This release of SunDAT includes the following features/fixes:

• Revised SunDAT Web Service for parametric simulations
  • New Design Explorer view
  • No longer uses a credit-based system
  • Added metrics: Cost ($/wDC), LCOE, NPV, IRR
• Cost estimation (via integration with PVBid)
  • Cost estimate provided for each layout (when activated in PV Layout settings)
  • Cost estimation screen to view detailed breakdown of each layout result
• Financial modeling (via integration with SunFig)
  • LCOE, NPV & IRR provided for each layout (when activated in PV Layout settings)
  • Finance screen to view details for each layout result + charting of specific metrics over the system life
  • Detailed settings options to enable fine tuning of financial models and results
• Revised installer (users can now choose installation location on their machine)
• Additional filter options added to Site Overview for modules and inverters
• Updates to the component cloning inputs in the Equipment Library
• Added table of monthly energy data to Energy Analysis report
• Table quantity split into separate columns in layout results export
  • Thanks to James for this suggestion
• Fixed issue with layout running slowly when “Edges” selected as Start Point
  • Thanks to Shawna & Ben for identifying this issue
• Added region name to slope analysis report to avoid overwriting during multi-region analysis
• Added option to show inverter group boundary after DC electrical is completed
  • Thanks to Jose for this suggestion
• Added Max Spacing input when “Allow slope/shade to influence row spacing” is ON, and enabled alternate date selection
  • Thanks to Lou for this suggestion
• Fixed issue with start/end hours in “Allow slope/shade to influence row spacing”
  • Thanks to Shanthini for identifying this issue
• Fixed issue with structure not appearing during ground mount table creation
  • Thanks to Megan for identifying this issue
• Added “Forgot Password?” link to SunDAT login page
• Module name and quantity added to Bill of Materials
  • Thanks to Ben for this suggestion

This release of SunDAT includes the following features/fixes:

• SketchUp 2019 Compatibility
• Bifacial module modeling
  • Inputs added for bifacial modeling in Energy Analysis
  • Bifacial attributes added to modules in library
• Improved Slope Analysis features for SunDAT Pro subscribers:
  • Use table structure (pile locations) to determine potential grading areas
  • Define min/max post height in Slope Analysis > Layout Analysis
  • Flags added during Layout Analysis to piles that are outside the user-provided tolerance
  • Revised Cut/Fill feature to use min/max post heights and flagged piles to determine grading volume
• Energy Analysis updated to support NREL SAM’s latest 2018 version
• Changed limitations on PV Layout so that SunDAT Web Service is required only when the permutations per region exceed 20.  Previous rule forced users to use SWS for sites with >20 regions.
  • Thanks to George for this suggestion
• Added popup instructions/help when hovering over certain inputs in Energy Analysis
• Added size filters to Module and Inverter selection in Site Overview
  • Thanks to Icar for this suggestion
• Split Max Voltage drop inputs in wire schedule settings to apply separately to String and Combiner circuits
• Units in Block Creation now match model units
  • Thanks to Kyle for this suggestion
• Added region-specific soil data to Energy Analysis for specific US states
• Tilt and azimuth added to Energy Analysis report
  • Thanks to Chris for this suggestion
• Added option for users to alter the color of components within the DC Electrical hierarchy
  • Thanks to Jose for this suggestion
• Added automatic unfavoriting of blocks that are used by a favorite table once that table is unfavorited
• Fixed issue with Panel Claw export when blocks are used in layout
• Fixed error during KMZ import
  • Thanks to Keyur for bringing this to our attention
• Fixed issue with access denied error when running slope analysis while the slope analysis report is open in the background
• Fixed error messaging when soil losses are entered incorrectly
  • Thanks to Worlasie for bringing this to our attention
• Fixed issue with EW spacing between smaller blocks when multiple blocks are used
  • Thanks to Ben for bringing this to our attention
• Fixed issue with with Block shown as favorite even after unfavoriting the block
• BOM export now defaults to CSV file format
  • Thanks to Chris for bringing this to our attention
• Fixed issue where combiners are placed above tables when model is rendered in Outline mode
• Fixed issue with USGS data not being displayed in Site Overview
• Fixed issue where user is unable to change conductor size units if project is outside of US/Canada
  • Thanks to Katherine for bringing this to our attention
• Fixed issue with missing columns in wire schedule export
• Fixed issue with Custom Start Point selecting North East when user selects North West
  • Thanks to Aaron for bringing this to our attention
• Fixed issue of duplication of inverter enclosure block during DC electrical design in some instances
• Fixed issue with some properties not exporting to SketchUp LayOut

