | Text Field | kV | Transformer high-side (grid-side) voltage. Only available when Transformer toggle is **ON**. | — |
| **29** | **Base on 99.6 Cooling Design Temperature** | Checkbox | — | When enabled, the kVA rating is adjusted based on the site's 99.6% cooling design temperature from ASHRAE data. This accounts for temperature-based derating of transformer capacity. | — |
| **30** | **No Load Loss** | Text Field | % | Transformer core losses that occur whenever the transformer is energized, regardless of load. Also known as iron losses or excitation losses. Only available when Transformer toggle is **ON**. | [AC Losses](/models/ac-losses/overview) |
| **31** | **Full Load Loss** | Text Field | % | Transformer copper losses at full rated load. These losses scale with the square of the load current. Only available when Transformer toggle is **ON**. | [AC Losses](/models/ac-losses/overview) |
| **32** | **AC Collection Loss at Max Power** | Text Field | % | Percentage loss in the AC collection system (medium voltage cables, switchgear) at maximum power output. | [AC System Losses](/models/ac-losses/ac_system_losses) |
| **33** | **Data Acquisition System Power** | Text Field | W | Parasitic power consumption of the monitoring and data acquisition system. | — |
| **34** | **Shelter Cooling Loss** | Text Field | W | Parasitic power consumption of inverter shelter cooling systems (HVAC for enclosed inverter stations). | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **35** | **Module Quality** | Text Field | % | Percentage loss due to module manufacturing quality variation from nameplate rating. Positive values indicate underperformance relative to rated power. | [DC Losses](/models/dc-performance/dc_system_losses) |
| **36** | **Mismatch** | Text Field | % | Percentage loss due to electrical mismatch between modules in a string or array. Accounts for variations in module I-V characteristics. | [DC Losses](/models/dc-performance/dc_system_losses) |
| **37** | **Light Induced Deg.** | Text Field | % | Percentage loss from initial light-induced degradation (LID) that occurs in the first hours of module operation. Applies primarily to crystalline silicon modules. | [DC Losses](/models/dc-performance/dc_system_losses) |
| **38** | **DC Wiring at STC** | Text Field | % | Percentage loss in DC wiring and connections at Standard Test Conditions (STC). Includes string wiring, combiner boxes, and DC home runs. | [DC Losses](/models/dc-performance/dc_system_losses) |
| **39** | **DC Health** | Text Field | % | Percentage loss representing ongoing DC system degradation and health issues not captured by other loss categories. Can be used for aging adjustments. | [DC Losses](/models/dc-performance/dc_system_losses) |
| **40** | **Tracker Actuator Load** | Text Field | MWh/MWp/Year | Annual energy consumption of tracker motors and actuators, expressed per MWp of DC capacity. Only applicable to tracker-mounted systems. | [Losses](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-losses) |
| **41** | **Module Temperature** | Dropdown | — | Select the module temperature calculation method. Options: **Heat Balance** (detailed thermal model), **Sandia** (empirically-derived coefficients), **NOCT** (Nominal Operating Cell Temperature method). | [Module Temperature](/models/dc-performance/overview#cell-temperature-models) |
| **42** | **Cell to Module Temp. Diff.** | Text Field | °C | Temperature offset between the module backsheet (measured) and cell junction temperature. Accounts for thermal resistance within the module. | [Module Temperature](/models/dc-performance/overview#cell-temperature-models) |
| **43** | **Conductive Coefficient** | Text Field | Uc | Conductive heat transfer coefficient (Uc) for the Heat Balance model. Represents constant heat loss independent of wind speed. Only visible when Module Temperature is set to Heat Balance. | [Heat Balance](/models/dc-performance/temperature_heat_balance) |
| **44** | **Convective Coefficient** | Text Field | Uv | Convective heat transfer coefficient (Uv) for the Heat Balance model. Represents wind-dependent heat loss; multiplied by wind speed in the thermal calculation. Only visible when Module Temperature is set to Heat Balance. | [Heat Balance](/models/dc-performance/temperature_heat_balance) |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **45** | **Simplified Plant Layout** | Radio Button | — | **Default mode.** Creates a streamlined plant layout with typical blocks and uses average DC/AC ratios across the plant. Results in faster simulations and fewer unique DC Field configurations. Best for preliminary design and rapid iteration. | — |
