Orientations and new 8.0 update

[Dianna]

Following the new PVsyst update we must specify the tilt angle we would like to modify parameters for on several different sections of PVsyst. I am concerned that this creates an opportunity for mistakes if each orientation is not modified as needed, and would also like to know why the individual orientation (tilt angle) modifications are necessary.

For example, we are to add separate albedo values for each orientation, but how would we have different albedo values based on orientation within a single site?

Is there a resource to better understand the new updates to orientation/ tilt so that I can ensure I am using them correctly? 

Kind regards. 

[Michele Oliosi]

This is a good remark, it will be useful for many users.

In principle, we do recommend trying to group orientations into fewer average orientations. Usually, orientations should fall into an average whenever there are identical nominal orientations (for example, despite the irregularities caused by a complex terrain), or when they fall into the same DC array, which will facilitate the “System” window definitions.

When there are notable differences, such as different ground types, backtracking parameters, types of racking, etc. it may be worth keeping separate orientations, of course. This will facilitate definitions. For example, if there are different ground types, determining albedo values for each of them makes sense.

However, the default behavior when importing a 3D drawing is not fully in tune with these recommendations, yet. Indeed, by default, the 3D import will separate orientations based on effective angles. Therefore, a necessary step is to regroup orientations. The simplest way is to select all concerned PV tables in the 3D scene, and then use the right-click menu to create an orientation from the selection. Any other method works here, as long as it allows for an educated grouping of orientations.

We are looking into improving this default behavior at the stage of 3D import. Ideally, we want this experience to be more in line with our recommendation of grouping orientations.