In this document
This document describes the simulation inputs required by the Argus PV simulation engine. It covers both site parameters and energy system configuration that together define the physical and environmental conditions used throughout the simulation.
Overview
Simulation inputs are the starting point of the Argus PV simulation chain in Solargis Evaluate. Before any optical or electrical calculations can take place, the simulator must be supplied with accurate, high-quality data describing both the site's physical environment and the configuration of the energy system. The quality and completeness of these inputs directly determine the reliability of every subsequent simulation step.
Site parameters capture the environmental and meteorological conditions at the location — including solar radiation data, terrain, horizon, albedo, and atmospheric parameters — while energy system configuration defines the physical and electrical layout of the PV power plant as designed in the Energy system designer. Together, these two input categories ensure that the simulation environment faithfully represents real-world conditions.
The PV Components Catalog (PVCC) plays a key role in this stage by providing verified module and inverter specifications, ensuring consistent and reliable inputs across all simulation runs.
Processes included in this stage
The following inputs and parameters are gathered and prepared at this stage of the Argus PV simulation:
Sun geometry (PSA model)
GHI and DNI (Solargis Time Series or TMY data)
Terrain and horizon data
Albedo (ground and object)
Meteorological parameters
Energy system configuration (physical and electrical layout, shading objects)
PV module and inverter specifications (PVCC)
Simulation inputs
Simulation inputs in Solargis Evaluate are categorized into two main types: Site parameters and Energy system configuration. Each plays a crucial role in accurately modeling the PV system's performance.
Site parameters
Site parameters encompass environmental and meteorological conditions that affect the PV system's performance.
Calculated using the PSA model from geographical coordinates and date-time information.
Provided as Solargis Time Series or TMY data with a standard time resolution of 15 minutes (or 1-minute).
Terrain: Available from multiple sources with different spatial resolutions (30 m or 90 m). Terrain is considered as a shading object but can be optionally disabled. The shading effect is accounted for in the Near shading losses calculation.
Horizon: Provided by Solargis with a resolution of 7.5 degrees horizontally and 0.01 degrees vertically. Each segment has its own horizon calculated.
Ground albedo: Monthly average values are provided, and users can adjust these or set a single yearly value. Albedo affects all ground within the project.
Object albedo: Specified for shading objects and torque tubes in tracker mounting systems. Users can adjust these values, including setting monthly variations.
Include dust, precipitation, precipitable water, atmospheric pressure, air temperature, wind speed, and snow. These factors are crucial for accurately simulating real-world conditions.
Energy system configuration
Any change performed by the user on the energy system within the Energy system designer affects the simulation:
Physical layout (segments, mounting system, spacings, table layout, shading objects)
Electrical layout (PV module, strings, inverter and transformer specifications, grid connection)
Shading objects
All elements of the energy system configuration are considered in shading calculations. Users can also specify additional shading objects like fences, tree lines, or buildings by defining them in the Energy system designer or importing them via KML files.
PV module & inverter specifications
These are provided by the PV components catalog (PVCC), which offers verified specifications in the required format. The PVCC ensures high-quality inputs, leading to consistent and reliable simulation results.