| **46** | **Advanced Plant Layout** | Radio Button | — | **Optional mode.** Creates detailed DC Fields with DC/AC ratios as configured in the actual layout. Results in more unique DC Fields and Inverters, providing real-world representation and improved shading factor accuracy. Processing times are longer due to increased complexity. When selected, Table Orientation and Shading Algorithm options become available. | — |
| **47** | **Table Orientation** | Toggle | — | **Flat** (default): Tables are oriented horizontally regardless of terrain. **Sloped**: Computes average slope based on topographical data and orients tables to follow terrain. Only available when Advanced Plant Layout is selected. | [Field](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-dc-field-field) |
| **48** | **Shading Algorithm** | Toggle | — | **2D** (default): Uses 2D linear shading calculations for inter-row shading. **3D**: Uses 3D shading model for more accurate representation of shade patterns on sloped terrain. Only available when Advanced Plant Layout is selected. | [Row-to-Row Beam Shading](/models/shading/row_to_row_beam_shading), [3D Shading](/models/shading/3d_shading_dc_field) |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Run Prediction / View Energy Results** | Button | — | Displays **Run Prediction** if the prediction has not been run, which initiates the simulation. After the prediction completes, changes to **View Energy Results** to access the results page. | [Summary Results](/user-guide/results/summary-results) |
| **2** | **Favorite** | Button | — | Toggles the prediction as a favorite for quick access and filtering. | — |
| **3** | **Rename** | Button | — | Opens a dialog to rename the current prediction. | — |
| **4** | **Clone** | Button | — | Creates a copy of the current prediction within the same project. | — |
| **5** | **Export** | Button | — | Exports the prediction data to a downloadable file format. | — |
| **6** | **Change Status** | Button | — | Opens a dialog to change the prediction status (e.g., Draft, Shared, Active). | — |
| **7** | **Delete** | Button | — | Deletes the current prediction. This action requires confirmation. | — |
| **8** | **Update** (Weather Data) | Button | — | Opens the Environmental Conditions Page to configure weather file selection, soiling, spectral, albedo, and design temperatures. | [Environmental Conditions](/user-guide/ui/environmental-conditions) |
| **9** | **Add** (Time Series Data) | Button | — | Opens the Time Series Data configuration to add custom time series inputs such as inverter setpoint/design derate, tracker angle overrides, surface temperature, or LGIA limit. | [Time Series Data](/user-guide/ui/time-series-data) |
| **10** | **Quick Edit** (PV Blocks & Arrays) | Button | — | Opens a simplified editor for quick modifications to the PV system configuration without navigating to the full configuration page. | — |
| **11** | **Update** (PV Blocks & Arrays) | Button | — | Opens the Power Plant Builder to define blocks, arrays, inverters, DC fields, and transformer settings in a single-line diagram view. | [Block Overview](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-block) |
| **12** | **Add** (3D Scene) | Button | — | Opens the 3D Scene configuration to define row geometry, terrain, and objects for detailed shading analysis. | [3D Scene Overview](/user-guide/ui/3d-scene-overview), [3D Shading](/models/shading/3d_shading_dc_field) |
| **13** | **Add** (Energy Storage System) | Button | — | Opens the Energy Storage System configuration to add battery storage, inverter, and transformer specifications. | [Energy Storage System](/user-guide/ui/energy-storage-system), [Energy Storage Overview](/models/energy-storage/overview) |
| **14** | **Edit** (System Details) | Button | — | Opens the System Details configuration to define substation, transmission, and interconnection settings. | [System Details](/user-guide/ui/system-details), [AC System Losses](/models/ac-losses/ac_system_losses) |
| **15** | **Update** (Model Choices) | Button | — | Opens the Model Choices configuration to select transposition model, degradation settings, and other simulation algorithm options. | [Simulation Settings](/user-guide/ui/simulation-settings), [Transposition Overview](/models/transposition/overview) |
| **16** | **Financial Analysis** | Button | — | Opens the Financial Analysis module to perform economic analysis on the prediction results. Only available after the prediction has been run. | — |
| **17** | **Options** (Nodal Data) | Link | — | Opens the Nodal Data options to configure which detailed output parameters are generated during the prediction run. | [Nodal Data](/user-guide/results/nodal/intro) |
