September 2015

Application Note - How to Design a SolarEdge System

Using PV*SOL
Valentin Software's PV*SOL is a leading simulation software used by PV designers worldwide. Version 7.5, PV*SOL Premium supports the
design of SolarEdge PV systems. This application note describes how to simulate a SolarEdge system in PV*SOL 7.5.
The SolarEdge systems advantages become clear when designing a 3D shading scene using PV*SOL, and comparing the same design to a
traditional inverter. In particular, the PV*SOL automatic inverter configuration demonstrates the flexibility and ease of installation of the
SolarEdge system. Traditional concerns over string azimuth, tilt or partial shading can be disregarded when designing a SolarEdge system.

NOTE:
This application note assumes the reader has prior knowledge of the basic use of PV*SOL.

NOTE:
Although PV*SOL simulates a system with power optimizers, it will not perform SolarEdge system design. For string sizing, inverter
and power optimizer selection, use the SolarEdge Site Designer. PV*SOL can be used for energy estimation of the design obtained
from the SolarEdge Site Designer.

You may configure the PV system for SolarEdge power optimizers using one of the two methods offered by PV*SOL:

With 3D shading visualization: The system is designed visually. Shading simulation is achieved by constructing the 3D scene

Without 3D shading visualization: The system is designed by filling in the electrical parameters

Starting a New Project

1 Go to File menu New Project
2 Optional: fill in the project data parameters

3 Click on the Continue arrow or the Climate, Grid and System Type button in the tool bar

4 Select the Country and Location:

If you would like to specify a location that is not on the list, click on the Open climate data selection button

The MeteoSyn application window opens. Click on Create Climate Data for new Location. In the new window, zoom-in on the desired
location, right-click and select new location. Fill in the location name and press ok. Press ok again in the MeteoSyn application to be
transferred back to PV*SOL with the new location selected.
Proceed to system planning with or without 3D visualization as detailed in the next two sections.

System Planning with 3D Visualization

1 In the Type of Design section, check Use 3D Design:

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2 In the Type of System, Select the Grid Connected PV system Full Feed-in.
3 Click on the Continue arrow or press the 3D Design button in the toolbar.
4 In the 3D Design section, Click the Edit button to design the system

Proceed with creating the 3D model of the project as with a traditional system. For help with 3D model building and project setup in
PV*SOL, refer to the PV*SOL help and manuals available on the Valentin Software website (http://www.valentin.de/en).

The following is an example 10.4kW project with two orientations and partial shading from a chimney. The system comprises 40 X 260W
modules (20 modules oriented north and 20 modules south).

5 Select the Module Configuration tab to configure the SolarEdge power optimizers.

6 Click the Configure all Unconfigured Modules button

7 In the inverter Configuration window Click on the new Inverter button and choose SolarEdge as the inverter company. Then select the
appropriate power optimizer to fit the chosen module (in this case, the P600 with a 1:2 connection. Please refer to the SolarEdge Site
Designer to find the correct power optimizer for the modules in your project).
8 Set the number of inverters (i.e. power optimizers) and the number of modules per string (i.e. the number of modules per optimizer, in
this case: 2). The modules are now automatically assigned to power optimizers. Click OK.
The resulting diagram will be similar to the following:

NOTES:
The selected optimizer must have power, voltage and current ratings that are greater than the modules power, max Voc and
Isc ratings. There is no indication by the PV*SOL system if this guideline is not followed. Always consult the SolarEdge Site
Designer for correct matching of power optimizers and modules
Depending on your system design, you may have to perform the above configuration for other arrays in the system
There are no SolarEdge inverters in PV*SOL, as the power optimizers are regarded as micro-inverters. The inverters efficiency
is included in the optimizers efficiency
9 Upon configuration completion, close the 3D interface window to return to the main project screen.
10 Change the Mismatch loss to 0%, as described below:
a) Click Roof Area In the 3D Design screen:

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 b) Click Additional Parameters.

The Simulation Parameters window is displayed.

c) Change the Power Losses resulting from Mismatching or Reduced Yield to 0.0%:

d) Click OK.

NOTE:
You must repeat this operation for each roof area or array (as they appear in the list under 3D Visualization )

11 Click on the Results button

The simulation will now take place.

12 Click on the View Presentation button, and choose the format to which you would like to export the results.

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System Planning without 3D Visualization
1 In the Type of Design section, deselect the checkbox Use 3D Design

2 In the Type of System, Select the Grid Connected PV system Full Feed-in
3 Select the PV Modules button in the toolbar:

4 Insert the following parameters:

a. Module manufacturer and model
b. Number of PV modules
c. Orientation, Inclination and installation type
5 Select the Inverters button in the tool bar:

6 Select SolarEdge as the inverter manufacturer. Select the correct inverter: In the case of SolarEdge, the power optimizers are listed in the
inverter list. Select the power optimizer that fits the chosen module and create the electrical design (consult the SolarEdge Site Designer
for the correct power optimizer connection).
NOTES:
The selected optimizer must have power, voltage and current ratings that are greater than the modules power, max Voc and
Isc ratings. There is no indication by the PV*SOL system if this guideline is not followed. Always consult the SolarEdge Site
Designer for correct matching of power optimizers and modules
Depending on your system design, you may have to perform the above configuration for other arrays in the system
There are no SolarEdge inverters in PV*SOL, as the power optimizers are regarded as micro-inverters. The inverters efficiency
is included in the optimizers efficiency
7 Upon configuration completion, click on the Results button

8 Click on the View Presentation button, and choose the format to which you would like to export the results.