Introduction:
Welcome to part two of the pile optimization process in PVFARM! This article will guide you through the steps of optimizing your solar panel layout for maximum efficiency. A video of this is also available on PVFARM’s YouTube Channel.
1. Placing Substations
Navigate to the layout panel and select "Create Substations."
Adjust the substation placement using the transform option
Press T to turn on transform
Use arrows to move along the X,Y, and Z axis, or center square to free-move.
Use CTRL + drag to create additional substations if needed.
Exit transform mode by pressing T again.
2. Defining Selected Area
Access the Layouts tab and select "Selected Area."
Choose boundaries from the list, including buildable areas and exclusion zones.
Confirm default settings for solar arrays configuration and hit OK.
3. Initial Layout Generation
Run "Generate Layout"
Note: Initial generation may take longer than subsequent runs.
4. Refining Solar Array Configuration
Adjust solar array configuration settings to optimize layout.
Switch alignment to "Align Array Rows" for better constructability.
Review total DC power and adjust settings accordingly.
5. Customizing Tracker Selection
Explore preset options under "Solar Array Configurations."
Choose a specific tracker type and length that best suits your site.
See the article “How to Create New Equipment” to learn how to create your own.
Add every multiple of your tracker’s string size possible for evaluation.
6. Analyzing Layout Properties
Access the property analysis panel to visualize tracker distribution.
Evaluate tracker lengths based on distribution and the following questions:
Which ones are being used the least?
Which ones would make more sense from a procurement and/or operations perspective?
Are longer trackers or shorter trackers the best choice for this layout? Or a combination?
7. Refining Tracker Selection
Remove trackers that are low value to the design. You may choose to play with a few different combinations to find the best balance based on the earlier analysis.
Be sure to keep an eye on your total DC power as part of this exercise. Removing trackers may simplify the design but there may be a tradeoff on power..
If one length configuration is removed that substantially lowers DC power, it can be added back in.
8. Finalizing Layout Configuration
Adjust tracker lengths to balance DC power while ensuring constructability or other metrics for your project.
9. Save the final layout version with detailed descriptions for reference.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You've successfully optimized your tracker selection and produced a layout in PVFARM. By following these steps, you've tailored the configuration to maximize efficiency and constructability while meeting your project's requirements. Then move on to the next steps in the optimization process!