Array configuration

In this document

We will explain how you can configure your arrays. You will learn how to replace generic PV modules with manufacturer-specific components, change mounting parameters, define table distribution and module orientation, set up string connections, and more.

Accessing the array configuration

You can configure each array in your system individually. Your arrays are listed under inverter setups in the main navigation menu under the System design section. The settings are grouped into categories for easier navigation, and we will cover each of them separately.

Key points to remember:
The array’s properties panel will show when you select it.
The array’s general parameters information is at the top of the properties panel.
Most of the changes will affect the array’s total power output. Keep it in mind during the configuration.
Arrays above 5MW will not have mounting displayed on the 3D map to enhance rendering speed and ensure a smoother experience. This restriction is solely visual and does not affect the simulation.
If you change any default parameter, a “revert” button () will appear next to the value field. Use this button to revert to its default value if needed.
Every change you make in the array setup will automatically be reflected in the design and shown on the 3D interactive map.

Editing the array configuration

The available array configuration settings you can adjust, such as table distribution, mounting type, table spacing, and string size, allow you to tailor the physical and electrical layout of each PV array to meet your project requirements and optimize system performance.

Array mounting setup

Available settings	Mounting type Azimuth Tilt (fixed (adjustable) tilt and fixed tilt E/W mount)

Selected mounting setup determines your options for azimuth and tilt configuration. The system offers three mounting options:

Ground based / fixed (adjustable) tilt
Ground based / 1-axis horizontal NS tracker
Ground based / fixed tilt E-W

Fixed (adjustable) tilt mounting

If the segment terrain approximation is set to a planar surface, this mounting offers three ways to configure the table orientation (azimuth and tilt): specific, nominal, and effective.

Specific: These values are displayed and editable directly in the Mounting section.
Nominal or effective: Links to open nominal and effective table orientation settings.
Calculated values: When you change table orientation settings using any method, the system will recalculate the remaining values automatically.

Specific

Nominal

Effective

In this mode, the table's orientation is defined relative to the ground plane beneath it.

Azimuth: Describes the horizontal direction in which the table rows are laid out. A value of 0° means the rows run East-to-West (facing North), while 90° means rows run South-to-North (facing East).
Tilt: Measures the angle between the table surface and the underlying ground plane. A value of 0° means the table is perfectly parallel to the ground, while 90° means it is perpendicular to the ground.
When to use: This method is ideal for mechanical design and construction planning where the mounting structure has a fixed height or standard bracket angle relative to the terrain. It is most useful when the primary goal is to maintain a consistent relationship between the hardware and the surface of the site.
How to use: Write the values directly into the fields in the Mounting section.

Nominal orientation is a "construction-centric" mode that treats the table as an object being rotated along its physical axis.

Azimuth: Describes the physical layout direction of the table rows. Like Specific mode, 0° indicates East-West rows facing North, and 90° indicates South-North rows facing East.
Tilt: Measures the rotation of the table around its bottom side. A value of 0° means the side edge of the table is horizontal, while 90° means the table surface is oriented vertically.
When to use: This is the standard mode for Terrain Following segments because it allows for a constant tilt value across the entire array, even as the individual tables tilt and turn to stay "on the ground". Use this when you need to specify a standard mounting angle (e.g., a "20° rack") regardless of the local ground slope.
How to use: Click the “Edit nominal values” link and enter your azimuth and tilt values in the pop-up.

This is a "performance-centric" mode that ignores the ground and focuses on how the panel faces the sky.

Azimuth: Describes the relationship between the table surface normal (an imaginary line sticking straight out of the front of the panel) and the North axis. 0° means the panel faces North; 90° means it faces East.
Tilt: Measures the relationship between the table surface normal and the UP axis (vertical). A value of 0° means the table is perfectly horizontal (facing the zenith), and 90° means the table is vertical.
When to use: This method is used for energy yield modeling and sun-path optimization. Since solar production depends on the panel's angle to the sun rather than its angle to the dirt, engineers use Effective values to ensure the array meets specific production targets or to compare the system's efficiency against a theoretical "ideal" orientation for that latitude.
How to use: Click the “Edit effective values” link and enter your azimuth and tilt values in the pop-up.
xed (adjustable) tilt & fixed tilt E/W mountings

1-axis horizontal NS tracker mounting

For this mounting type, the tilt setting is replaced with a rotation limits setting, where you can adjust the tracker’s default rotation limits and enable/disable backtracking.

To configure rotation limits, click the “Change” link and continue in the pop-up:

Choose the reference plane (horizontal or tilted).
Set rotation limits (enter the values).
Confirm by clicking “OK”.

Fixed tilt E-W mounting

In a fixed tilt E-W mounting:

Azimuth represents the orientation of the structural ridge line, where a 0°/180° setting aligns the peak North-South (tables facing East and West).
Tilt defines the specific slope of the tables.

Alignment parameters

Available settings	Desired size (arrays installed to the reference point) Table distribution Row alignment (arrays in a segment) First row offset (arrays in a segment)

For arrays installed to the reference point

Set the array’s desired size using installed power, size of the area, or PV module number.
Change the table distribution based on your preferences.

For arrays installed in a segment

Change the table distribution method. Maximum power (default) will add the maximum number of tables to the area, while the regular spacing method will geometrically align the arrays but result in lower total power output.
Select the required row alignment and examine its effect on the 3D map.
First row offset lets you set the distance of the first row from the south design boundary.