| **18** | **Change** (Prediction Logic) | Link | — | Opens a dialog to change the prediction logic version. Different versions may include updated algorithms or bug fixes. | — |
| **19** | **Change** (Prediction Notes) | Link | — | Opens an editor to add or modify notes for the prediction. Notes are displayed on the prediction card and can include version history or change descriptions. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Rename** | Button | — | Opens a dialog to rename the current project. | — |
| **2** | **Clone** (Project) | Button | — | Creates a copy of the entire project, including all predictions and configurations. | — |
| **3** | **Export** (Project) | Button | — | Exports the project data to a downloadable file format. | — |
| **4** | **Change Status** (Project) | Button | — | Opens a dialog to change the project status (e.g., Draft, Active, Archived). | — |
| **5** | **Delete** (Project) | Button | — | Deletes the entire project and all associated predictions. This action requires confirmation. | — |
| **6** | **Import Prediction** | Button | — | Opens the import dialog to import a prediction from an external file into the current project. | — |
| **7** | **Create New Prediction** | Button | — | Opens the prediction creation wizard to define a new prediction within the current project. | — |
| **8** | **Delete Multiple Predictions** | Button | — | Enables multi-select mode to delete multiple predictions at once. | — |
| **9** | **Change Multiple Statuses** | Button | — | Enables multi-select mode to change the status of multiple predictions at once. | — |
| **10** | **Search** | Search Field | — | Filters the predictions list by name, latitude, longitude, state, region, or other attributes. Use the filter icon to access advanced filtering options. | — |
| **11** | **View Energy Results** | Button | — | Opens the prediction results page to view energy production estimates, loss tree, and detailed outputs. Only available for predictions that have been run. | [Summary Results](/user-guide/results/summary-results) |
| **12** | **Clone** (Prediction) | Button | — | Creates a copy of the selected prediction within the same project. | — |
| **13** | **Export** (Prediction) | Button | — | Exports the selected prediction data to a downloadable file format. | — |
| **14** | **Change Status** (Prediction) | Button | — | Opens a dialog to change the status of the selected prediction (e.g., Draft, Shared, Active). | — |
| **15** | **Delete** (Prediction) | Button | — | Deletes the selected prediction. This action requires confirmation. | — |
| **16** | **Prediction Name** | Link | — | Click the prediction name to open and edit the prediction configuration. | [Prediction Overview](/user-guide/ui/prediction-overview) |
| **17** | **More** | Button | — | Expands the prediction card to show additional details and metadata. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **About** (Tab) | Tab | — | Currently selected tab. Displays user profile and organization information. | — |
| **2** | **Weather Provider Configuration** (Tab) | Tab | — | Navigate to configure user-specific API credentials for third-party weather data providers. | — |
| **3** | **Accessibility Options** (Tab) | Tab | — | Navigate to configure display accessibility settings including color palette selection. | — |
| **4** | **First Name** | Display | — | User's first name as registered. **Read-only** — contact your Company Admin to update. | — |
| **5** | **Last Name** | Display | — | User's last name as registered. **Read-only** — contact your Company Admin to update. | — |
| **6** | **Email** | Display | — | User's email address used for login and notifications. **Read-only** — contact your Company Admin to update. | — |
| **7** | **Job Title** | Display | — | User's job title within the organization. **Read-only** — contact your Company Admin to update. | — |
| **8** | **Company Name** | Display | — | Name of the organization associated with this account. **Read-only**. | — |
| **9** | **Subscription Level** | Display | — | Current PlantPredict subscription tier (e.g., Enterprise, Professional). Determines available features and API access. **Read-only**. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **10** | **API Key** (Solcast) | Text Field | — | Enter your Solcast API key to enable direct weather data downloads from Solcast. If you do not have an API key, you will need to register with the vendor and possibly purchase access. | — |
