The Capacity Iteration tool calculates whether a specific solar power capacity can fit within designated project areas. It can also populate PV areas with frames, similar to using the Generate Single Area and Generate Multiple Areas functions.
Note: Ensure your Layout settings and Frame & Park settings are fully configured before using this feature, as the tool relies on these parameters to run calculations.
Step 1: Open the tool and select areas
Click the Capacity Iteration icon to open the tool.
Under the Select areas field, choose Single Area (or multiple areas based on your project requirements).
Click the target PV area boundary line in your workspace.
Draw an alignment line, then press Enter or Space to finalize your selection.
Note: The tool saves your area selections automatically, so you won't need to re-select them if you re-run iterations later.
Step 2: Set parameters and run iterations
Use the iteration process to determine the precise spacing needed to reach your required capacity.
Choose whether to iterate by Pitch, Inner spacing, or GCR.
Define your values using the following fields:
From: The lowest parameter value the software will consider.
To: The highest parameter value the software will consider.
Step: The increment by which the software adjusts the parameters.
Click Iterate. A list of viable configurations will appear on the left side of the menu.
Example: Setting a pitch range from 4 to 8 meters with a step of 1 meter yields 5 distinct iterations (4m, 5m, 6m, 7m, and 8m). The total number of generated scenarios equals the combination of your pitch range and step options.
Select your preferred scenario, then click Generate to place the frames in your layout.
Using Capacity Target
Enable Capacity Target to automatically find the spacing configuration that comes closest to your target solar plant capacity. Once calculated, the software automatically pins the scenario that best matches your target without exceeding it.
Pinning Layouts
Use the Pin tool to save optimal layouts. Pinned configurations remain saved even if you run new iterations with updated parameters.
Step 4: Export your results
You can export your iteration data directly using two methods:
Export to PVcase Yield: Select your desired layouts and click Export to Yield. (Requires an active PVcase Yield license).
2. Export to Bill of Materials (BOM): Iteration results are automatically added to the BOM. Open Layout information and click Export to XLSX.