This release of SunDAT includes the following features/fixes:

• Rooftop DC Electrical Design
  • Explode rooftop tables to work with individual modules
  • Assign modules to strings in two ways:
    • Group Selection: Select a group of modules and see multiple options for grouping those modules into strings
    • Custom Selection:  Select individual modules and “draw” strings within the layout
  • Once string assignment is complete, use the same tools for existing DC electrical design to assign strings to inverters, place equipment and auto-generate a wire schedule
• PanelClaw structure selection and clawOS design export
  • Select PanelClaw racking products during rooftop table creation and get pre-populated dimensions for the table
  • During Layout, if a table with PanelClaw structure is selected, spacing will also populate automatically
  • After Layout, go to Export Design to generate a JSON file that can be imported into the PanelClaw’s clawOS platform. Once imported into clawOS, the user can auto-generate structural plans based on their SunDAT layout.
• Redesigned Export to LayOut to improve speed and stability
  • Thanks to Chris, Mitch, Ben K. and Gokul for the feedback and suggestions on this
• Added passive updates to SunDAT
  • Future feature improvements and fixes will be downloaded and installed upon opening SunDAT without the user having to run a separate installer
• Added ability to see all strings/tables associated with an inverter in DC Electrical
  • Thanks to Kyle E. for this suggestion
• Added “Show Unassigned Tables” to DC Electrical so user can see any tables that have not yet been assigned to a combiner or inverter
• Several updates to SLD creation
• Several updates to PV Layout Results view
  • Parametric run results now grouped and can be expanded/collapsed
    • Thanks to Daniel for this suggestion
  • More sorting options
  • Add/remove columns
  • More pagination options
  • Page and column settings now saved after any changes made
• Several updates to terrain/slope analysis
  • Slope/terrain analysis is now region specific
    • Thanks to Ben R. for this suggestion
  • Added clone button to individual slope analysis results
  • Added delete button to individual slope analysis results
• Added better indicator at the inverter enclosure level in DC Electrical to show which circuits do not have combiners placed
  • Thanks to Ben K. for this suggestion
• Added ability to specify custom times (not just hourly) during Shadow setback creation
  • Thanks to Abdul for this suggestion
• Wire Schedule now supports Y-adapters for strings
  • Go to “Customize” and change the “Parallel String Quantity” to group multiple strings into a single conductor
  • This setting can also be used to simulate wire harnesses
  • Thanks to Chris and Abdul for this suggestion
• Rendering inverter enclosure blocks in 2D Table Outline mode now shows inverter, CBs and strings
  • Thanks to Mitch for this suggestion
• Added ability to specify different NS and EW module gaps for trackers (useful for modeling 2P single-axis trackers)
  • Thanks to George and others for this suggestion
• Added option in DC Electrical to “Unassign All Strings” for a particular inverter
  • Thanks to Abdul and Jestin for this suggestion
• Added “Custom” start point option and directional options for PV Layout
  • Thanks to Andrew, Ben K. and Gokul for this suggestion
• Removed confusing red error message in UI after successful region creation
• Added active inverters (from Site Overview menu) to the top of the Parametric inverter selection drop down in PV Layout
  • Thanks to Worlasie for this suggestion
• Updated payment UI for SunDAT Web Service
• Fixed issue with duplicate pages in Energy Report
  • Thanks to Chris and Gokul for bringing this to our attention
• Fixed rounding error issue during table creation causing minor variations in gap distances
  • Thanks to Harmandeep for bringing this to our attention
• Fixed issue in Parametric Layout where avoiding Web Service run and reducing number of permutations results in an error
  • Thanks to Mavis for bringing this to our attention
• Fixed issue in Block Creation where spacing options don’t switch when existing block with tracker tables is selected
  • Thanks to Kyle D. for bringing this to our attention
• Fixed issue in Canopy layout where center of canopy table is not aligned to the original region line
  • Thanks to Sri Harsha for brining this to our attention
• Fixed issue in Canopy region creation where region is not created if selected line is attached to a SketchUp face
  • Thanks to Icar for bringing this to our attention
• Wire Schedule length units now match SketchUp model units
• Fixed BOM export issue where model with multiple regions had misaligned rows
  • Thanks to Gokul for bringing this to our attention
• Fixed issue running Shade Profile with blocks
• Fixed issue with “wrench” menu on last item in DC Electrical hierarchy going off screen
  • Thanks to Ben K. for bringing this to our attention