| **11** | **Contact Vendor** | Button | — | Opens the vendor's website to register for API access or learn more about their weather data services. | — |
| **12** | **Save** | Button | — | Saves the entered API key to your user profile. The key is securely stored and used for subsequent weather data requests. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **13** | **Graph Color Palette** | Radio Button | — | Select the color palette used for charts and graphs throughout PlantPredict. **Default Color Palette** uses standard colors. **Bang Wong Accessibility Palette** uses a colorblind-friendly palette designed for users with color vision deficiencies. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Search** | Text Field | — | Search for projects by name, latitude, longitude, state, region, ID, or other attributes. Filter toggles allow filtering by ownership (e.g., My Projects) and status (e.g., Active, Draft, Retired). | — |
| **2** | **Import Project** | Button | — | Import a project from an exported project file. Use this to restore projects or transfer projects between PlantPredict accounts. | — |
| **3** | **Create New Project** | Button | — | Opens the Create New Project page where you define the project name, location, and initial settings. | [Create New Project](/user-guide/ui/create-new-project) |
| **4** | **Switch to Map View** | Button | — | Toggles between list view and map view. Map view displays project locations geographically, allowing you to visually browse projects by region. | — |
| **5** | **Project Card** | Interactive | — | Click on a project card to open the project and view its predictions. Each card displays the project name, status, and location details. | [Predictions Library](/user-guide/ui/predictions) |
| **6** | **Map** (per project) | Button | — | Opens a map view showing the geographic location of the selected project. | — |
| **7** | **Rename** (per project) | Button | — | Rename the project. Opens a dialog to enter a new project name. | — |
| **8** | **Clone** (per project) | Button | — | Create a copy of the project including all predictions and settings. Useful for creating variations or backups of existing projects. | — |
| **9** | **Export** (per project) | Button | — | Export the project to a file. The exported file can be imported into another PlantPredict account or used as a backup. | — |
| **10** | **Change Status** (per project) | Button | — | Change the status of the project. Available statuses: **Draft Private** (visible only to creator), **Draft Shared** (visible to company), **Active** (approved for use), **Retired** (archived). | — |
| **11** | **Delete** (per project) | Button | — | Permanently delete the project and all associated predictions. This action cannot be undone. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Start Date** | Date Picker | — | Beginning date and time for the prediction simulation. Must fall within the weather file date range shown in the summary panel. | — |
| **2** | **End Date** | Date Picker | — | Ending date and time for the prediction simulation. Must fall within the weather file date range shown in the summary panel. | — |
| **3** | **Show Uncertainty Analysis** | Button | — | Opens the [Uncertainty Analysis](/user-guide/ui/uncertainty-analysis) configuration panel to define P-value selections and uncertainty parameters for probabilistic energy estimates (P50/P90/P99). | [Uncertainty Analysis](/user-guide/ui/uncertainty-analysis) |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **4** | **Weather File DNI** | Toggle | — | When **ON**, uses Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) values directly from the weather file. When **OFF**, DNI is calculated from GHI using the selected decomposition model. | [Horizontal Irradiance](/models/horizontal-irradiance/horizontal_irradiance_components) |
| **5** | **Frontside POAI** | Toggle | — | When **ON**, uses pre-calculated frontside Plane-of-Array Irradiance from the weather file instead of calculating via transposition models. Horizontal components (GHI, DNI, DHI) are reverse-decomposed from POAI using the GTI-DIRINT algorithm. | [POAI Decomposition](/models/horizontal-irradiance/poai_diffuse_direct_decomposition) |
| **6** | **Backside POAI** | Toggle | — | When **ON**, uses pre-calculated backside irradiance from the weather file for bifacial modules instead of calculating via the bifacial model. | [Bifacial](/models/poa-irradiance/rear_irradiance) |
| **7** | **Decomposition** | Dropdown | — | Select the algorithm for decomposing GHI into direct and diffuse components. Options: **None**, **DIRINT**, **Erbs**, **Reindl**. | [Decomposition](/models/horizontal-irradiance/diffuse_direct_decomposition) |