Important: In both cases, changing the array mounting type will reset most array settings parameters, including PV module selection. You will find each array’s contribution to the whole system in this section.

Array spacing

Available settings	Spacing (between rows) Distance between tables (inter-table spacing) Clearance height

Click the icon to learn about the different spacing methods and their relations. This setting refers to the spacing between rows.
Choose your preferred spacing method and adjust the value.
Adjust the default distance between tables (inter-table spacing) and clearance height (distance from the ground).

PV module selection

Available settings	Module replacement

Our system adds a generic module to the array upon creation. Although generic modules cannot be used for Solargis performance reports, they still provide reliable results. In the module section, you can replace them with manufacturer-specific models from the PV Components catalog.

Click the “Change” button under the model parameter to open the PV Components catalog.
Module information also contains a component confidence classification to help you identify the reliability and accuracy of the selected model.
You can read more information about the component using the “More info” link.

Replacing the module

To replace the module, click the “Change” button. The PV Components catalog will open.

The PV components catalog provides numerous filters to narrow down the displayed results. You can choose between generic and manufacturer-specific components. If you have configured your own module in the catalog and the catalog is connected to your Evaluate account, you can find it in My components sub-section. Only validated components will be shown.
Select the module from the list.
The module’s details will be displayed in the properties panel to the right. Click the “Choose” button to add the module to the project.

Tip: If the module you want to use is not in the PV catalog and you have its technical specification details, go to pvcomponents.com and explore options for adding it.

String size settings

Available settings	String size Inverter setup (Inverter settings access)

The string size settings will affect the general distribution of PV modules and the overall layout of tables. The default string size is adapted to the selected inverter. To change it, switch to manual and enter the desired string size.

Default string size calculation formula (adapted to inveter)

The following formula provides a basic method for calculating the default string size for a PV system:

(inverter.Vmppmin + inverter.Vmppmax) / 2 / module.Vmpp

Parameter definitions

inverter.Vmppmin: Minimum MPP (Maximum Power Point) voltage of the inverter.
inverter.Vmppmax: Maximum MPP voltage of the inverter.
module.Vmpp: Maximum power voltage of the PV module at reference conditions.

Tip: When changing the string size, adjust the table geometry settings simultaneously to achieve your desired result.

If you need to change the inverter type or any of its settings at this stage, use the Inverter setup link to navigate to the inverter settings.

Tip: The string size change is particularly useful when system validation shows MMPT values over the limit. In this case, lowering string size should resolve the issue.

Table geometry settings

Available settings	Module orientation Module gaps Table size, layout, and number of strings Fractional tables (1/2, 1/3, and ¼ strings)

You can change module orientation, gaps between modules, their layout, or add fractional tables in table geometry section.

Note: Changing these settings will directly affect total installed capacity. You can review your changes' impact at the top of properties panel, where array information is displayed.

Set your preferred module orientation and gaps.
Select the number of strings for a single table. The layout options will adjust based on your selection. Experiment with different layouts to see their impact on the system design.
Choose how to distribute strings on the tables based on your previous selection.
Our advanced algorithm determines if fractional tables can be constructed. If available, you can add them next (enabled by default). The string distribution options for each fractional table depend on your earlier choices.

Note: Fractional tables let you use the space more effectively and produce more energy without expanding the design boundaries.

Fractional tables - availability conditions

The number of strings on a fractional table must be an integer (e.g., if the entire table has two strings, then a 1/2 table has one string—that means a 1/3 or 1/4 table is impossible to construct).
The number of modules on the entire table must be divisible by a fraction of the fractional table.
The number of modules placed on the full table vertically must be the same as for the fractional table.

Array inverter connection

Available settings	Array’s connection to the inverter setup

The electric layout section allows you to select the inverter setup to which you want to connect your array. By default, a new inverter setup is created for each segment where an array is added.

For example, if you previously created two arrays with separate inverter setups, you can later connect them to the same inverter for easier maintenance.

Select the inverter setup for the array to be connected.
The array will dynamically move under the selected inverter setup in the main navigation panel.

You can simultaneously examine changes on 3D map. The connection indicator will tell you which inverter setup array is connected to.

Tip: Changing the inverter setup connection can be useful when, for instance, a road runs through your installation. You can create two segments with arrays on either side of the road and connect them to the same inverter and transformer setup.

Array options menu

Every array offers a quick options menu to manage its basic parameters. Available keyboard shortcuts are inside the parentheses:

Rename (R) - will rename the array.
Show/hide (H) - show/hide array boundaries on the interactive 3D map.
Reconnect - change the array’s inverter setup connection.
Set all to default - resets all array’s changed parameters to default.
Delete (Del)- delete the array.

Tip: You can access the options menu using three-dot menu in Project inspector, in Properties panel, or via keyboard shortcuts.

Copying the array configuration to other arrays

For convenience, we have introduced an array parameter copying functionality that lets you apply array’s properties to other arrays in the design. This significantly speeds up the process of configuration when multiple arrays in the project are required to have the same parameters.

To copy array properties to other arrays in the project:

Select the array you want to copy.
Click the three-dot menu in the properties panel.
Select “Apply properties to…(C)” from the list. Alternatively, press the “C” key.

A list of available arrays to copy to will be shown.

Properties that will be copied are listed at the top. You can edit this and select which properties you wish to copy.
Select the arrays where to copy the parameters.
Apply the changes. The selected parameters will be copied to selected arrays.