---
title: "Evaluate FAQs"
slug: "evaluate-faqs"
description: "Learn how to manage user accounts, change project settings, and optimize energy systems with our comprehensive FAQs for efficient energy system design."
updated: 2026-06-16T11:38:15Z
published: 2026-06-16T11:38:15Z
canonical: "kb.solargis.com/evaluate-faqs"
---

> ## 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.

# Evaluate FAQs

## General FAQs

**How do I change units displayed in the applications?**

To change the applications' **default units**, go to your user [profile settings](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/profile-customization#changing-your-preferred-units) and change the units using the provided settings link. Imperial units are not supported in energy system design.

Alternatively, you can change temperature units for the energy system configuration in the designer’s 3D map.

**How can I invite new users to my company account?**

You must have an **admin account**to invite new users to your company.

1. From your account dashboard, enter your account admin from your profile name menu (Company admin).
2. In the user's section, click the**“Invite a user”**button and proceed with the instructions on the page.

You can find more details about this procedure [here](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/company-account-and-user-management#inviting-a-new-user).

**How do I assign an application subscription to a user?**

You must have an **admin account** to assign subscriptions to the users.

1. From your account dashboard, enter your account admin from your profile name menu (Company admin).
2. Go to **“Applications”** in the main menu.
3. Click the**“Manage”**link next to the application you want to assign to the user.
4. Activate the **toggle** in the Subscription status column to assign it to the user.

You can find more details about this procedure [here](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/company-account-and-user-management#application-subscriptions-and-solargis-units-sgu).

## Project FAQs

**How do I create a label to attach to my project for better categorization?**

1. Go to your account **dashboard**.
2. Click the **Projects**link in the top navigation bar.
3. In the menu navigation to the left (under the filters), click the**“+”**button to add a new label.

You can find more details about this procedure [here](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/dashboard-project-management#creating-and-assigning-labels).

**How do I assign a label to the project?**

1. Open the project’s **three-dot menu** while on the Projects page.
2. Click the **“Assign label”**.
3. Continue in the pop-up to assign the required label to your project.

You can find more details about this procedure [here](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/dashboard-project-management#assigning-labels-to-projects).

**How can I change the project's owner?**

While on the Projects list page:

1. Click the name icon in the **Access column** of the project you want to change the owner of.
2. Look up the user you want to assign the ownership to using the search bar.
3. Add the user to the access list using the **“Add”** button.
4. Change the added user’s role to **“Owner”.** You will need to confirm the action in the next pop-up.

You can find more details about this procedure [here](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/managing-access-to-projects#how-to-manage-the-project-access).

**How can I open a Prospect project in Evaluate?**

While on the **Projects** list page:

1. Open the **three-dot menu** of the project you want to open in Evaluate.
2. Select **“Open In”**and click **“Evaluate”**.

You can find more details about this procedure [here](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/managing-access-to-projects#sharing-projects-between-applications).

**Can I change the name of the project?**

Yes, you can change the project's name, change its owner, or assign labels to it.

1. Open the project and go to **Project/project info** (left navigation menu).
2. Click **“More detail”** in the **General**tab of the project overview.
3. Click the**“Edit”** link while on the project **info** page.
4. **Edit**project name and **save the changes**.

You can find more information about this procedure [here](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/dashboard-project-management#project-actions-menu).

**Why is there no PV statistics and PV system losses in my analytics section?**

These categories are displayed for PV energy systems only. You won’t see them int he following cases:

1. Your selected energy system in the [energy system selector](/v1/docs/working-with-your-evaluate-projects#energy-system-selector) is a **GTI energy system**, for which we do not provide these statistics.
2. Your have selected **Solargis Time Series** or **Solargis TMY P50** dataset. Time series and TMY data analytics do not provide this data since it is only PV energy system-related.
3. If your selected energy system is a PV system, it has not yet been simulated. You must [simulate](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/creating-new-projects-in-evaluate#simulating-your-energy-system)it to get this data.

**Can I download my project data to use in other software or 3rd party applications?**

Yes, you can download your project data and use it in other PV data-supporting systems. We offer several download formats such as **JSON, CSV, NREL SAM, Helioscope,** and **PVSyst**. Read this [guide](/v1/docs/project-reports-and-data-exports)for more details.

**Can I generate a detailed report for my project?**

Yes, you can generate a detailed report with all essential data, including charts and statistics. You can do it using the **Download section** of your project, and you can learn how to do it [here](/v1/docs/project-reports-and-data-exports).

**How can I create a new Evaluate project?**

You can create an Evaluate project in two ways:

- By importing it from the **Prospect**application.
- Creating a **new project** from scratch.