| **8** | **Circumsolar Treatment** | Dropdown | — | Select how circumsolar radiation is handled in transposition. **Diffuse** treats circumsolar as part of diffuse; **Direct** treats it as part of beam irradiance. | [Transposition](/models/transposition/perez) |
| **9** | **Transposition** | Dropdown | — | Select the transposition model for calculating plane-of-array irradiance from horizontal components. Options: **Perez**, **Hay-Davies**. | [Transposition Models](/models/transposition/overview) |
| **10** | **Perez Coefficients** | Dropdown | — | Select the coefficient set for the Perez transposition model. Options: **PlantPredict**, **All Sites Composite 1990**, **All Sites Composite 1988**, **Sandia Composite 1988**, or location-specific sets (USA, France, Phoenix, Elmonte, Osage, Albuquerque, Cape Canaveral, Albany). | [Perez Model](/models/transposition/perez) |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **11** | **Incidence Angle** | Dropdown | — | Select the Incidence Angle Modifier (IAM) model. Options: **None**, **Tabular IAM**, **Physical IAM**, **Sandia**, **ASHRAE**. | [Incidence Angle Modifier](/models/poa-irradiance/iam) |
| **12** | **Module Temperature** | Dropdown | — | Select the module temperature calculation method. Options: **Heat Balance**, **NOCT**, **Sandia**, **DC Field Defined**. | [Module Temperature](/models/dc-performance/overview#cell-temperature-models) |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **13** | **Direct Shading** | Dropdown | — | Select the direct beam shading calculation method. Options: **Module File Defined Shading**, **None**, **Linear**, **Fractional Electrical Shading**. **Note:** This field is **disabled** when a 3D scene has been configured; shading settings are controlled via the [3D Scene Overview](/user-guide/ui/3d-scene-overview) page. | [Row-to-Row Beam Shading](/models/shading/row_to_row_beam_shading) |
| **14** | **Diffuse Shading** | Toggle | — | When **ON**, applies diffuse sky shading factors to account for horizon obstruction and row-to-row diffuse blocking. When **OFF**, no diffuse shading is applied. | [Diffuse Shading](/models/shading/sky_diffuse_shading) |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **15** | **Number of Years** | Text Field | years | Total project lifetime for degradation calculations. Determines how many years of degraded energy output are calculated. | — |
| **16** | **Degradation Model** | Dropdown | — | Select the degradation calculation method. Options: **Linear DC**, **Non-Linear DC**, **Linear AC**, **Stepped AC**. | [Degradation](/models/inverter-models/degradation_dc_applied) |
| **17** | **Degradation Rate** | Text Field | % Per Year | Annual degradation rate applied according to the selected model. Typical values range from 0.25% to 0.7% per year for crystalline silicon modules. | [Degradation](/models/inverter-models/degradation_dc_applied) |
| **18** | **First Year Degradation** | Toggle | — | When **ON**, applies degradation starting from Year 1. When **OFF**, Year 1 energy is calculated at full capacity with degradation beginning in Year 2. | — |
| **19** | **Use Leap Years** | Toggle | — | When **ON**, accounts for leap years (366 days) in multi-year degradation calculations. When **OFF**, all years are treated as 365 days. | — |
| **20** | **LeTID** | Toggle | — | Enable Light and Elevated Temperature Induced Degradation modeling. When **ON**, applies additional degradation in early years that recovers over time, typical of PERC cells. | — |
| **21** | **LeTID Rates** | Table | % | Year-by-year LeTID degradation rates. Typically shows elevated degradation in Years 1-3 followed by recovery. Values are editable for each year. | — |
| **22** | **Add More Years** | Button | — | Extends the LeTID Rates table with additional years beyond the default 25-year period. | — |
| **23** | **Apply LeTID Defaults** | Button | — | Populates the LeTID Rates table with default values based on typical PERC cell degradation and recovery curves. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Availability Loss** | Text Field | % | Percentage of time the plant is unavailable due to maintenance, outages, or grid curtailment. Applied as a flat reduction to annual energy production. | [AC System Losses](/models/ac-losses/ac_system_losses) |
| **2** | **Plant kVA Derate** | Display | — | Cumulative inverter derate factor for the entire plant. This value is **read-only** and is calculated from the individual inverter derate values defined in the [PV Blocks & Arrays](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-block) section. | — |
