April 2025

📢 What's new

New features

Cell String Simulation Mode

We're excited to announce a significant improvement in our PV simulation capabilities with the introduction of Cell String Simulation Mode on April 10. With this update, our ray-tracing and thermal-electrical models will have higher resolution, resulting in more precise electrical shading loss calculations.

Key improvements

Advanced DC calculations: Previously, our system triggered DC calculations from semi-randomly distributed test points on the surface of PV modules. Now, to better account for row-to-row shading effects, these test points have been redistributed over the module's sub-strings. Models now simulate the I-V curves of each cell-string independently, ensuring more precise electrical shading loss calculations.

Enhanced module representation: PV modules can now be represented by either one photovoltaic element (module-level) or multiple photovoltaic elements (cell-string-level), depending on the solar cell technology and desired simulation detail.
C-Si modules are now represented with 3 photovoltaic elements for full-cell modules and 6 elements for half-cell modules (see the picture below), due to their susceptibility to electrical mismatch losses. CdTe modules are still represented at the module level.
 

To use this advanced simulation mode, select Use from export in the layout's Electrical design section (Layouts & Electrical).

Performance considerations
Please note that the Cell String Simulation mode may increase simulation runtime by 30-80%. We are committed to providing the most accurate simulations and appreciate your understanding as we improve our models.

 

We believe these enhancements will significantly improve your simulation experience and provide more robust options for modeling and analysis.