Both methods are explained in detail [here](/v1/docs/creating-new-projects-in-evaluate).

**How can I switch to another energy system to see its analytics?**

You can do it using the [energy system selector](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/working-with-your-evaluate-projects#the-project-page) at the top of your project’s **Overview**or **Analysis**page.

**I have selected my energy system, but there is no analysis data. Why?**

Your energy system is **not simulated**. You must [simulate](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/creating-new-projects-in-evaluate#simulating-your-energy-system)it to obtain its analytics data.

**I can not activate my project. Why?**

You must have **administration rights** to activate a project. If you are an admin and still can not activate the project, it is likely that you have used all your purchased SGU. In this case, you must purchase more SGU. Learn how to do it [here](/v1/docs/solargis-store#purchasing-solargis-evaluate-sgu).

**Where can I learn how to read and use the charts in the analytics section?**

Details about how to work with the analytics section are outlined in the [Data analysis](/v1/docs/data-analysis) document, and charts are explained in the [How to read the charts](/v1/docs/how-to-read-the-charts) document.

**Where can I see my generated PV system's losses or its performance ratio?**

These details are found in your project’s **PV statistics**, **PV system losses, and PV long-term degradation** sections, respectively. More information on this topic is covered [here](/v1/docs/energy-system-statistics-losses-and-long-term-degradation).

Please remember that these are available for PV energy systems only. Our system does not provide such information for GTI energy systems or Time Series data.

## Energy system designer FAQs

**Where can I create an energy system?**

You can create energy systems from your **project's details page**.

1. **Open the project** where you want to add an energy system.
2. Use the main navigation to the left to switch to the **Energy systems**section.
3. In the **Alternative energy system**tab, click the **“Create”** button and select the system you want to create.

You can find more details about this procedure [here](/v1/docs/working-with-your-evaluate-projects#energy-systems-section).

**How can I quickly create a similar energy system to the one I already have built?**

You can create an identical energy system using the **duplicate**feature. This way, you can quickly create alternatives and make required changes for comparison.

Learn how to duplicate an energy system [here](/v1/docs/working-with-your-evaluate-projects#energy-system-selector).

**Can I change my preferred dataset to use in the simulation?**

The preferred dataset to simulate with is always selected upon executing the [simulation](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/creating-new-projects-in-evaluate#simulating-your-energy-system). If you want to use a different dataset, you have to [re-run the simulation](/v1/docs/creating-new-projects-in-evaluate#simulating-your-energy-system) to apply it.

If you want to **keep your original project’s data**and still **simulate with a new dataset**, you can **duplicate**the energy system and simulate it with a different dataset. This will give you the benefit of having two identical energy systems with different datasets used for simulation.

Learn how to duplicate an energy system [here](/v1/docs/working-with-your-evaluate-projects#energy-system-selector).

**While building an energy system, do I have to apply the changes after every adjustment?**

No, the system applies the changes and recalculates its parameters **in real-time******after every value change by default. You can turn this feature off in the Settings menu.

**How can I add an array to my project?**

You can add an array to your project in the following ways:

- To the [reference point](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/adding-arrays-to-the-project#adding-arrays-to-your-project) on the map - a 1MW square area array will be added by default, and you can change its size later.
- To a [segment](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/adding-arrays-to-the-project#adding-arrays-to-your-project)- the array will fill the entire segment area, following its shape.

**Can I set the approximate power output of my array?**

Yes, you can directly set the **power output** of arrays.

1. Select the array you want to change in the left navigation under the **System design** category or by **clicking the array** on the 3D map
2. In the Alignment tab of the array’s properties, enter the required power output in to the desired size field. The design on the map will update automatically.

More details in [Array installed capacity](/v1/docs/array-configuration#array-installed-capacity) setup.

**Can I connect my array to a different inverter setup?**

Yes, you can connect your arrays to any existing inverter setup. Please ensure the inverter setup can withstand the connection of the new array and that the new parameters are within its power limits.

**Can I resize an existing segment containing an array?**

Yes, you can **resize the existing segment** containing an array.

1. Open the segment options menu by **clicking its three-dot menu** in the main navigation panel to the left.
2. Select**“Edit verticles”** from the menu.
3. **Grab and move** any vertice with your mouse to the required position.
4. When finished, **hit enter** on your keyboard or **double-click the mouse** to save and recalculate the segment.

Your segment will be adjusted, and the array will fill the new zone.

