At Pure Power, our project managers and engineers leverage a range of photovoltaic simulation tools, including PVsyst, HelioScope, and the System Advisor Model (SAM), developed by PVsyst, Folsom Labs, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), respectively. By having access to multiple complementary platforms, we can tailor our approach based on the specific needs of each project—whether it’s for financial modeling, early-stage design, or performance analysis. In this post, I’ll share a high-level comparison of when and why we choose PVsyst over HelioScope or SAM.
**PVsyst: The Industry Standard for Bankability**
PVsyst is widely regarded as the gold standard in the solar industry for bankability analyses and performance validation. Its reputation stems from both its robust features and the trust that stakeholders place in its results. Accurate energy modeling is critical for financial models, capacity testing, and performance reporting, but accuracy isn’t just about the software—it's about how it's used. Over time, experience and repetition build confidence in the results.
As an owner’s engineer, Pure Power has run thousands of performance models and analyzed numerous operational systems. This process involves collaboration across multiple stakeholders, including developers, EPCs, OEMs, engineers, researchers, and financiers. By sharing best practices and empirical data, we ensure our models align with industry standards and real-world performance.
PVsyst has been around since 1992, developed initially by André Mermoud, a physicist from the University of Geneva. It was later rewritten in 1999 to include a graphical interface, making it more accessible. For over two decades, PVsyst has supported U.S. projects with regular updates and a comprehensive weather database. This long-standing history has made it the go-to tool for project financiers, who have underwritten billions of dollars in solar projects using its models.
PVsyst excels at granular loss analysis, including irradiance, array, and system losses. It also simulates degradation and aging effects, which are crucial for understanding long-term performance. With the release of Version 7.0 in 2020, PVsyst now supports larger projects, bifacial systems, and advanced economic evaluations. However, while powerful, it may not always be the best fit for every stage of a project.
**HelioScope: A User-Friendly Tool for Early Design**
HelioScope, developed by Folsom Labs, is a cloud-based platform ideal for the early stages of project development. It uses similar core calculations to PVsyst but offers a more intuitive user interface, integrating Google Earth and SketchUp for easier site assessments and layout designs. Because of its ease of use, it's often used by sales teams and developers to create preliminary designs and proposals quickly.
In residential applications, HelioScope’s shading and energy models are often accepted for financing. However, in commercial or utility-scale projects, PVsyst remains the preferred choice due to its depth and precision. That said, HelioScope is still valuable for reducing soft costs and improving efficiency during the initial phases of development.
**SAM: A Free Tool for Research and Analysis**
SAM, developed by NREL, is a free techno-economic simulation tool used for a wide range of renewable energy systems, including PV and solar-plus-storage. Originally called the Solar Advisor Model, it was renamed in 2010 to reflect its broader capabilities. While it’s not typically used for project underwriting, it’s trusted by researchers, policymakers, and program administrators for its reliability and third-party validation.
For example, the National Electrical Code now allows engineers to calculate maximum PV system current using SAM’s methodology. This further reinforces its credibility as a tool for technical validation, even if it’s not the primary choice for financial modeling.
In summary, each tool has its place in the solar development lifecycle. PVsyst remains the industry standard for detailed and accurate modeling, especially for large-scale projects. HelioScope is ideal for early-stage design and quick turnaround, while SAM is a powerful resource for research and regulatory compliance. At Pure Power, we strategically select the right tool for each project to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and success.
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