--- title: "Browsing the catalog" slug: "browsing-the-catalog" description: "Browse the catalog to access detailed component data, filters, and formats for PV modules and inverters, available for registered users." updated: 2025-07-15T08:39:15Z published: 2025-07-15T08:39:15Z --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.solargis.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Browsing the catalog **In this document** We will show you how to browse the catalog, the type of data it provides, and how to interpret it. ## The catalog access As a user, you can browse the catalog in two ways: - As an **unregistered user** – you can only see the listings and the basic information about the components. - As a **registered user** – you will be able to see the complete list of components and their full information (component details). ## The catalog interface The catalog’s interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. - The main **navigation menu** and **filters**are to the left. - The **list of components** with essential data, [download formats](/v1/docs/browsing-the-catalog#compatibility-and-data-formats), and [confidence class](/v1/docs/component-confidence-classification) is in the central area. > **Tip**: Click the component if you want to know more details about the component and navigate to its details page. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image(670).png) > [!TIP] > **Note**: The number of displayed component details might be limited as fair use policies may apply. ### Unregistered users view If you are browsing the catalog as an **unregistered user**, the **information you will see will be limited.** You can filter only basic details, such as the PV module or inverter. The **component details** page will show basic information only, and **most details will be locked.** To see the full list of parameters, you must [sign up](/v1/docs/sign-up-to-pvcc). It's free. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image(671).png) ### Registered users view As a registered user, you can see the **full list of parameters** available for every component in the catalog. None of the values are locked. Also, as a registered user, you can **download**datasheets in any format provided (CSV, PAN file, OND file, …) and other attachments. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-VTCQCP1A.png) ### Admin and editor user’s views As an **editor**, you will gain additional access to **My components**page, where you can view components you and your company members have created. Use the top navigation menu to get there. On top of that, **admin**users can access the **account administration** when you can manage your users, activate an API access or view its usage. Use the main menu to access **My company** page. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image(673).png) ### Admin & editor component details page As an **admin** or **editor**, you will have additional options on the component details page: 1. The component’s current status is displayed in the **General tab**, indicating the already executed steps and the steps that you can take to proceed through the [component lifecycle](/v1/docs/component-lifecycle-1). Component statuses and their meanings are explained in the table below. 2. **Download formats tab** now contains more information about the completion of the component data for each download format. 3. The [confidence classification](/v1/docs/component-confidence-classification) tab now displays more information about the completion of the component data, indicating the possible improvements. 4. The validation tab provides information about complete/missing parameters. You can use this as an indicator of where to improve data accuracy in the component datasheet. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-BM1Y6WGQ.png) **Component status table** | Component status | Description | Public catalog visibility | | --- | --- | --- | | Draft | The component has been created, and some data added. Entered parameters have not yet been validated. | No | | Validated | The component’s data has been filled and validated. The component can now be used in private designs in Solargis Evaluate. | No | | Review | The component has been submitted for an expert review to increase its [confidence classification](/v1/docs/component-confidence-classification) and prepare it for publishing. | No | | Approved | The component has been approved by experts and can be published to public catalog. | No | | Published | The component is visible in the public catalog, and its data is available to download and use in integrations. | Yes | ## Searching and filtering the components You can **filter the components** by different parameters, such as component type, class, or manufacturer. As various component types have various sets of parameters, additional filtering parameters and search options will show once you select the **component library**, e.g., Technology or Cut cell options for PV modules. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image(487).png) A full list of filters based on the component library selection is in the following table: | | All types | PV modules | Inverters | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Filtering options** | - Manufacturer - Confidence class | - Manufacturer - Compatibility - Technology - Cut sale options - Maximum power at PV USA TC - Maximum power at STC - Length - Width - Bifaciality | - Manufacturer - Compatibility - Number of AC faces phases - Number of MPPT inputs - Number of DC inputs per MPPT - Maximum AC power | You can filter the components further by the **creator name** when on the **Components page**, where you browse your and your company's components. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image(547).png) ## Compatibility and data formats The PVCC aims to provide **component data** that various simulation tools can utilize. PVCC offers data in multiple formats to accommodate different simulators, including **PV Syst, Solargis**, and **SAM**. Each component indicates whether data is available for a specific format, with availability determined by the company supplying the data to the catalog. You may need the data in **different formats**, as each application has its specifications. For instance, the parameter **"Open Circuit Voltage Temperature Coefficient"** is referred to as beta_oc in CEC SAM applications, muVocSpec in PVsyst, and MdulVTmpDrt in IEC 61850. PVCC can provide data in multiple formats; however, not all formats may be available. Some formats require specific parameters that may not be supplied by the component's author, making it impossible to generate those formats. Nonetheless, the **PVCC format will always be accessible.** Currently, the catalog can provide data in the following formats: - **PVCC**– Excel format of all the parameters collected by PVCC - **PAN files** - PVSyst files used for PV modules - **OND files** - PVSyst files used for inverters - **CEC SAM** - NREL’s simulation software - **IEC 61850** - IEC 61850 standard The downloads are located on the **component details page** at the top, in the **General information tab**. > **Note**: More formats are planned to be added in the future. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-F2R1CUOG.png) ## Component attachments Each component detail may include **additional attachments**, such as data sheets, quality certificates, images, and data files. These attachments are available if the manufacturer has uploaded them. To view and download the attachments, you must be logged in and navigate to the component's detail page. The attachments are located at the bottom of the page and are organized into groups by type, including pictures, data sheets, and certificates. ## Confidence class The components in the PVCC include various data sets, but not all fields or attachments are mandatory. Some components may be listed for historical reasons, and their data may be incomplete or not fully accurate. We introduce a simple indicator called the [confidence class](/v1/docs/component-confidence-classification) to differentiate between components with comprehensive data and documentation and those with less complete or accurate information. This indicator summarizes these aspects in an easy-to-understand manner. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image(489).png) ## Contextual help You can find links and references to the user manual throughout the application to get help on the specific topic. Look for “i” icon in the application to navigate here. Clicking the icon will open a new tab with the relevant topic described in the documentation. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image(490).png)