**How can I exclude an area from my array where I do not want any array tables to be placed?**

You can do it by creating a [restricted area](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/drawing-segments-restricted-areas-and-shading-objects#the-drawing-tools) or [restricted lines](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/drawing-segments-restricted-areas-and-shading-objects#restricted-line). The areas covered by shading object, inverter transformers or power transformers are also excluded.

**Can I create paths within the installation for maintenance access or other purposes?**

Yes, you can create paths inside your array using the [restricted lines](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/drawing-segments-restricted-areas-and-shading-objects#the-drawing-tools).

**Can I decide where my inverters will be placed?**

Yes, there are options you can use to change the [placement of your inverters](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/inverter-and-transformer-configuration#inverter-positioning).

Generally, inverters can be placed **under the tables** or positioned as **standalone**outside of the array. You can also place your inverters in restricted areas or lines for better accessibility.

**I need to move my grid connection and transformer. How can I do that?**

You can use the move tool on the 3D map's tool panel. Learn more [here](/v1/docs/using-3d-map-and-drawing-tools#transformer-and-grid-connection-move-tool).

**Can I change my array's mounting setup?**

Yes. Go to your **array’s properties** panel and change it under the **general tab’s** array type property.

**What kind of string wiring are you using in your design? Leapfrog or daisy chain?**

Currently we do not support DC and LV AC cabling. MV & HV AC cabling can be adjusted manually.

**Can I export my design into a CAD file?**

Yes you can **export DXF** file with your design in 3D and distributed in to the logical layers. Other available format is **GeoJSON**with attributes specific per object.

**Is it possible to import my own terrain data?**

Yes, you can import your terrain data using [GeoTIFF imports](/v1/docs/evaluate-project-imports#geotiff-raster-images).

**What terrain should I use in the energy system designer?**

You can decide what terrain model to use based on your requirements. Solargis Evaluate offers the following terrain options:

- **Flat**- without the terrain.
- **Copernicus in 30m resolution** (1 arcsec | global | 2011-2015 | surface model - including trees and buildings).
- **SRTM**(Google Earth) **in 30m resolution** (1 arcsec | global | 2000 | terrain model - excluding trees and buildings).
- **SRTM**(Solargis) **in 90m resolution** (3 arcsec | global | 2000 - 2017 | terrain model - excluding trees and buildings).

Additionally, you can import custom terrain data via [GeoTIFF imports](/v1/docs/evaluate-project-imports#geotiff-raster-images).

**Is it possible to upload my own map?**

Not at the moment, but it is possible to find free map sources in**“Map tile**” compatible format, which can be added as a service to the energy system designer as a custom map layer and get fresh satellite imaginary or other interesting local layers such as local cadastre, safe zones, protected areas, etc.

**How can I use my own PV module in the design?**

You can create a free account and upload your component to the [PV components catalog](https://pvcomponents.com/), then select it when changing a PV module in the PV array properties.

Remember, there is a validation process when creating PV components in the PV components catalog and it may take some time until your own component will become available for selection.

**Does the designer provide terrain-following mountings?**

Yes**.** The Energy system designer supports terrain-following for **fixed-mount PV systems**. When configuring a segment, you can set it as "Terrain following" — tables will then follow the natural ground profile, and ray-tracing simulation accounts for this automatically. Terrain-following support for tracker systems is planned for a future release.

**Is there support for multilevel transformers?**

Yes, there is support for two levels of transformers that can automatically fill the voltage gap between the inverter voltage output and the Grid connection voltage.

**Is it possible to create vertical ground systems?**

Yes. Although a dedicated mounting type is not yet available, it is possible to use a standard fixed one-angle mounting with a **90-degree tilt.** Tables will be placed in the inclination of the segment. Visible rack construction will not obstruct PV modules in the simulation.

**Why are the PV modules floating in the air, and there is no visible mounting?**

This is a restriction we have introduced for a better user experience on computers with limited processing power. It does not affect the simulation in any way. It is only a visual restriction to lower the rendering burden on your machine and ensure smooth performance. It is usually applied to designs with output **higher than 5****0MW**.

**I got a "WebGL context lost" error while working with the energy system designer.**

This may happen for many reasons, most of which are out of our hands.

Some details about why this happens can be found on the following links:

[https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/WebGLRenderingContext/isContextLost#usage_notes](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/WebGLRenderingContext/isContextLost#usage_notes)

[https://www.khronos.org/webgl/wiki/HandlingContextLost](https://www.khronos.org/webgl/wiki/HandlingContextLost)

#### What can I do next?

Usually, the PV energy system editor will restore the context on its own, and you can continue working. If it does not, you must refresh the page. If that doesn’t help, you’ll have to close and reopen the whole browser. After that, everything should be back to normal.

