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Capacity iteration parameters

The capacity iteration tool can be used to run calculations to determine if it is possible to fit a certain power capacity within the given area (or multiple areas). It may also be used to populate PV areas with frames as you would using Generate Single Area & Generate Multiple Areas.

Prior to attempting to use the Capacity iteration feature, we must ensure that both the Layout settings and Frame & Park settings are established. These parameters will be used when performing capacity iterations.

We start by opening the Capacity iteration tool by clicking on its icon.

We are now able to select one or more PV areas (based on preference and/or viability) that you would like the tool to iterate. The Capacity iteration tool will remember your selection and will not require you to re-select should you need to reiterate the areas later. We will now select our PV area by clicking on Single Area in the Select areas field, and then selecting the target PV area boundary line. Then we are prompted to draw an alignment line - once we have drawn it, we press Enter or Space on the keyboard to finalize the selection.

The iteration process can be used to determine the precise spacing to reach your required capacity.

• From - this value represents the lowest value the program will consider for the iteration.

• To - this value represents the highest value the program will consider for the iteration.

• Step - the increment by which the software will adjust the parameters. For example, if the range of pitches that is defined is from 6 to 10 meters and the step is 1m, then the software will provide scenarios with 6, 7, ..., 9, & 10 meters as possible options. The number of iterations that the tool will produce is equal to the product of the number of possible options for pitch step and pitch range.

Iteration

We first have to choose whether we want to iterate by pitch, inner spacing, or GCR.

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In our example we choose to iterate by pitch and specify a starting value of 4 meters, a maximum pitch of 8 meters, and a pitch step of 1 meter, this way when we click on Iterate we will get 5 iterations on the left side of the iteration menu. Once that is done, you may click Iterate

This will create a list of all viable options from which you can select which ones have your desired results and you can place them into your layout by clicking Generate.

You can generate multiple different iterations without losing the previous ones. You can use the Pin tool to retain layouts that are best suited for your project. These will be retained even if you re-iterate with new parameters.

Note: The option "Capacity target" is only available (and visible) for users with an active PVcase Yield subscription.

Export options

The Capacity iteration tool provides two direct export options:

• Export multiple layouts to PVcase Yield (only available for users with a Yield license)

• Export iteration results in the Bill of materials

If you have a Yield license, just select the layouts you would like to bulk export and click on Export to Yield:
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If you have performed capacity iterations, results will automatically be included in the BOM. In Layout information, just use the Export to XLSX as usual:
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