This maintenance release of SunDAT includes the following critical update:

• Fixed issue with Google Maps API preventing Project Setup in certain cases
  • Thanks to Annie and Douglas for reporting this issue

This maintenance release of SunDAT includes the following features/fixes:

• Add live chat to SunDAT to provide immediate user support
• Expanded Single-Line Diagram features for string inverter designs
• Users can now import either KML or KMZ files (previously only KMZ was supported)
• Added Power button to Web Service UI so user can turn on/off web service
  • Turning the service off helps conserve credits if a certain job is not progressing
• Region name is now locked on creation so it can’t be accidentally deleted
• Rooftop tables removed from Electrical Block creation menus
• Template directory setting now allows user to pull LayOut and CAD templates from a custom location/directory
• Updated default tracker rotation limit to 60 degrees – may have an impact on previously run energy simulations
• Structures are now displayed after layout in all cases (regardless of system size)
  • Thanks to Ben for this suggestion
• Fixed issues with transferring SKP files between users when custom components are used
  • Thanks to Kyle (and several other users) for the feedback on this issue
• Fixed issue where custom components weren’t deleting properly from the library
• Fixed several issues with the Web Service dashboard and features
  • Thanks to everyone who contributed feedback
• Fixed issue with tracker shade profile not routing to web service when original layout included blocks
• Fixed issue during layout which occurred in some cases when a boundary offset was used
  • Thanks to Carolina for bringing this to our attention
• Fixed issue during layout when simulating production in certain cases
  • Thanks to Mavis for bringing this to our attention
• Fixed bug thrown when using a “Target System Size” after changing the number of layout iterations in Settings
  • Thanks to Icar for bringing this to our attention

This release of SunDAT includes the following features/fixes:

• Web Service
  • Leverage the combiner power of cloud computing and SunDAT to run hundreds of designs for one or more sites in minutes
  • Accessible from within SunDAT or from the browser (https://sundat.ftcsolar.com/sws)
  • Multiple workflows available:
    • Multi-site prospecting/design optimization (JSON + Multi-KMZ)
    • Design optimization (JSON + KMZ or JSON + SKP)
    • Single-Axis Tracker on Terrain Shade Profile
    • …more being developed
  • Each user will receive 100 free credits upon sign up
  • Additional credit packages can be purchased within SunDAT or online
• Ability to export the Energy Analysis report to PDF
• Ability to submit custom components (and their spec sheets) for inclusion in the SunDAT global library
• String size calculation tool – accessible by clicking recommended string size during table creation
  • Thanks to Mitch for this suggestion
• Slope Analysis results are now shown as a table
  • Thanks to Ben for this suggestion
• Ability to convert boundary data from DWG import even if no contour lines are selected
• Terrain mesh material reverts to satellite image after slope heatmap is removed (if mesh originally had an image)
  • Thanks to James for this suggestion
• Add voltage and type filters for Module and Inverter selection in Site Overview
• Units added to Clone Component view
  • Thanks to Thomas for this suggestion
• Inverter selection in PV Layout screen is now disabled if user selects an Inverter-based block for layout
• Multiple fixes to Energy Analysis UI
• Fixed issue with inverter placement when inverter enclosure in some specific cases
  • Thank to Ben for reporting this issue
• Fixed issue with tracker structure not appearing in table visualization when “Use Adv Config…” is checked
• Fixed issue with Production/Yield estimate when inverter’s values are incomplete – SunDAT now estimates some specific values for these inverters
• SKP filename added to SunDAT window to clarify active project when multiple models are open

This release of SunDAT includes the following features/fixes:

• Settings feature
  • Allows user to set/adjust global settings for SunDAT
  • Allows user to set/adjust feature specific settings (i.e. for PV Layout) – more feature specific settings will be made available soon
  • Settings are saved to the user’s machine and will persist through future upgrades
• Structures for ground-mount tables
  • GM Fixed Tilt and Tracker tables supported
  • User can specify pile quantity/spacing within a table during table creation
  • Structures automatically shown for each layout that uses tables with a structure configuration
  • Pile quantity added to Bill of Materials
• String inverter electrical design for Ground Mounts (previously only Central Inverter electrical design was supported)
• Added support for odd/asymmetrical module quantities in tables
  • Thanks to Kyle for suggesting we support this
• Added ability to specify starting point for auto-grouping/stringing in DC Electrical
  • User can specify “Bottom-Left” or “Top-Right” for each grouping operation
• Added settings for Dynamic row spacing feature when fixed tilt tables are used on terrain
  • User can now adjust start/end hour for the shade analysis (10AM – 2PM are the defaults)
  • Thanks to Adrien for this suggestion
• Shade profile added to NREL SAM simulation if present (shows impact to production/yield via increased shade loss %)
• Increased level of detail in Slope Analysis > Tolerance Heat Map
  • Table now shows directional break down of areas in the specified slope ranges
  • Thanks to Megan for this suggestion
• Clone in Equipment Library no longer allows user to specify name if that name is already used by an existing component
• Improved Follow Terrain in Slope Analysis such that rotation of a given table will not go beyond the specified tolerance
  • Thanks to Clement and Yoann for this suggestion
• Improvements to cut/fill feature to reduce number of errors during volume calculation
• Added +/- to slope report to indicate slope direction
  • North (-), South (+), East (-), West (+)
  • Thanks to Dan for this suggestion
• Added string conductors to Bill of Materials
• Allow user to un-assign all strings at the inverter level in DC Electrical (previously user had to do this at the sub-inverter level)
• When using Tracker tables, Layout now allows tables with different driveline gap spacing and bearing cap gap spacing/frequency to be run together
  • Thanks to Megan and Kyle for this suggestion
• Layout allows multiple blocks comprised of different tables as long as one dimension of the blocks is the same
  • Thanks to Casey and Megan for this suggestion
• Shade Profile is now removed when user starts a new layout run
• Resized Energy Analysis frames to minimize need for scroll bars
• Existing version of SunDAT now shown when update is available so a version comparison can be made
• Fixed sorting issue in string wire schedule
• Fixed issue where SLD menu did not change when inverter type changed (string/central)
• Fixed issue with table height not being accounted for in recommended gap calculation
  • Thanks to James for reporting this issue
• Fixed issue where Block Creation defaults to “Electrical Block”
• Fixed issue where searching in all caps in the Equipment Library doesn’t return any results
• Fixed MVSLD generation error
  • Thanks to Ben for reporting this issue
• Fixed issue with over-estimating combiner block string wire lengths.
• Fixed issue in Layout when using “Spacing by Target System Size” and target size is specified in kwAC
• Fixed issue where Pitch is calculated incorrectly when using Parametric layout mode
  • Thanks to Kyle for reporting this issue
• Fixed issue where “Clean Up Model” did not remove “SLD” and “MVSLD” scenes from SketchUp model
• Fixed multiple issues in Inverter Enclosure Block preview section
• Fixed issue where some values in the Slope Report CSV file showed NaN
  • Thanks to Ben for reporting this issue
• Fixed issues in DC Electrical with string assignment and auto-assignment
• Fixed issue where favorite and non-favorite components could not be run together in Layout
• Fixed issue with “.” in component names
  • Thanks to Mitch for reporting this issue
• Fixed issue where surface mesh is shifted if user moves imported DWG before using “Topography” to convert contour lines to mesh
• Fixed wire schedule issues when using inverter blocks
• Fixed “Loading…” image when SunDAT first opens

This release of SunDAT includes the following features/fixes:

