📢 What’s new

New features

Components database in Frame creation

Starting with version 2.62, you can use pre-configured module components instead of entering parameters manually. This allows you to quickly select the exact manufacturer and model to identify your specific component. We have already populated the database with a selection of popular PV modules and inverters, and adding your own custom components is simple.

Once added, these components can be seamlessly applied across:

• Frame Generation
• Our new Inverter Sizing feature (see below)

All data is securely stored in your centralized components database. For step-by-step instructions on how to add, manage, and modify your custom components, please refer to our Components Database Guide.

Inverter sizing

The solution enables you to verify the compatibility between your selected inverter and PV module components. It uses a cloud-based PV module and inverter component library, allowing you to add and maintain your own components. The tool is comprehensive enough to replace your current Excel sheets and the inverter manufacturer's bloatware, whilst still delivering higher fidelity designs and useful outputs. It takes the selected configuration and integrates it into our existing string, device, and cable sizing tools. This streamlines the process, saving time and eliminating the need to manually transfer parameters between inputs.

When should you use inverter sizing? 

• At the beginning of a new project, it’s useful to verify product compatibility and determine the optimal string size before creating layouts. 
• During the preliminary design phase, you can compare a secondary PV module or inverter with a primary option to see how changes to the product affect system size, yield, LCOE, and other factors. 
• In the detailed design phase, as adjustments are made for construction—such as changing string sizes in a particular area—you’ll want to check the connections to the inverter MPPs.

How does it work?

• To access the tool, navigate to the Ground Mount ribbon and open Electrical design. You will find the Inverter sizing tool located on the very first tab on the left.
• The component database accounts for the electrical characteristics of the selected PV module and inverter product types.
• It assesses your site location and local temperature conditions using PVGIS 5.3 hourly temperature data to determine the minimum and maximum air temperatures.
• The system then calculates the minimum and maximum string sizes (or the number of PV modules per string) and the number of strings that can be safely connected to the inverter.
• If the inverter has multiple MPPTs, the string distribution will be managed accordingly; this feature is scheduled for the next release.*
• After making your selections, you can view the recommended outputs and adjust any values as needed. The decision is yours!

Check the DC/AC matrix to visualize the ratios for each configuration and ensure they fall within your inverter's recommended range. After reviewing the parameters, click Apply. Your selections will then prepare the Stringing, Electrical devices, and Cabling for generation.

* Note: 

• Multiple MPPT distribution: This feature is scheduled for the next release.

• AutoCAD compatibility: This tool requires AutoCAD 2025 or newer.

Ground Grading Heatmap improvements

Heatmap Improvements

The Heatmap is now more than just a hatch object; it provides useful outputs to assist with ground grading estimates and construction tasks. Additionally, we've introduced the feature to generate contour lines around the heatmap step areas.

• First, set up your settings as usual and enable the Heatmap.
• "Create outlines" will create polylines for the entire grading area, with each polyline colored according to the grading step shown in the Heatmap interface.
• When fine-tuning, you can select specific grading steps and generate polylines exclusively for those steps.
• You can select either 2D or 3D modes based on your needs. In 2D mode, polylines are placed at elevation 0 in the model space, whereas in 3D mode, they are generated at their actual 3D coordinates where grading is required.

Area and Volume columns

We have also added Area and Volume columns to the interface for clearer visibility of how much grading is required for each grading step.

Front view improvements

The front view action takes time because you need to select an area and draw a line where you want the cut. To simplify this, we introduced an automatic approach: you choose either an area or frames, and Ground Mount generates the front view for each row in the selected section.

With the increased number of front views you're generating, we're adding a new feature to help locate them more easily in the drawing. Now, by right-clicking on a front view or its line, you'll see a new "Find section' option. This should make navigating front views much simpler, especially on larger designs.

Finally, we are adding an option to detach the front view from the area. Currently, any changes made in the area automatically update the front view. The detach feature allows you to disconnect this synchronization, so you can keep the front view results for comparison if needed.

Grading pads moved to UI

The grading pad features offer a refreshed user experience. Previously, users had to right-click on the Polyline, which was not very obvious. Now, it has been relocated to the Collision & Grading UI, enabling quicker addition of grading pads to your designs.

Precision change for distance units fields

Since everyone has different needs and 2 or 3 decimal places are sometimes insufficient, we are adding the option for users to select higher precision for each distance unit.

Preliminary design beta update: corridor-less generation

The previous version worked only with layouts containing corridors. Now it works without corridors too, for Fixed Tilt and Single-Axis Tracker layouts.

How does it work?

• The algorithm evaluates the PV area and, upon detecting no corridors, determines the number of strings that need to be connected per device.
•  If all strings can fit within a single row, the Devices and Powerstations are positioned on one side of the PV area. 
• When the rows are too long for a single Device, the distribution divides into two, with Devices and Powerstations placed on opposite sides of the PV area. 
• Additionally, the cabling plans include trench lines and cable runs around the array's perimeter. Remember to review the distribution results in the Electrical overview!

Preliminary Electrical has advanced significantly since its launch last year. Over the past six months, we have:

• Enhanced Powerstation placement
• Automated device creation
• Streamlined cable routing
• Improved grouping within electrical areas

Are there any other areas for improvement? As always, we welcome your feedback!

Cable sizing updates

Installation methods preview

We've included visual aids to make choosing the right cable sizing method easier. In the Cable sizing section, navigate to the Installation parameters tab and hover over the small "i" icon beside the installation method. 

Cable sizing error messages are now clearer

We integrated the explanation messages into the Cable sizing calculation and results interface, making it easier to understand what to do when cable parameters are not met. The "NOT FOUND' message has been removed! 

Electrical Overview moved to the Ribbon

No longer hidden under the Electrical design tab, the super useful Electrical overview can now always be accessed via the ribbon.

We believe these updates will significantly improve your experience with PVcase Ground Mount. As always, we value your feedback and ideas for further improvements. You can share them by filling out this form.