PVsyst 8.0.17 is a patch release in the PVsyst 8 series, a comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) system design and simulation software developed by University of Geneva for engineers, architects, and researchers. This version focuses on precision refinements in shading calculations and minor stability enhancements, building on the core capabilities of PVsyst 8 for detailed PV array performance modeling, economic analysis, and grid-connected/off-grid system optimization. It supports simulations for fixed, tracking, and bifacial PV systems, integrating meteorological data, module databases, and financial metrics.

As a patch update, it primarily addresses targeted corrections without introducing major new features, ensuring higher accuracy in existing workflows.

Key Features and Enhancements

  • Shading and Near-Field Analysis:
    • Improved diffuse shading factors for East-West (EW) trackers and two-axis trackers mounted on frames, providing more precise calculations. This adjustment can alter diffuse shading losses by approximately 2%, resulting in yearly yield variations of less than 0.1%.
    • Enhanced electrical shading results, incorporating bottom cell size in shading factor tables derived from the Near Shadings window (extended from prior patches).
  • General Improvements:
    • Stability fixes for synthetic generation scenarios, preventing low diffuse values that could overestimate transposed global incidence (GlobInc).
    • Minor refinements to thin object handling in shading computations, ensuring consistent electrical loss predictions.
  • Core Simulation Capabilities (Inherited from PVsyst 8 Series):
    • Advanced PV module and inverter databases with over 90,000 modules and 4,000 inverters, supporting detailed loss diagrams and performance ratio (PR) calculations.
    • Meteonorm integration for site-specific irradiation data, including horizon line effects and soiling losses.
    • Economic evaluation tools for LCOE, payback period, and IRR, with customizable report templates.
    • Support for emerging technologies like bifacial modules, floating PV, and agrivoltaics.
PVsyst 8.0.17
PVsyst 8.0.17