#### Can I prevent it from happening again?

Yes, you can turn off the Auto-update design feature in the Energy system designer Settings menu.

## Simulation & calculations FAQs

**How do we calculate the performance ratio (PR)?**

It is calculated as follows:

| Monofacial systems | PVOUT/GTI_HORIZ_SHD_FRONT |
| --- | --- |
| Bifacial systems | PVOUT/ (GTI_HORIZ_SHD_FRONT + BIFACIALITY_FACTOR*GTI_HORIZ_SHD_REAR) |

The **bifaciality factor** is taken from the bifacial PV module specifics in the PV components catalog.

**How does Solargis simulate optical losses in PV systems?**

Solargis uses **advanced optical models** (Perez all-weather sky model, ray tracing) for irradiance calculations. More details can be found in our [methodology](/v1/docs/solargis-evaluate-simulation-chain).

**How does Solargis simulate electrical losses in PV systems?**

Solargis uses **electrical component models** for simulating losses (DC/AC conversion, cable, transformer, auxiliary, and system unavailability losses). More details can be found in our [methodology](/v1/docs/solargis-evaluate-simulation-chain).

**How are shading losses quantified?**

Near and far shading losses are calculated with **path tracing** in a 3D simulation scene, modeling direct/diffuse light interactions for all system objects and terrain. Shading from local objects (trees, buildings, fences) is incorporated. You can find more information [here](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/solargis-evaluate-simulation-chain#sky-irradiance-model).

**How does Solargis model inverter and transformer losses?**

These are covered in the [Solargis inverter model](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/inverter-model#inverter-model-methodology). Inverter losses include maximum power point (MPP) tracking and DC/AC conversion using datasheet parameters. Transformer losses are calculated as both variable (iron/copper) and constant percentage models, depending on equipment type.

**How are weather effects (temperature, wind, snow, albedo) included?**

Solargis integrates real meteorological data into all simulation steps, including ambient temperature (thermal correction models), ground albedo, wind, humidity, precipitation, and snow losses. More details are provided in the [Solargis Evaluate PV simulation chain](/v1/docs/solargis-evaluate-simulation-chain) document.

**How is system unavailability and long-term degradation accounted for?**

Losses from equipment failure, maintenance, grid events, and weather are included as default percentages. Component degradation is modeled by annual performance loss rates (typically 0.8% first year, 0.5% subsequent years).

**What are typical uncertainties, and how are results validated?**

Uncertainties originate from data input, modeling assumptions, and component specs. Solargis performs cross-validation with operational PV plants and provides P50/P90 probability analyses for financial risk assessment. You can read more about this in our [methodology](/v1/docs/uncertainty-estimates).

**What outputs are provided by Solargis simulations?**

Simulations yield time series of DC and AC power at each stage, system yield (kWh), specific yield (kWh/kWp), loss breakdowns, and performance ratio—all presented in visual charts and tables for analysis and decision-making. You can explore these further in this [document](https://kb.solargis.com/docs/solargis-evaluate-simulation-chain#the-simulation-outputs).

**How does Solargis account for soiling losses in PV yield simulations, and what factors should be considered?**

We incorporate soiling losses by applying project-specific or generic monthly/annual values that reflect the reduction in irradiance due to particulate buildup on PV modules. The methodology considers local climate, dust levels, rainfall, and module tilt to determine realistic loss values. For detailed modeling steps and adjustment options, refer to the Solargis [soiling loss model](/v1/docs/soiling-losses) methodology in our documentation.

**How are snow losses modeled in Solargis PV simulations, and what input is required for accurate estimation?**

We simulate snow losses as system unavailability when snow coverage blocks solar radiation from the modules. Site-specific climatic data, snowfall statistics, and duration of snow events guide the default or project-adjusted loss values. Full modeling process, customization steps, and input recommendations can be found in the Solargis [snow loss model](/v1/docs/snow-losses) document.

**How do you calculate cabling losses?**

Cabling losses are set as percentage values for each section of the electrical path:

- **DC cabling** (default: 2%)
- **AC low voltage** — between inverters and inverter transformer (default: 1%)
- **AC medium voltage** — between inverter transformer and power transformer (default: 0.5%)
- **AC high voltage** — between power transformer and grid connection (default: 0.05%)

For MV and HV AC cables, you can go beyond percentage inputs and define complete cable parameters — route lengths, cross-section, material, grouping, depth of laying, and more. The system then uses the [Solargis cable sizing model](/v1/docs/cable-sizing-model) to calculate losses based on real cable properties. All settings are accessible in the **Cabling section** of the Energy System Designer.