Appx: Key Exports and Reports

Once a project drawing is complete, PVCAD provides several automated reporting features that assist with performance modeling, permitting, material procurement, and cost estimating. Reports include energy simulations, a Bill of Materials (BOM), electrical summaries, and a Single-Line Diagram (SLD). PVCAD stores user-defined project metadata within Excel templates and uses this data to generate reports dynamically. This section describes the various report types and how to use them.

PVSyst Export

PVCAD supports export to PVSyst, a widely used simulation tool for photovoltaic system modeling. PVSyst enables detailed performance predictions, factoring in environmental, electrical, and system design parameters.

Before exporting to PVSyst:

• Ensure the project georeference is pinned close to the origin point (0,0) in AutoCAD.
• Confirm drawing units are correctly set (e.g., feet or meters).
• Avoid modifying layout characteristics such as module spacing, type, or tracker length after the PVCAD layout has been generated. If modifications are necessary:
  • Create a new layout version using the VERSION button, or
  • Clear the layout using the CLEAR button and regenerate it.
• You can download PVSyst at their site here

Shade Analysis Report

PVCAD includes a Shade Analysis tool to assess performance losses due to shading and other environmental factors. To run a shade analysis:

• Use the SHADE ANALYSISbutton on the PVCAD ribbon (AutoCAD 2024 and earlier), or
• Use the command: PVCANNUALSHADINGANALYSIS (required for AutoCAD 2025).

The shade simulation incorporates:

• Obstructions
• Soiling
• Snow
• System degradation
• System inefficiencies

The analysis returns an Excel report containing:

• Shading Heatmap tab: color gradient visualization of shading impacts by module
• Losses Summary tab: quantitative breakdown of all system losses
• Shading Summary tab: key project inputs, TSRF values, and monthly energy output summary

Note: Internet connection is required to generate this report. PVCAD uses PVWatts or SAM and NREL weather data to model performance.

Bill of Materials (BOM)

The EXPORT BILL OF MATERIALS button generates an Excel-based component list to support procurement and construction.

The BOM includes:

• System-level material quantities
• Conductor-specific wire breakdowns
• Editable fields for material cost, labor rates, and install times

To modify conductor lengths, adjust your polylines and regenerate the BOM.

BOMs are supported for the following racking manufacturers:

Electrical Summary Report and Calculator

Use the command PVCELECTRICALSUMMARY to generate an electrical report for any wire run. The report includes:

• Conductor name and size
• Ampacity
• Length and resistance
• Temperature-adjusted resistance
• Voltage drop

After generating the Single-Line Diagram, PVCAD automatically produces an Excel file with electrical calculations stored in a Reports folder next to the drawing file.

Excel Report Tabs:

• Parameters: Editable defaults used in calculations
• Calculations: Detailed formula outputs
• Sheet Set: Imports directly into AutoCAD using data linking

Linking Excel Reports to AutoCAD

To display the electrical calculator inside your AutoCAD drawing:

1. Generate the Single-Line Diagram from the PVCAD Ribbon.
2. Switch to Model Space.
3. Go to the Insert ribbon and select Data Link.
4. Create a new link and name it (e.g., Electrical_Calc).
5. Select the Excel report file from the Reports folder.
6. Specify the SheetSet tab or a specific cell range.
7. Insert a table in the model space using From Data Link.
8. Return to the Layout tab, delete instructional placeholders, and zoom into the inserted table.

Note: Copying and pasting from Excel does not create a dynamic data link. Edits in the drawing will not sync with the Excel source.

Setting Up the PVCAD Single-Line Tool Palette

PVCAD allows you to use an AutoCAD tool palette to insert electrical blocks via drag-and-drop for faster Single-Line Diagram creation.

To set up the tool palette:

1. Open the Tool Palette bar.
2. Create a new palette named PVCAD Single Line.
3. Navigate to your PVCAD block library:
   • For the PVCAD Plug-In: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins\PVComplete2015.bundle\Contents\Support\BlockLibrary
   • For the PVCAD Bundle: C:\Program Files\PVComplete\PVCAD 2018\BlockLibrary
4. Drag desired blocks into the palette.
5. Click blocks in the palette to insert them into your drawing as needed.