Troubleshooting

In this section, we’ll discuss troubleshooting solutions for common errors reported by PVCAD users. If these solutions do not resolve errors, search the PVCAD library or submit a support request here.

Unable to Run PVCAD (with CAD included)

The error message below means that the current installation of the .NET Framework is not allowing PVCAD to run. Please follow the steps below to run PVCAD.

Step 1

Uninstall PVCAD.

Step 2

Download and install the .NET 4.7.1 installation wizard.

.NET 4.7.1 Update

Step 3

Re-install PVCAD.

Resolving firewall and connectivity issues

If you are having difficulty downloading or using PVCAD, check to see if your firewall is configured to allow communications with PVCAD. Connectivity issues sometimes generate a 500 code error.

To resolve, look in your security settings for apps allowed through the firewall. In Windows, type ‘Allow an app through Windows Firewall’ in the Start menu for a shortcut to the settings panel. There, click Change settings, then Allow another app. Then browse to your PVCAD program files and select two executable files, PVCAD.exe and AcWebBrowser.exe, if they do not already appear in the allowed apps list. This video demonstrates the process.

Index Out of Range Error

If you see the Index Out of Range Error, check if your site plan has been mistakenly measured in inches rather than feet. The error message pertains to the size of the roof area.

PVCAD calculates the wind zones of all roof areas created. If the area of the roof is too small, the wind zone calculation cannot compute correctly.

Check your units and/or scale and make sure the roof is representing the actual size of the roof intended. Once the roof is scaled and drawn correctly, this error should not appear anymore.

PVCAD Can’t Find Templates

If you receive the error shown below, or something similar saying that the ‘Template’ could not be found, please follow the steps below.

Step 1

Navigate to the PVCAD Installation Directory. You should see a ‘Templates’ folder and a ‘Support’ folder right next to each other.

Step 2

Drag the ‘Templates’ folder into the ‘Support’ folder.

Step 3

Try running your process again.

Manually Uninstalling and Reinstalling PVCAD

If an error occurs during the PVCAD installation process, the program may not run correctly. For example, the PVCAD ribbon may not be visible in the AutoCAD user interface. Or a PVCAD update may generate errors and fail to complete the update. In this case, we recommend manually uninstalling and reinstalling PVCAD.

1. Close AutoCAD and uninstall PVCAD using the installer.
2. Go to Add or Remove Programs from your Start Menu.
3. Uninstall PVCAD again.
4. Delete any previous installers from you computer via file explorer.
5. Go to this page on our website to download a new installer (landing page)

If using the PVCAD plugin,

6. Run the .MSI file

If using the PVCAD bundle,

6. Unzip/extract the downloaded file
7. Run the setup application in the extracted file

Adding Your Own Modules and/or Inverters

Users can add their own modules and inverters to the database for their own use. Select the Database icon in the PVCAD ribbon.

Type in the needed variables. Once submitted, the module or inverter is available to design your project. Note that any entries to a personal database are limited to that PVCAD device and can not generate production estimates. Reach out to support@pvcomplete.com to add an inverter or modules the public database.

What if I can’t add PVComplete templates to AutoCAD?

Some network firewalls block file imports from unrecognized sources. If you are having trouble adding PVComplete templates to AutoCAD, check with your IT department and ask to greenlight all URLs that contain pvcomplete.

PVCAD Commands

• ROWCOUNT: Count modules in each row. Calculate array totals.
• DWGPROPS: Edit drawing properties from anywhere in your current drawing
• FENCE: See STRING MANUAL command
• PVCBALLAST: Perform ballast calculations
• PVCELECTRICALSUMMARY: Create an electrical summary report
• PVCGEOGRAPHICLOCATION: set location at the start of any project
• PVCGETPANELCLAW: create a JSON file for PanelClaw
• PVCKML: import KML file as a site image
• REGEN: apply changes to custom drawing properties through the plan set
• TLEN: total length of a polyline or line segment