Energy system imports/exports

In this document

We will show you how to download the PVsyst, bill of materials, and Collada files related to your PV energy system. Also, you will learn how to upload KML files and what is included in the file.

Importing and exporting energy system data

Energy system designer offers import and export features to accommodate the most common scenarios. You can import and export KML (Keyhole Markup Language) boundaries data and export relevant design data to PVsyst, Collada formats. Additionally, you can download simplified bill of materials in an XLSX format.

All imports and exports are executed from the “File” menu.

Importing of location data (KML files)

If you have your design prepared in the KML format, you can upload it to the Energy system designer.

Open the Filemenu.
Select “Import KML” and upload the file in the prompt popup.
Your KML file will be loaded to the map.

Segments cannot overlap in your KML file.

Currently, the KML import has the following limitations that need to be considered when preparing your file:

Only files up to 1MB are allowed.
Objects (even partially) out of the FUP area are declined to import.
It is not possible to import basic objects and convert them later.
All imported polygons are automatically converted to segments.
It is not possible to import point geometry or selected geometry only.
One invalid geometry in the file aborts entire import process.

Energy system exports

KML boundaries export

The KML boundaries export allows you to download your project's site boundaries and exclusion zones that you can later import into Google Earth or other GIS software, enabling you to visualize your project's geographic context and share site information with stakeholders who don't have access to specialized PV design tools.

To download it, select the KML boundaries from the File menu/Exports. KML export contains Solargis-specific tags as stated in the Table 1.

What is exported

Export to .kml file contains the following project data:

line object (path only)
restricted line (path + polygons)
restricted area
segments (polygon only)

Collada 3D export

The Collada 3D export (.dae format) allows you to download your complete energy system geometry that you can import into third-party 3D software such as Blender. All geometries are exported including the terrain.

To download it, select the Collada 3d from the File menu/Exports. The file will be saved in .dae format.

What is exported

Export to .dae file contains the following project data:

table geometry information
inverters & transformers geometry
line objects geometry
segments geometry
terrain geometry

PVsyst export

The PVsyst export (.pvc format) allows you to download your energy system geometry you can directly import into PVsyst. Unlike the Collada export, this does not include terrain data and contains PV module size and spacing information.

To download it, select the PVsyst from the File menu/Exports. The file will be saved in .pvc format.

What is exported

Export to .pvc file contains the following project data:

table geometry information
inverters and transformers geometry
line objects geometry
segments geometry
PV module size
PV module spacing on the tables
minimum and maximum rotation angles (for N-S trackers)
rotation axis (for N-S trackers)

Bill of materials

If you want, you can download a simplified bill of materials included in the energy system design. The bill includes the number of PV modules in the design, table construction type with the number of tables, and the number of inverters or inverter transformers.