DNV GL’s PV power plant modelling software tackles complex terrain issues

September 3, 2019
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
DNV GL has developed software for modelling, design and analysis of solar photovoltaic (PV) plants that can accurately and efficiently handle the demands of layouts in increasingly complex terrain. ‘SolarFarmer’ software offers a new and efficient ways to explore and optimize PV project development. Image: DNV GL

DNV GL has developed software for modelling, design and analysis of solar photovoltaic (PV) plants that can accurately and efficiently handle the demands of layouts in increasingly complex terrain. ‘SolarFarmer’ software offers a new and efficient ways to explore and optimize PV project development.

Problem

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

As the demand for solar energy increases, solar plant design are becoming more challenging as the terrain becomes more complex. This will require PV plant design software that can perform more reliable modelling for accurate energy calculations and submodule electrical mismatch.

Solution

SolarFarmer software provides unique models designed by engineers based on decades of engineering experience in the solar industry. SolarFarmer can be used for conceptual and detailed design and analysis for solar PV plants. It combines thoroughly validated PV simulation algorithms with a user-friendly, modern user interface allowing quick configuration of PV plant designs and simulation of PV layouts. SolarFarmer is an efficient and traceable method for modelling in complex terrain including DNV GL’s model for submodule electrical mismatch.

Applications

Design and analysis of development of solar PV plants, from conceptual model to detailed solar plant design.

Platform

SolarFarmer software combines thoroughly validated PV simulation algorithms with a user-friendly, modern user interface allowing quick configuration of PV plant designs and simulation of PV layouts. The PV plant design software has a full 3D shading and calculation model, submodule electrical mismatch and enables sub-hourly energy assessments compared with hourly energy assessment that can lead to errors such underestimating inverter clipping losses during cloud coverage. 

Availability

May 2019, onwards.

Read Next

March 13, 2026
Elsewedy Electric has completed and handed over the 348.6MWp El Saad solar plant, which has now officially entered its operations and maintenance phase.
Premium
March 13, 2026
PV Talk: According to kWh Analytics' Jason Kaminsky, 'there’s more capital available for risk and risk exposure' in the present investment environment.
March 13, 2026
US-based tracker manufacturer FTC Solar has signed a 1GW solar tracker supply agreement with solar and storage developer Strata Clean Energy.
March 13, 2026
Scatec, in partnership with Aeolus SAS (Aeolus) have achieved commercial operations for the 60MW Sidi Bouzid solar plant in Tunisia.
March 13, 2026
Current solar PV module price increases are largely dictated by five major components, according to data from Intertek CEA
March 12, 2026
Google has finalised its acquisition of US renewable energy developer Intersect Power, a part of its plan to power its data centre expansions in the US.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain