This article’s goal is to give a thorough analysis of OpenSolar’s main attributes. The review will delve into the software’s design and simulation capabilities, financial modelling tools, user interface, and other crucial elements that make it a top pick for solar design experts.
What is OpenSolar?
Users can design and simulate solar panel systems for various buildings and structures using the free cloud-based software OpenSolar. OpenSolar is a comprehensive application for solar design professionals since it allows users to build sophisticated solar panel layouts and conduct financial analysis for their projects.
The software’s user-friendly interface and strong simulation capabilities enable users to create and assess projects precisely and fast. Additionally, OpenSolar offers a number of financial modelling tools that let users conduct cost-benefit analyses and determine project payback times.
Comparison to Other Solar Design Software
OpenSolar stands out from other solar design software in several ways. Users may access their projects using its cloud-based platform from any location, and its user-friendly interface makes it simple to use even for people without a lot of technical know-how.
Additionally, compared to competing solar design software, OpenSolar’s financial modelling features are more extensive, giving customers a more precise picture of the financial sustainability of their projects.
Overall, OpenSolar offers a full suite of tools for solar design specialists, combining strong design skills with tools for financial analysis.
Key Features of OpenSolar
Solar Panel Design and Simulation
A variety of tools are available through OpenSolar for developing and simulating solar panel systems. Users can choose from a wide range of solar panel options with ease, change the orientation and tilt of the panels, and obtain a preview of the expected energy production of their designs. The software’s simulation features give customers a highly accurate depiction of the operation of a solar panel system, enabling them to plan their projects with confidence.
Financial Modeling and Project Analysis
The cost-benefit analysis, project payback times, and financial sustainability of a project can all be determined by users using the financial modelling tools provided by OpenSolar. Users may easily import and export data because the software connects with financial analysis tools that are considered industry standards. This gives consumers a thorough view of the financial performance of their initiatives, enabling them to make wise investment decisions.
Integration with Industry-Standard Software
OpenSolar integrates with a range of industry-standard software, including financial analysis tools, CAD programs, and project management software. This allows users to easily import and export data, streamlining the design process and improving collaboration with team members.
User Interface and Ease of Use
OpenSolar’s user interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for users to quickly design and simulate solar panel systems. The software’s drag-and-drop interface and real-time simulation capabilities allow users to preview the performance of their designs and make informed decisions about their projects. Overall, OpenSolar provides a smooth and efficient design experience, making it a popular choice among solar design professionals.
Benefits of Using OpenSolar
Improved Accuracy and Efficiency in Solar Design
OpenSolar’s powerful design and simulation capabilities provide users with highly accurate representations of their projects, helping to minimize the risk of errors and improve the overall efficiency of the design process. The software’s user-friendly interface and real-time simulation capabilities allow users to quickly make informed decisions about their projects, reducing the time and resources required to complete designs.
Reduced Project Costs and Increased Profitability
OpenSolar’s financial modeling tools provide users with a comprehensive picture of the financial viability of their projects, enabling them to make informed decisions about their investments. The software’s integration with industry-standard financial analysis tools allows users to import and export data with ease, reducing the time and resources required to complete cost-benefit analysis. These features help to reduce project costs and increase profitability, making OpenSolar a valuable tool for solar design professionals.
Increased Collaboration and Communication with Clients and Team Members
OpenSolar’s cloud-based platform allows users to access their projects from anywhere, enabling them to collaborate and communicate with clients and team members in real-time. The software’s integration with other industry-standard software and financial analysis tools streamlines the design process and improves collaboration with team members. These features help to improve communication and collaboration, making OpenSolar a valuable tool for solar design professionals.
Tutorial
1. Getting started
After creating an account and logging in, you will arrive at the Home page.
2. Change to your company logo
The first thing to do is to change to your company logo. This logo will appear in the final proposal that you will send to your client. Then, enter the address of your client’s site to start a new project.
3. Define your working area
Then, define the working area where you want the solar panels installed. The software integrates with Google Maps.
4. Insert project details
Start configuring some basic details of the project, including your customer contacts, project address, sales and marketing data, site details, etc. You can always come back and change the details later.
5. Insert energy consumption details
Then, insert the energy consumption details of your client’s site. The electricity usage data can be in kWh, bill amount, estimate, or hourly interval.
6. Add solar panels
Adding solar panels is as easy as drag-and-drop. Start adding solar panels on the client’s site. You can add as many as you want.
Currently, 3D view is only supported in certain areas.
7. System summary
The software will then do some calculations and give you a system summary that includes total project price, system size, annual output, energy consumption, consumption offset, bill reduction and self consumption.
You can also configure other details like panels, inverters, batteries, pricing, incentives and payment options.
8. Online proposal
Next, go to the Online Proposal tab. Here, OpenSolar summarizes the solar panel system for you. It gives you the consumption offset data, lifetime electricity bill savings, net cost of the system and estimated net savings over system lifetime, which are very useful when you are proposing the solution to your client.
9. System performance
The OpenSolar software gives an estimation of the system performance in terms of generation and consumption.
10. Environmental benefits
It also calculates the environmental benefits of this particular system, in terms of avoided carbon dioxide emissions.
11. Net financial impact
Most importantly, it calculates the net financial impact in terms of electricity bill savings, which is definitely the most crucial thing to your client.
12. PDF proposal
Finally, you can export the proposal as a PDF and send it to your client.
Conclusion
With the help of OpenSolar’s robust solar design software, users can design and simulate solar panel systems, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and enhance cooperation and communication with clients and team members. Professionals involved in solar design can benefit from the software’s user-friendly interface, real-time simulation features, and integration with other industry-standard programmes. OpenSolar is an application you should take into consideration for your projects whether you are an expert in solar design or are just getting started.