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Model energy
Choose a simulation model, run it, and review the results.
The Model control is at the top of the editor. Its model selector chooses the simulation model for the design. The same selection is used for downloads that contain energy results.
Choose a model
| Model | When it is available |
|---|---|
| Solesca Core | The default for a new flat design. |
| Solesca Pro | Designs with terrain tracking or engineering configured. Terrain designs use Pro. |
| NREL SAM | An alternative for flat designs using NREL’s System Advisor Model. |
| SolarFarmer | Requires an Engineering seat and uploaded PAN and OND files for the design’s equipment. It is unavailable for terrain and designs using SolarEdge optimizers. |
The selector offers models that are available for your design and access. Enabling terrain switches the design to Solesca Pro if needed.
On SolarEdge designs, SAM displays a notice about how it represents strings. Your design’s strings stay unchanged. Core and Pro support modeling the specified optimizer configuration.
Run
- Check the fields, equipment, inverter groups, weather, and loss settings.
- Choose the model in the selector.
- Click Model or press M.
- Read the results panel when the run finishes.
If the design needs an inverter-group correction, the app explains the issue and directs you to the affected group. Fix it before continuing.
Solesca Pro can take a few minutes. Its run continues if you leave the design. Editing the design cancels that run.
Results
The results panel shows Module area, DC nameplate, AC nameplate, and DC/AC ratio, followed by Energy, Specific yield, Shade losses, and Performance ratio where the chosen model reports them.
A missing value is shown as a dash, not zero. The panel can show changes from the previous run with the same model.
Clicking Model again reopens the current results when the design and model have not changed. During a run it reopens the progress panel. After a change, run the model again to update the results.
Errors and warnings
A failed run displays a message explaining the problem. Check equipment selection, string allocation, required input files, and any highlighted group. If the message reports that modeling stopped, run it again. Use Concierge if the error persists.
A shadow view is useful for inspecting the design, but it is not the annual energy result. See Shadows.
Downloads use the selected model
Reports and Energy files use the selected model. Review the download options for model-specific limitations. CAD, rendering, Google Earth, and racking files do not run an energy model.
Still stuck?
A person at Solesca answers every message.