PV-Systemsimulation

The Fraunhofer ISE offers comprehensive services and R&D for the simulation and analysis of photovoltaic systems. The core services include yield simulations for ground-mounted PV systems, C&I rooftop systems and integrated photovoltaics. In addition, the institute carries out technology benchmarking and comparisons.

Our yield assessments are based on precise radiation and weather data as well as a detailed simulation of the system design. Yield-reducing factors such as soiling and row shading are precisely analyzed. For bifacial PV modules, which use light from both sides and potentially deliver higher yields, we can also use special simulation tools to accurately predict the irradiation on the back of the modules and the associated yield increases. For our glare reports, we use special software to analyze the potential glare effects of PV systems near traffic routes or residential areas and whether these are within legal limits. Digital twins enable a detailed and almost real-time analysis of the system behavior of PV systems and provide meaningful information for risk assessment and the development of risk mitigation strategies.

Our services for industrial companies and public clients include:

• Yield simulation of PV rooftop systems and power plants
• Feasibility of new module and cell concepts in the system
• Investigation of new power plant concepts, 
• Integrated PV technologies, agri-PV and floating PV
• Technology benchmarking and comparisons

Our services include:

• Yield Assessments for PV Systems
• Yield assessments for Bifacial PV Modules and Systems
• Glare Assessment
• Digital Twin

An independent yield assessment increases security for investors and banks. The Fraunhofer ISE draws on meaningful radiation and weather data for this purpose and simulates the structure of the system precisely. Yield-reducing factors such as soiling and row shading are precisely determined.

Thanks to strong networking within the Fraunhofer ISE (especially with our calibration laboratory  CalLab PV Modules) and worldwide cooperation, we ensure that the latest and extensively tested research results are incorporated into the simulation software developed at the institute.

• High-quality meteorological data
• Simulation of system design with specially developed software
• Precise simulation of ambient and row shading
• Verification / supplementation of the module data with CalLab measurements
• Detailed documentation of losses and uncertainties for each stage
• Ongoing quality assurance based on experience from system monitoring
• Comprehensive experience from 300-400 reports per year

Request a yield report

Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules can utilize light from both sides and deliver a higher yield than conventional PV modules. The amount of additional yield depends on the module characteristics as well as the type of installation and the environment of the PV system. Conventional simulation software is not able to accurately account for these effects. The Fraunhofer ISE has developed comprehensive tools to simulate the irradiation on the back of the module. Together with the ability to precisely characterize the bifacial modules, we offer our customers an accurate prediction of the yield for bifacial PV systems - whether fixed, vertical or tracking.

Request a yield report

If the PV power plant is located in the immediate vicinity of traffic routes or residential buildings, a test of the glare behavior is often a necessary prerequisite for approval. For this purpose, software calculates the directions and luminance levels that the reflections of the planned PV system can reach for an entire year. The strength of the reflection depends on many factors - including the position of the sun, the module orientation and the surface properties of the modules. Whether the glare is considered reasonable depends on the duration of exposure. The Federal/State Working Group for Immission Control specifies a glare limit value of 30 minutes/day and 30 hours/year.

Factors for the calculation are

• Coordinates of the installation site
• Dimensions of the PV field
• Module orientation and inclination
• Coordinates of the immission points (roads, residential buildings, airfields and approach routes, ...)

Request a glare assessment

The digital twin is based on Fraunhofer ISE's Zenit^TM platform. This Python-based electrical PV simulation tool is used on a daily basis to provide scientifically sound economic analyses for project developers, investors, EPCs and many different industry partners along the solar energy value chain. In addition, it is regularly developed and validated in research projects, demonstrating a high degree of flexibility in terms of the types of solar power plants that can be accurately simulated.

The goal of the digital twinning method is to create a baseline calculation of performance to detect deviations from expected behavior. Using this information, unusual drops in performance that could be associated with unexpected component faults or degradation can be used for maintenance actions such as cleaning or repair. In addition, the twin's forecasting module provides predicted yields for the next three days based on locally available weather forecasts.