Solar Energy Calculator and Mapping Tool - PVGIS

Easily calculate solar energy potential and visualize it with PVGIS mapping tool. Empower your solar projects with accurate data insights and precision.

1. Solar Energy Calculator
and Mapping Tool -PVGIS
Discover accurate solar energy estimates with PVGIS. Utilize our
PVGIS Calculatorfor Europe and France to optimize your solar
power potential. Trust PVGIS for reliable solar estimations and
enhance your energy efficiency.

2. Quick Steps
1
Enter Address
The first step is to enter the address of the solar production site. This can be done by
typing in the address or by using the map to pinpoint the location.
2
Zoom In
Once the address is entered, you can zoom in on the map to get a more precise
location. This is important for ensuring that the solar radiation data is accurate.
3
Opacity and Legend
The opacity and legend settings control the visualization of solar irradiance on the
map. It is recommended to keep the default settings.
4
Terrain Shadows
PVGIS can calculate the effect of terrain shadows on solar radiation. This is
important for sites that are located near hills or mountains. You can either use the
calculated horizon or upload your own horizon data.

3. Solar Production Estimation
1
Grid Connected
This option is recommended for roof-mounted production sites connected to the public grid. It
calculates the energy production of a photovoltaic system connected to the grid.
2
Tracking PV
This option calculates the energy production of a photovoltaic system that uses tracking
technology to follow the sun throughout the day.
3
Off-Grid
This option calculates the energy production of a photovoltaic system that is not connected to
the grid. It takes into account battery capacity, discharge cutoff limit, and daily consumption.
4
Monthly, Daily, Hourly Data
These options provide detailed solar radiation data for different time periods. This data can be
used to analyze the performance of a photovoltaic system or to design a new system.

4. Solar Radiation Databases
PVGIS-SARAH2
This database is produced by CM SAF and covers Europe, Africa, most of Asia, and some parts
of South America. It has a time range of 2005-2020.
PVGIS-SARAH
This database is also produced using the CM SAF algorithm. It has a similar coverage to
SARAH-2 but a time range of 2005-2016.
PVGIS-NSRDB
This database is a result of collaboration with NREL (USA) and provides the NSRDB solar
radiation database to PVGIS. It has a time range of 2005-2015.
PVGIS-ERA5
This database is the latest global reanalysis from ECMWF (ECMWF). It has a time range of
2005-2020.

5. Daily Radiation Profile Data
Crystalline Silicon
This is the default option
and represents the
majority of rooftop-
installed solar panel
technology. PVGISdoes
not differentiate between
polycrystalline and
monocrystalline cells.
CIS or CIGS
This option represents
thin-film modules made
from CIS or CIGS. It takes
into account the
temperature dependence
of these technologies.
Cadmium Telluride
(CdTe)
This option represents
thin-film modules made
from cadmium telluride
(CdTe). It takes into
account the temperature
dependence of these
technologies.
Other/Unknown
This option is used for
technologies that are not
specifically supported by
PVGIS. It assumes an 8%
power loss due to
temperature effects.

6. Installed Peak PV Power
This is the power that the manufacturer declares the photovoltaic
system can produce under standard test conditions. It should be
entered in kilowatt-peak (kWp). For example, if you have 9 panels
each with a capacity of 500 Watts, you would enter 4.5. (9 panels
x 500 Watts = 4500 Watts, which is 4.5 kilowatts)

7. System Loss Estimation
PVGISprovides a default value of 14% for overall losses in the
solar electricity production system. This encompasses all losses
within the system, resulting in the actual energy supplied to the
electrical grid being less than the energy produced by the
photovoltaic modules. If you have a good idea that your value will
be different (perhaps due to a highly efficient inverter), you can
slightly reduce this value.

8. Mounting Position
Free-Standing
Modules are mounted on a rack with free air
circulation behind them. This is the most common type
of mounting for rooftop installations.
Roof Added/Building Integrated
Modules are fully integrated into the structure of a
building's wall or roof, with little or no air movement
behind the modules.
Pvgis