| **3** | **Power Plant Output Limit** (Toggle) | Toggle | — | Enable or disable the plant output limit. When **ON**, the plant power is capped at the specified MWac value. When **OFF**, no limit is applied. | — |
| **4** | **Power Plant Output Limit** (Value) | Text Field | MWac | Maximum AC power output at the point of interconnection. Typically set to the contracted interconnection capacity. Power exceeding this limit is curtailed. | — |
| **5** | **Enable Time Series Data** | Checkbox | — | When enabled, allows import of time-varying output limit values instead of using a fixed limit. Useful for modeling variable curtailment schedules or grid dispatch constraints. | — |
| **6** | **Enable Nighttime Disconnect** | Checkbox | — | When enabled, the plant disconnects from the grid during nighttime hours (when irradiance is zero). Reduces transformer no-load losses during non-production periods. | — |
| **7** | **Hide Full Plant Breakdown** | Button | — | Toggles visibility of the plant breakdown summary table showing Block, Arrays, Row spacing, Module rating, MWdc, MWac, and DC:AC ratio for each block. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **8** | **Add Component** | Button | — | Click the **+** button to add a new transformer or transmission line to the interconnection path. Components are added between the Power Plant and Energy Meter. Click the **×** button on any component to remove it. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **9** | **Rating** | Text Field | MVA | Apparent power rating of the HV transformer. Should be sized appropriately for the plant capacity. | [AC System Losses](/models/ac-losses/ac_system_losses) |
| **10** | **Voltage** | Text Field | kV | High-side voltage of the transformer. Typical values range from 69 kV to 500 kV depending on the interconnection voltage level. | — |
| **11** | **No Load Loss** | Text Field | % | Transformer core losses as a percentage of rated MVA. These losses occur whenever the transformer is energized, regardless of load. Also known as iron losses. | [AC System Losses](/models/ac-losses/ac_system_losses) |
| **12** | **Full Load Loss** | Text Field | % | Transformer winding losses at full load as a percentage of rated MVA. Also known as copper losses. Scales with the square of the load. | [AC System Losses](/models/ac-losses/ac_system_losses) |
| **13** | **Total Full Load Loss** | Display | % | Sum of No Load Loss and Full Load Loss. This is a **read-only** calculated value showing the total transformer loss at rated power. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **14** | **Line Length** | Text Field | km / mi | Total length of the transmission line from the plant substation to the point of interconnection. | [AC System Losses](/models/ac-losses/ac_system_losses) |
| **15** | **Resistance** | Text Field | Ω/1000 ft | Conductor resistance per 1000 feet (304.8 m). Combined with line length to calculate total line resistance and resulting I²R losses. | [AC System Losses](/models/ac-losses/ac_system_losses) |
| **16** | **Conductors per Phase** | Text Field | — | Number of parallel conductors per phase. Multiple conductors reduce effective resistance and increase current-carrying capacity. Common values are 1, 2, or 4 (bundled conductors). | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Download CSV** | Button | — | Download a CSV template file formatted for time series data upload. The template includes the required timestamp format and column structure. | — |
| **2** | **Upload/Override CSV** | Button | — | Upload a CSV file containing time series data. If data already exists, this will override it with the new upload. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Download CSV** | Button | — | Download a CSV template or the currently uploaded data. | — |
| **2** | **Upload/Override CSV** | Button | — | Upload new time series data or override existing data. | — |
| **3** | **Download** (per data set) | Button | — | Download the specific time series data set as a CSV file. | — |
| **4** | **Update** (per data set) | Button | — | Update or replace the data for this specific time series parameter. | — |
| **5** | **Delete** (per data set) | Button | — | Delete the time series data set. | — |
| **6** | **Upload** (add new data) | Button | — | Upload a new data set for the specified parameter type. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **P 99** | Checkbox | — | Include P99 in results. P99 represents the energy value exceeded with 99% probability — a conservative estimate for financing scenarios. | [Uncertainty Analysis](/user-guide/results/uncertainty-analysis) |
