Using solar panels to generate electricity is fast becoming the norm, with the rising cost of living and using electricity. More pointedly, the use of off-grid solar power is even better because you completely generate your own electricity without dependence on the main electricity grid and the accompanying fluctuations and bills.
If you are in the business of providing solar power solutions, it is important to have the best software and ensure it runs up to date. One of the banes of having software for any business is the possible glitches you may experience along the way. It can be frustrating to depend on it and run estimates, only to find out down the road that you made errors or lost data due to a glitch. This link: https://www.solargraf.com/blog/ provides some resources to educate you on this subject.
So, when choosing solar software for your business, whether it is for simulation or solving daily demands, keep in mind that there are vital features that make or mar your choice. And knowing these features will go a long way in helping you make the right choice.
Solar software is an application that allows you to input certain information and generate possible results. In other words, a business can get an idea of the energy production of a solar power system.
With such a program, you can input information such as electricity tariff, project location, estimated cost, and battery capacity. In return, expect to get information such as technical reports, analysis of the financial aspect, and energy yield from the system in kilowatts per hour.
Critical Features
The following are the features to look out for in solar software for your business:
● Reliability
One of the primary features to consider when selecting a product is its reliability. Have you ever had to start a project or job from scratch because there was a glitch in the software you were using? It is beyond frustrating, but there are also preventive steps to ensure it does not happen in your business.
You must ensure it has the reputation and reviews to back its claim of being the best. If you have never used it, there is no way of determining whether or not you should go for it. So, you may have to rely on the words of those who have. The brand must have updates to prevent bugs. Also, there should be a feature that allows you to back your work upland easily recover it in the event of a loss.
● Precision
In the solar business, it is crucial to have estimates and results that are as precise as possible. If you are too far off the mark, it may be a costly mistake. Note that different software will deliver varying results, but it must bring you close to the actual results you hope to achieve, whether it is through simulation or when analyzing available data. Visit https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/ to see some programs. It will also help to get financial estimates with which to draw up proposals and reports to submit when due.
● User-friendliness
Although there is always something new to learn with any software, it should not altogether be a difficult task. A feature that makes solar software compatible with any business is the user interface. It should be easy to navigate, without complex patterns or being crowded with unnecessary information. It may be too confusing.
However, while it is excellent to make it as friendly and easy to use as possible, it is also vital not to compromise on quality. A simple interface does not always equate to low quality. A business will do better if it is able to navigate the program quickly.
● Flexibility
Some programs are specific in the solar designs where they can be used, and this restricts usage. When you choose software, it must have the flexibility to work for any design, whether the design makes for mounting the panels on the roof, ground, or carport. In simple terms, it should have the capacity to accommodate the specific needs of a business.
Furthermore, it should handle large and small projects, projects of any size. The business may have to install a photovoltaic system running into Gigawatts, so it should be able to handle it using the program. In addition, it helps if the software can import objects in 2D or 3D from other software.
● Custom-fitted
Having a program that allows you to update or even customize its features goes a long way in building your solar business. Sometimes, you may get a project that specifies solar inverter and panel brands to use.
If the software does not have them on its list and cannot be updated to incorporate them, you may lose the project. It may even go as far as allowing for manual additions if necessary. That is if the updated list is not sufficient. Therefore, keep it in mind when you choose a program for your business.
Importance of Solar Software
You may want to carry out a simulation to see possible results and write a proposal. Read this article to learn more about simulation software. Without such a program, you cannot find the results you need. If you have been in the business for a long time, it may be possible to draw up an estimate from years of experience. However, there is usually no one-size-fits-all in this business, and your estimations may be off.
It does not matter the size of the project at hand, whether it is residential or commercial; the same rule applies. With solar software, you can easily project emissions, performance in different months considering the weather, and kilowatts per hour output. You can also have an estimation of the return on investments and how long it will take to get yield.
Conclusion
Having the program is time-saving and valuable, no matter the capacity of the business. It works for both you and clients whose projects you handle; everyone is better able to make estimations and expect results close to the mark.
The type of solar power system does not matter; most software is customized to work for on-grid and off-grid systems. However, keep the important feature in mind selecting one for your business.
