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.

Read Next

July 17, 2026
US solar developer Sol Systems has reached financial close on its 123MWac Peoria Solar Portfolio in Illinois.
July 17, 2026
The Zambian government has signed five contractor groups to build 312MW of solar capacity, with a 2MW solar plant in each constituency.
Premium
July 17, 2026
PV Talk: Solclaris' Joe Miletic discusses the 'ready-to-repower' stage of PV project O&M and how it differs from the 'ready-to-build' stage.
July 17, 2026
German solar inverter producer SMA Solar has raised its full-year 2026 financial guidance following its preliminary Q2 financial results.
July 17, 2026
US solar PV mounting systems manufacturer Unirac has acquired the solar racking business of Terrasmart from its parent company Gibraltar Industries, expanding its product portfolio into the commercial and industrial (C&I) and distributed generation (DG) segments.
Sponsored
July 17, 2026
At Intersolar 2026, PV Tech sat down with Suntech's General Manager Mr. Yang Hao to discuss how a quarter-century of experience, combined with robust industrial backing, positions the company for the industry's next chapter. 

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
April 20, 2027
Istanbul, Türkiye