The renewable energy electricity market is rapidly evolving, and photovoltaic (PV) power stations are experiencing a significant surge in installations. In this dynamic environment, leveraging smart technology can provide a competitive edge, enabling quicker station construction, faster grid connection, and earlier returns on investment.
Historically, the industry has focused on the performance advantages of individual hardware devices to increase power generation, aiming for a “1+1>2” effect. However, PV power stations operate as comprehensive systems, and over their 25-year lifespan, the benefits of rapid, precise, and efficient processes from simulation to design far exceed the gains from optimizing single devices.
As a leader in new energy technology, Sunshine New Energy has introduced several innovative tools based on its “Cube” technology platform, including the iSolarSim photovoltaic power generation simulation software, the iSolarTool large-scale PV intelligent assessment and design software, and the iSolarBP distributed intelligent assessment design software. These tools enhance the digital transformation of station development from the micro to macro levels, facilitating efficient power generation simulation and design evaluation.
Simulation is often the first step in the decision-making process for power station development. However, factors such as orientation, tilt distortion, the arching effect, and insufficient rooftop diffuse light can lead to simulation errors exceeding 6% in mountainous, flexible support, and distributed stations. The iSolarSim software utilizes advanced shadow calculation algorithms and 3D panoramic visualization technology to achieve dual high-precision simulations of real-world 3D scenarios and generation data. Simulations for residential and commercial stations take only 10 seconds, while a 100MW mountainous station can be simulated in just 10 minutes, drastically improving efficiency and reducing simulation errors to around 2%.
iSolarSim is just one part of Sunshine New Energy’s comprehensive suite of digital and intelligent software. To address challenges such as slow assessment and design processes for centralized and distributed PV systems, the iSolarTool and iSolarBP have emerged as essential tools, receiving positive feedback from the market. The iSolarTool employs intelligent shadow analysis technology to maximize the usable space between plots and edges, quickly optimizing component layouts. Its accuracy exceeds 90%, reducing the design cycle for large stations from 21 days to just 3-4 days, and decreasing the cost per watt by 2-3 cents, resulting in significant efficiency improvements and cost control. Experts from the Shanghai Solar Energy Society have noted that “the iSolarTool covers a wide range of application scenarios with remarkable results, demonstrating innovative significance in both functionality and algorithms, filling a gap in domestic software design, and serving as an advanced model.”
In distributed PV development, the unique characteristics of non-standardized designs add complexity to assessments. Traditional rooftop inspections are not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also pose safety risks. The iSolarBP offers four key advantages: rapid inspections, accurate assessments, quick output, and superior design. Utilizing drone technology, it can inspect a 100,000 square meter rooftop in just 2 hours and complete 3D modeling with a precision of within 10 cm in 15 minutes, significantly saving time and labor costs.
As the renewable energy market continues to surge forward, Sunshine New Energy’s iSolarTool, iSolarBP, and iSolarSim bring user value through their intelligent, efficient, fast, and precise features. These tools provide comprehensive support to station development partners, enabling them to navigate the current surge in PV installations successfully.
