In this document
We will guide you through the steps of adding a component to the catalog manually.
Adding components manually
Available to Editor and Admin users only.
Manual creation lets you choose the component type (inverter or PV module) and manually fill out all of its information. Alternatively, you can duplicate a similar component and change only parameters that are different to save time. If you decide to upload your component using PAN/OND file, refer to the PAN and OND data import guide.
To add a component manually, navigate to My components page and:
click the “Add new” button,
select the component type you want to add (PV module or inverter).
You will be presented with the component addition page. Proceed to fill out the details of the component. Follow these general rules when filling up the details:
Values marked with red start are mandatory.
Fill up as many parameters as you can. The more complete the component data, the bigger the chance to achieve higher component confidence classification. More details help to validate the component more thoroughly.
Refer to the PV module and inverter parameters list, respectively, to determine what values you may need to fill when adding the component.
Duplicating a component
Alternatively, you can start preparing a new component by duplicating an existing one.
Duplication provides a flexible solution when you want to create a new version of a component or start working on a similar one. All the component’s data will be pre-filled with the original data—you change only the parameters that are different.
Duplication maintains the component type. If you duplicate an inverter, you can not change its type to a PV module and vice versa.
Available download formats
You can select from the available data formats you wish to be available for download. Every format requires particular data to be added to the component datasheet, and you will be notified about the missing values.
You must fill in all necessary information for a particular download to become available. Hovering over the error message reveals the missing parameters. PVCC format is always available to download, even with missing information.
Market data
This section lets you fill in market-related information, such as a manufacturer's website link or price-related information.
The technical data you can enter differs based on component type (module or inverter).
Component’s technical data
For inverters, you can enter details related to input (DC), output (AC), operating performance, dimensions, efficiency curves, PVSYST specifics, and IEC 61850 data.(full inverter datasheet)
For PV modules, detailed dimensions such as frame border or cell area can be entered, and electrical characteristics, diode model, optical data, PV module characteristics, and reference conditions may also be added.(full PV module datasheet)
Every category offers many values to be entered. We suggest you fill in as many details as you can to increase the chance of the component being approved by our technical review team.
Adding images and attachments
You can supplement every component with images, datasheets, certificates, or other relevant data files, which you can upload at the end of the component data page. You must upload the component’s data sheet if you want to send it later for review.
Images must be in PNG or JPG format with a maximum size of 6MB.
When you fill in all the details, save the component draft using the “Save” button at the top of the page. Component will be automatically validated.