Proffesional software for solar system designs?

[Maciek]

Hello,

I am new here and i would like to ask you - do you know any good software for solar radiation analysis? I was searching such a tool in web, but i found only few. The most interesting seems to be: http://www.deltacodes.pl/en/shadowanalysis/info . Did you ever heard about it? Or maybe some one of you is using it already (if yes - could you tell me something about it; is it worth it's price)? Maybe you can also recommend me other professional designing tools for solar radiation analysis in this kind? I would be really grateful.

Regards,
Maciek

[J.P.M.]

Hello,

I am new here and i would like to ask you - do you know any good software for solar radiation analysis? I was searching such a tool in web, but i found only few. The most interesting seems to be: http://www.deltacodes.pl/en/shadowanalysis/info . Did you ever heard about it? Or maybe some one of you is using it already (if yes - could you tell me something about it; is it worth it's price)? Maybe you can also recommend me other professional designing tools for solar radiation analysis in this kind? I would be really grateful.

Regards,
Maciek

Depends on what you mean by analysis and what your end goal is.

[LucMan]

I have been using Solar Pathfinder Assistant, works great for my applications.

[Maciek]

I would like to design most optimized kind of houses, according to insolation of choosen area (I am working in architect trade), but i also want to calculate gain from solar for my clients.
I will for sure check software reffered by you. Did you know anything about that software mentioned by me? - I am asking again cause it's look impresive and i would be glad to hear some opinions of proffesionals.
Thank you for all your answers!

[J.P.M.]

I would like to design most optimized kind of houses, according to insolation of choosen area (I am working in architect trade), but i also want to calculate gain from solar for my clients.
I will for sure check software reffered by you. Did you know anything about that software mentioned by me? - I am asking again cause it's look impresive and i would be glad to hear some opinions of proffesionals.
Thank you for all your answers!

I have no experience with the software you mention.

[Maciek]

I've checked demo of Shadow Analysis - it's really great, but also interesting seems to be Skelion Pro and Archelios Pro - when I will check them, I will share with you my opinion about them and choose, which one I will use in my work.

[J.P.M.]

I have no experience with the software you mention.

As a respectful suggestion, you may find canned programs often promise much & often deliver much less. Writing your own stuff using TMY data, and a knowledge of solar geometry including profile angles, and some knowledge of matrix algebra and the use of view factors, as all that may relate to shadows and obstructions is not that big of a deal, at least up through the 1st reflection. And you get exactly what you want - accurate, in the format you want, with none of the extraneous crap. You can include the effects of specular and diffuse surroundings, including adjacent windows, or anything else you may want for that matter. Direct/diffuse fenestration gain is also something you can add, including accounting for glazing properties. I did some preliminary stuff of that sort several years ago for the house I was designing as my solar magnum opus desert retirement home. The architect thought I was nuts, but was being paid for the aggravation of hiring out to an owner/engineer. The dwelling got past prelim. design phase but never got built. I learned a lot however, including stuff about Title 24, which was one goal. The architect and I are still on reasonably good terms (I think).

[Maciek]

Thanks for all your advices, but I've decided already - Shadow Analysis will be most suitable for me, as i guess. When I will start working with full version after purchase I will let you know, how it's work. I hope, that this time promises will be truth.

Anyway - thank you once more - according to your answers I could check other software and possibilities, with I never met (or think about it) before.

[J.P.M.]

Thanks for all your advices, but I've decided already - Shadow Analysis will be most suitable for me, as i guess. When I will start working with full version after purchase I will let you know, how it's work. I hope, that this time promises will be truth.

Anyway - thank you once more - according to your answers I could check other software and possibilities, with I never met (or think about it) before.

You're Welcome. Good Luck.