PVCAD Mega
PVCAD Mega Overview
Last Updated: June 10, 2025PVCAD Mega Welcome to our guide through PVCAD Mega, an AutoCAD based program built for distributed generation and utility scale solar projects. PVCAD Mega contains two modes – “Standard” for rooftop projects <5MW and Utility mode projects for all ground mounted projects. We have written the guide in a concise, straightforward manner for simple onboarding,...
Intro: Access and Install
Last Updated: June 10, 2025Free Trial We offer free trials to PVCAD and PVCAD Mega. You can register for a free trial by filling out this form and you will be sent an email containing pre-recorded demo videos and a link to download a free trial. You will see the days remaining on your trial in the top right...
1. PVCAD Mega Quick Start Guide
Last Updated: June 10, 2025Each section below corresponds to a tab in the PVCAD Mega interface. These provide a guided workflow from project setup through electrical design and reporting. For more detailed instructions, refer to our full documentation. To get started, download the PVCAD Mega installer from our website. If you have an AutoCAD license, you can use the...
2. PVComplete AI
Last Updated: June 10, 2025The first tab in your PVCAD (Mega) Window is the AI tab. Simply type a question or a direction into the dialogue (or select a sample question from our drop down) and capture the power of AI in your design by clicking SEND. The PVComplete AI Assistant is an intelligent design tool embedded within PVCAD...
3. Project
Last Updated: June 10, 2025If you are using PVCAD Mega, make sure that you are in the correct mode for the project you are designing. If you are designing a large ground mount you should be in Utility Scale mode vs. Standard. Click SETTINGS and select UTILITY SCALE . If you doing a design <5MW or a rooftop select STANDARD....
4. Site Objects
Last Updated: June 10, 2025After setting the project location, navigate to the Site tab to begin defining site objects. Site objects help PVCAD understand the physical layout and constraints of the project area. Available object types include: Rooftop – Define your rooftop area Carport – Define your carport area Ground Mount Outline – Set the boundary of your ground...
5. Mechanical Layout
Last Updated: June 10, 2025Once all site objects have been defined, the Mechanical Layout tab is where the primary design of your solar array begins. This tab allows you to select your modules, choose a mounting system, and define the structural configuration of your project. The Mechanical Layout tab is also where you generate the initial arrangement of your...
6. Topo & Reports
Last Updated: June 10, 2025Topography Analysis Once you have completed an initial layout, use the Topography tab to assess how your design interacts with the terrain of your site. This step ensures your tracker layout is compliant with slope and pier constraints and optimizes for shading and constructability. To overlay your layout with topographic data, begin by selecting a...
7. Electrical Layout
Last Updated: June 10, 2025The Electrical tab is where you define and place all components related to your project’s electrical system. This includes placing inverters and batteries, creating electrical sections, stringing trackers, and connecting your equipment to the point of interconnection (POI). The following workflow will guide you through configuring your system for accurate string lengths, equipment layout, and...
8. Summary
Last Updated: June 10, 2025You have completed your first design, congrats! PVCAD supports version control by allowing users to create and manage multiple layout versions within a single project. You can see a summary of each of these versions on the Summary tab with key defining features about the project. If you are looking for more information, refer to...