• Combiner-based electrical blocks
  • Create blocks comprised of one or more combiner boxes and the associated strings/tables
  • Speeds up DC electrical design process for large systems while enabling flexible layouts on complex boundaries
• Skewed blocks
  • Tracker table blocks (including electrical blocks) can now be skewed at a specified angle and used for layout
  • Thanks to Jared for this suggestion
• Layout run detail changes the number of iterations performed when “Spacing by Target System Size” is enabled
  • Thanks to Dan for this suggestion
• Single-line diagram screen now populates with all available electrical data if DC electrical design has been completed
• Layout results now display all spacing types (Gap, Pitch and GCR)
  • Thanks to Dan for this suggestion
• Added check to ensure favorite tables used by favorite blocks can’t be unfavorited
• Added several inverter enclosures to the SunDAT library to make it easier to start DC Electrical design
• Fixed issue where component labels weren’t removed after erasing electrical design
• Fixed web cache issue during installation – SketchUp web cache now removed during each install

This maintenance release of SunDAT includes to following fixes/features:

• Spacing between blocks in Parametric Layout is now restricted to internal block spacing (removing unnecessary additional design permutations)
  • Thanks to Andrew for suggesting this
• Disable deletion of favorite tables when they are used by favorite blocks
• Region-specific scripting operations (i.e. boundary, shadow, layout, etc) will now run for all regions if “region_name” property is set to “”
• Added check during region creation to see if selected face overlaps any existing regions
• Changes to inverter quantity calculation when both Target System Size and Target DC/AC ratio are specified
  • Thanks to Kyle for the suggestion
• Spacing values in layout now reset to blank when spacing type is changed.
  • Thanks to Kyle for reporting an issue with old values being used for layout spacing
• Fixed issues with Canopy layout
• Fixed issue where SunDAT does not load properly after updating a table in an existing block
  • Thanks to Hasan for reporting this issue
• Fixed issue where SunDAT does not load properly when using favorite blocks with additional gaps
  • Thanks to Mavis and Andrew for reporting this issue

This release of SunDAT includes the following features/fixes:

• Optimize row spacing (GCR) based on target system size for a region.
  • To use, set a “Target System Size” in Layout and then turn on “Use Target Size to determine spacing”.
  • Thanks to Dan for this suggestion!
• Custom component sharing.
  • Any custom components used in an SKP model are now also stored in that model (in addition to being stored in the user’s local equipment library).
  • Example:  User A creates a custom module and uses it in an SKP model.  User A sends the SKP to User B.  Once User B opens this SKP, the custom module will immediately be added to their local user library.
• Equipment labeling for the DC Electrical feature (on separate layer).
  • Combiners and inverters can now be labeled dynamically
  • Labeling is included in export to AutoCAD
  • Thanks to Ben for this suggestion!
• Option to remove all empty string slots in a DC Electrical hierarchy.
• Target System Size in Layout can apply to single region or all regions.
  • When 2 or more regions are chosen in Layout, unchecking the “By Region?” checkbox will set the Target System Size to the entire model (all regions)
  • Thanks to Jared for this suggestion!
• Improved cut/fill feature so that any errors in volume calculation are now reported in UI and in the model.
• Added ability to comma-separate Bearing Cap Gap frequency in Advanced Config section of Tracker Table Creation.
• Warning thrown when user deletes region by accident, allows user to reinstate region.
• Added “Repair Regions” feature in Tools.
• Warning message thrown when user begins Parametric Layout run with over 20 permutations.  Option to proceed provided.
• Error message now thrown when user without SketchUp Pro tries to export to AutoCAD or LayOut.
• Faces removed during AutoCAD export (reduces DWG file size).
• Improved UI speed, decreased loading time, for certain portions of the tool.
• Fixed issue with favorite tracker tables not properly storing advanced config attributes.
  • Thanks to Dan for reporting this!
• Fixed issue where clicking outside of “?” help menu still opened the SunDAT help
• Fixed issue so block deletion now checks if blocks are used in any layouts in the model.
  • Thanks to Jared for reporting this!
• Fixed KWDC value in BOM for certain cases post-DC Electrical design.
• Fixed issue with SketchUp LayOut export not working properly for SketchUp 2018.
• Fixed issue where “.” in table and block names caused errors.
  • Thanks to Mitch for reporting this!
• Fixed issue with across table slope analysis for fixed tilt tables.