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November 7th, 2024

PlantPredict

New Features & Updates!

  • Fracsun Soiling Loss Integration - It is now possible to import monthly soiling losses from Fracsun CLEO for any project location in the continental US! This can be accessed from the Environmental Conditions / Weather page within a Prediction. Read more about CLEO AI - PV Soiling Loss Modeling Tool
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  • AC Collection Loss Enhancements - PlantPredict now applies a more realistic ohmic (I^2 x R) calculation method to the AC Collection Loss, similar to the DC Wiring Loss. The user entered AC Collection Loss percentage is applied at maximum Array Power (Maximum Inverter Power x Number of Inverters), similar to how the DC Wiring Loss percentage is applied at STC power level. At power levels other than maximum Array Power, the percental loss will vary with the square of the current through the collection circuit. This is change is described in detail here: AC Collection System Note - This change will only applied to predictions run on Version 12 and later.
  • PPD Import Improvements - When using the “Import Predictions” button (from within an existing project), if the selected .PPD file has assets (weather, module, inverter) which the importing user already has access to, we will no longer create a new assets. Assets will only be created if the importing user cannot otherwise access them in the system. This helps to avoid duplicated assets where PPD files are being shared within the same company.
  • MapBuilder Multi-Parcel Selection Improvements - When selecting multiple parcels in MapBuilder (holding down the Shift key), parcel information for the last parcel selected is displayed. This improvement has been recommended by several customers. Previously, this information was suppressed when multiple parcels where selected.
  • MapBuilder Boundary Setback Improvements - MapBuilder boundary setback distance limitations of 50m have been removed, allowing for larger setback to be applied.
  • Prediction Information Panel Improvements - Additional data has been added to the Prediction card to display Last Modified User and Date:
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  • 3D Shade Scene Usability Improvements - PlantPredict now displays a warning message and disables the “Queue 3D Calculations” button when PVC files containing more than 30,000 shading objects are uploaded.

Bug Fixes

  • LeTID and Degradation losses were sometimes reported as non-zero (i.e., 0.01%) on the losses tree, even if set to 0%. This has been corrected. Note - This change will only applied to predictions run on Version 12 and later.
  • Previously, monthly soiling losses would be reverted to default values when importing NSRDB albedo values. And similarly, monthly albedo values would be reverted to default values when importing PVRADAR monthly soiling losses. This has been corrected.

Design Pro

New Features & Updates!

Expanded Configurations for 1P Multi-String Tracker:

  • Configurations have been expanded from the previous limit of 120 modules to now support up to 144 modules per tracker.
  • The new configurations include various module distributions per table, accommodating higher module counts for more flexible design options.
New Configurations Added:
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Bug Fix

Module Orientation for Generic Tracker

The image representing the module orientation for the generic tracker has been updated to reflect the correct positioning.
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Terrain Pro

New Features & Updates!

Terrain Pro DXF extension

Terrain Pro DXF extension is now live and ready for use. With this new extension, users can seamlessly import DXF files for advanced terrain analysis, providing greater flexibility and accuracy in earthwork calculations. How to Access: To start using the DXF extension, navigate to the Terabase Apps, select Terrain Pro, and follow the prompts to begin your DXF file import.
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New elevation Data Selection

Users can now select elevation data for their Terrain Pro analysis from either the polylines with elevation data embedded in their uploaded DXF file or the available satellite data for the project location.
  • Data Selection Flow
    If the imported DXF file includes both polylines with elevation and EPSG code, both tabs will be selectable. By default, the user will start on the Contour Line tab with relevant layers already selected.
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  • Contour Line and Satellite Data Tabs
    Depending on the data available in the DXF file, users can create an analysis based on the following table:.
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  • Satellite Data Access
    To utilize satellite data, users must provide the EPSG code for the project to accurately convert the coordinate system in the DXF file to match the satellite elevation data’s coordinates. Without an EPSG code, satellite data will not be accessible.
  • Updated Validation Process
    Elevation data in the lwpolyline and EPSG code fields are now optional but require at least one for analysis creation.
Release 12 03 0 Image8 If both are missing, users will proceed to the data selection popup, where they must provide the EPSG code to proceed. The EPSG code is now editable directly within the data selection popup.
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  • Satellite Data Tab
    Displays the latitude and longitude of the site, determined from the first polyline with elevation and EPSG code. Users can edit and search for updated satellite data if the auto-retrieved coordinates seem incorrect.
Why Use the First Polyline’s First Point? This method offers a quick way to determine coordinates without the processing burden of calculating averages or examining nested block insertion points. Although it’s rare for polylines with elevation in a CAD file to be outside the array area, users have the option to override the retrieved coordinates for accuracy.
  • Satellite Data Details
Satellite data entries list the dataset name, pixel size (in meters or feet based on DXF units), and data source. The list is sorted by resolution, from highest to lowest.
For more details about the satellite data available in Terrain Pro, please refer to the appendix of the Terrain Pro User guide Terrain Pro user guide | Appendix
When a satellite dataset is selected, any previous selection from the Contour Line tab will be automatically deselected, as combining both sources for pile coordinate extraction isn’t supported.

Process Variations Based on Data Source

  • Contour Line Selection:
    The application performs a weeding and supplementing process for polyline points, generates a TIN surface, and extracts ground coordinates for piles.
  • Satellite Elevation Data Selection:
    The application directly extracts rack pile ground coordinates from the satellite dataset without generating a TIN surface.

Reveal Window Precision Update

For configurations using the Imperial unit system, the reveal window input has been updated to accept up to two decimal digits, allowing for greater precision in input values.