Overview
This article provides a general introduction to SunDAT Web, its features and software supporting SunDAT.
Table of Contents
General Description
SunDAT is a 3D solar PV design software primarily for utility-scale and commercial and industrial (C&I) projects. Enjoy industrial strength calculations, rapid speed and expert engineering. SunDAT can help you automate workflows and increase the efficiency of your design process. The SunDAT software is engineered to handle large, utility-scale design projects. It can help you optimize Ground Coverage Ratio (GCR), and engineer enhanced yields on rough terrain. SunDAT is specially adapted for ground-mounted systems with solar trackers, bifacial modules and other solar technologies that boost energy production.
Features
Automated layout design
SunDAT's patented system for determining layout maximizes use of space while automatically placing roads and aisles in your designs. It helps you to handle the most complex boundaries and obstructions with ease.
Energy modeling
Calculate production, yield and production ratio (PR) estimates within SunDAT and compare different system designs to see which one is the most economically optimal. You can do real-time energy modeling, publish project-specific reports, and export your 8760 data for further economic analysis.
Topography analysis
SunDAT is specially adept at dealing with rugged topography. You can identify areas that are beyond a certain slope tolerance, or flag areas in your layout that will need to be graded or avoided entirely.
Supporting software
NREL System Advisor Model (SAM)
The SAM model is built into the SunDAT software. Taking into account both the technical and economic aspects of your project, the SAM model can help you compare the economic potential of different system designs and evaluate their financial performance: Do you want to analyze your return on investment from a power purchase agreement (PPA) or a 3rd party leasing agreement? You can create your design in SunDAT and test the economics, then import your SunDAT files into other financial modeling programs for a closer look. Learn more about SAM.