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 PVSyst export. 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
VERSIONbutton, or - Clear the layout using the
CLEARbutton and regenerate it.
- Create a new layout version using the
- You can download PVSyst at their site here
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
- PV, DC and AC wire breakdowns
- Editable fields for material cost, labor rates, and install times
