Dear Mahmood,

The papers in the links given introduce an answer to your question:

citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.214.8971&rep=rep1.. ,

inpressco.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Paper48725-731.pdf,

As for the cad tools required are given in the links:

For the free cad software:http://photovoltaic-software.com/free.php

For payed cad software: photovoltaic-software.com/professional.php

Best wishes

Hi Mahmood, my own experiences in this are rather limited in custom chains of similation codes for light, cell, circuit simulations, so just a brief note.

1) It may be of interest to distinguish modeling capabilities in terms of e.g. electrical models of the modules / circuits, modeling of irradiation (e.g. sky models), and modeling of buildings geometry (e.g. geometric primitives, reflection by surroundings).

2) You will need to define your own requirements - quick estimates to guide design, accurate predictions, comprehensive analysis?

In most cases, one cannot "rate" simulation tools independent of the given task. A highly accurate code may perform worse than a simplified tools if crude approximations are used as inputs. On the other hand, if you have a lot of information about your system and need an in-depth analysis, using the quick and easy tool typically imposes limitations in the detailed modeling.

Hi Mahmood, I suggest PVGIS

Hi Mahmood,

It depends on the level of detail you want to go into, I have used the following which all work at different level of details:

1. RETSCREEN is a good tool that allows modelling of renewable energy systems including detailed life cycle cost analysis and carbon analysis http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/software-tools/7465, it is a simplified software that can be very helpful for building integrated systems.

2. HOMER is another very useful too for hybrid renewable energy analysis. https://www.homerenergy.com/

3. TRNSYS is a modular simulation environment that gives you maximum flexibility in terms of the level of detail you want to go into. The only downside is learning curve, if you haven't used it before and want to get some quick results then this is not the best tool. http://www.trnsys.com/

Hope this helps a little.

I Mahmmood, just try BIMsolar, free for now: www.bim-solar.com

Just need a 3D model for your project to start simulation!

Pvsyst is a powerfull software

Hi Mahmood,

It all depends on what you want to do really. I will recommend HOMER (https://www.homerenergy.com) or RETSCREEN (http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/software-tools/7465) for simplified evaluation of energy production, emission analysis or Life Cycle Cost analysis. If you want to go into the detail analysis of the systems, heat balance etc then you should consider software such as TRNSYS (http://www.trnsys.com). Hope this helps.

I suggest PVGIS by EU-JRC, they have option for BIPV.

Dear Mahmood,

I would also suggest the System Advisor Model (SAM) tool, developed by NREL in USA, that, although it is not specifically for BIPV, you can do nice PV simulations in hourly resolution.

Finally, for buildings applications, I would recommend to develop you own tool in python, GAMS or any other programming language.

Best regards,

Rafael