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

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.

16 June 2026
Napa, USA
PV Tech has been running PV ModuleTech Conferences since 2017. PV ModuleTech USA, on 16-17 June 2026, will be our fifth PV ModulelTech conference dedicated to the U.S. utility scale solar sector. The event will gather the key stakeholders from solar developers, solar asset owners and investors, PV manufacturing, policy-making and and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out the PV module supply channels to the U.S. out to 2028 and beyond.

Read Next

May 20, 2026
Price is the main barrier to PPAs being transacted in the UK market today, a panel at the Renewable Procurement and Revenue Summit said.
May 20, 2026
GameChange Solar has partnered with First Solar to support the deployment of domestically manufactured thin-film solar modules in India. 
May 20, 2026
The US$300 million North Star platform will target investments across solar, wind, hybrid and energy storage projects. 
May 19, 2026
Michigan power utility DTE Energy has issued a tender for 1GW of new solar PV and wind power projects across the state.
May 19, 2026
JinkoSolar has partnered with PM Green to supply 200MW of modules, as part of a broader collaboration covering up to 1GW of capacity. 
May 19, 2026
Alex Barrows and Molly Morgan of CRU lay out their predictions for the biggest themes at this year's Intersolar Munich and SNEC conferences.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
May 20, 2026
Porto, Portugal
Upcoming Webinars
May 27, 2026
9am BST / 10am CEST
Upcoming Webinars
May 27, 2026
9am BST / 10am CEST
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 2, 2026
Johannesburg, South Africa
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 3, 2026
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)