Frequently asked questions
General use
Do I need to know about PV to use Radiaris?
Not to get a first result: the default values work for a typical home. To fine-tune a project, technical judgement does help; this documentation and the «?» help on each field are there for that.
How long does a simulation take?
Usually seconds. In automatic mode it takes a little longer, because it tries many configurations; the engine caches what has already been calculated.
Can I simulate outside Spain?
Yes: the engine works with weather data from anywhere. The Spain-specific features are the Cadastre, the simplified compensation of RD 244/2019 and the cabling regulations (REBT).
Which languages is it available in?
Spanish, English, Portuguese, German, French, Italian, Polish, Dutch, Turkish and Czech, both in the application and in the PDFs.
Input data
Which weather source should I choose?
The one the engine proposes for your area; generally PVGIS TMY. Use your own data if you have measurements from the site. See Weather data.
I do not have the consumption curve, only the bill. Will that do?
Yes: enter the annual consumption and choose a typical profile. With the real curve (Datadis) the self-consumption calculation is much more accurate.
How do I enter the consumption from 12 months of bills?
Upload it as a file of 12 monthly values and choose the standard profile used to spread each month over the hours. See Typical profiles.
My module or inverter is not in the catalogue.
Upload it with its .PAN / .OND file (best option) or add it from the datasheet. See Importing equipment.
Can I import the roof from my CAD?
Yes, as DXF or OBJ. See Library, Cadastre and CAD.
Results
How accurate is it?
With a typical year, the annual production has an uncertainty of around 6 % (by default). The module model reproduces PVsyst to within tenths of a percentage point in the cases compared. See Validation and Uncertainty.
Why does the real result of my installation differ from the simulation?
Usually because the real year is not the typical one, or because the real consumption or shading differ from what was assumed. Compare it with Real production.
The shading loss is high. What should I do?
Look at the waterfall: try moving modules, separating strings by shaded area, using optimizers or increasing the row spacing.
The inverter clips a lot. Is that a problem?
A little clipping is normal and usually pays off economically. If it is high, reduce the DC/AC ratio, spread over more MPPTs or add a battery. See Inverter and clipping.
Why is self-consumption low?
Production and consumption do not coincide in time. Try: shifting consumption to midday, adding a battery or reducing the power. Compare with the scenario comparator.
Can I trust the payback?
It is an estimate that depends on the electricity price, inflation and real consumption. Look at NPV, IRR and the P90 profitability, and cross-check with scenarios.
Report and offer
Can I add my logo?
Yes, in «Report branding»: logo, name, contact details and colours. See PDF report.
Can I give the client just a summary?
Yes: the commercial version (summary, economics and recommendations) and the 1-2 page offer.
Problems
The simulation says «Missing data».
The Simulate button tells you what is missing; usually the location or a roof plane.
«X modules fit on this roof, but the inverter needs at least Y».
The inverter needs a minimum number of modules in series to reach its minimum operating voltage. Enlarge the roof or choose an inverter with a lower minimum MPPT voltage.
«There is no valid position left for the modules».
The outline, obstacles and shading take up the whole roof. Raise the maximum allowed shading loss, reduce the edge margin or turn off automatic placement.
The PVGIS data or the address do not load.
An internet connection is needed. If the service fails, you can enter coordinates by hand and use your own weather file.
The code does not arrive in my inbox.
Check your spam folder and press «Resend the code». If it still does not arrive, write to hola@radiaris.com.
Contact
hola@radiaris.com