How to import components

Importing the component data

Available to Editor and Admin users only.

Many manufacturers and component providers already possess structured data about their products. To streamline the process of adding this data to the catalog, we have introduced a Bulk Upload feature that allows for batch file uploads. The data must be formatted in a way that PVCC can recognize. This structure is specified in an Excel template containing the required parameters.

The bulk upload process consists of the following steps:

1. Downloading the import template,

2. Adding the data into the template,

3. Uploading the data,

4. Validating the data,

5. Making final changes if necessary.

Downloading the import template

XLS file imports require the upload to be formatted according to the PVCC template. To access the template:

1. Navigate to My components page.

2. Click the "Add new" button.

3. Select the component type you want to bulk-upload.

4. In the next popup, choose the XLS format. The next upload dialog will open.  

This dialog contains a link to download the appropriate template. Use this template to prepare your upload.

Adding the data

Open the template and fill in the data depending on the component type. You can refer to the PV module and inverter import datasheets, respectively.

Uploading the data

Before you upload your filled template, you can decide which format you want your components to be compatible with. The list of available formats is at the top of the upload window - select the ones you want your component to support. PVCC and Solargis formats are selected by default.

If you skip this step for now, you can change the requirements for compatibility later once the components are imported. Use the templates to identify required parameters for each compatibility format.

To upload the file, click the upload window to select or drag the file to the area. It will take a few seconds to upload, and then you can submit the import by clicking the Upload button.

Validation of the data

After the file is uploaded, the data is automatically validated.

If everything is OK, you will be informed that the import has been successful.

In case there are some errors, you will be notified and provided a link to an error report file for download. There, you will find the description of the error and information about which component and parameter has been evaluated as invalid.

After the component is imported to PVCC, it will be validated again only for missing or incorrect values. It's up to you if you fill in the values directly in the import template and upload it again or you amend them afterwards through component edit.

Final changes

Once the components are imported and everything is in order, they may be marked as "Validated". They may remain in "Draft" state if changes are required.

Each component undergoes validation, and the results are available on the detail screen for your review. You can address any findings if necessary.

If a component is marked as "Validated," you can proceed with further steps without making any changes. However, if you wish to send components for review, this must be done manually one by one, as bulk processing of components is not currently supported.