| **2** | **P 95** | Checkbox | — | Include P95 in results. P95 represents the energy value exceeded with 95% probability. | [Uncertainty Analysis](/user-guide/results/uncertainty-analysis) |
| **3** | **P 90** | Checkbox | — | Include P90 in results. P90 represents the energy value exceeded with 90% probability — commonly used for debt sizing in project finance. | [Uncertainty Analysis](/user-guide/results/uncertainty-analysis) |
| **4** | **P 75** | Checkbox | — | Include P75 in results. P75 represents the energy value exceeded with 75% probability. | [Uncertainty Analysis](/user-guide/results/uncertainty-analysis) |
| **5** | **P 10** | Checkbox | — | Include P10 in results. P10 represents the energy value exceeded with 10% probability — an optimistic upside estimate. | [Uncertainty Analysis](/user-guide/results/uncertainty-analysis) |
| **6** | **Custom P** (Checkbox) | Checkbox | — | Enable a custom probability exceedance value. When checked, enter the desired P-value in the adjacent text field. | — |
| **7** | **Custom P** (Value) | Text Field | — | Enter a custom probability exceedance percentage (1-99). The corresponding energy value will be calculated and included in results. | — |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **8** | **Spatial Variability** | Text Field | % | Uncertainty due to differences between the weather data source location and the actual project site. Accounts for micro-climate variations and distance from measurement stations. | [Uncertainty Analysis](/user-guide/results/uncertainty-analysis) |
| **9** | **Modeling Accuracy** | Text Field | % | Uncertainty in the energy prediction model itself, including transposition, module performance, inverter efficiency, and loss calculations. | [Uncertainty Analysis](/user-guide/results/uncertainty-analysis) |
| **10** | **Interannual Variability** | Text Field | % | Year-to-year variation in solar resource at the site. Represents the natural fluctuation in annual irradiance from typical meteorological conditions. | [Uncertainty Analysis](/user-guide/results/uncertainty-analysis) |
| **11** | **Irradiance Measurement Accuracy** | Text Field | % | Uncertainty in the source irradiance data, including sensor calibration, data processing, and satellite-derived irradiance model accuracy. | [Uncertainty Analysis](/user-guide/results/uncertainty-analysis) |
| **12** | **Monitoring Period Representativeness** | Text Field | % | Uncertainty in how representative the weather data period is of long-term conditions. Shorter monitoring periods have higher uncertainty. | [Uncertainty Analysis](/user-guide/results/uncertainty-analysis) |
| # | Input | Type | Units | Description | Related Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **Search** | Text Field | — | Search for weather files by name, latitude, longitude, state, region, ID, or other attributes. Filter toggles allow filtering by status (e.g., Global, Active, Draft). | — |
| **2** | **Add New Weather** | Button | — | Opens the Add New Weather page where you can download weather data from integrated providers, upload your own weather file, or generate synthetic weather data. | [Add New Weather](/user-guide/ui/add-new-weather) |
| **3** | **Switch to Map View** | Button | — | Toggles between list view and map view. Map view displays weather file locations geographically, allowing you to visually browse files by region. | — |
| **4** | **Compare Items** | Button | — | Opens the weather file comparison tool. Select multiple weather files to compare their irradiance, temperature, and other parameters side-by-side. | — |
| **5** | **Change Status** | Button | — | Bulk status change for selected weather files. Available statuses: **Draft Private** (visible only to creator), **Draft Shared** (visible to company), **Active** (approved for use), **Retired** (archived), **Global** (shared with all users), **Global-Retired** (archived global file). | — |
| **6** | **Weather File Card** | Interactive | — | Click on a weather file card to open the weather file detail view. Each card displays the file name, status, owner, last modified date, and key weather parameters. | [Weather File](/user-guide/ui/weather-file) |
| **7** | **Map** (per file) | Button | — | Opens a map view showing the geographic location of the selected weather file. | — |
| **8** | **Change Status** (per file) | Button | — | Change the status of an individual weather file. See callout #5 for available status options. | — |
| **9** | **Export** (per file) | Button | — | Export the weather file data. Available export formats include CSV and PlantPredict native format (PPP). | — |