PVCAD
PVCAD Overview
Last Updated: June 10, 2025PVCAD Welcome to our guide through PVCAD, the first computer-aided design (CAD) program built for distributed generation solar projects. We recommend using PVCAD for all projects <5MW and PVCAD Mega for ground mounted projects >5MWs or if you would like to conduct topography analysis. We have written the guide in a concise, straightforward manner for...
Intro: Access and Install
Last Updated: June 10, 2025Free Trial We offer free trials to PVCAD and PVCAD Mega. You can register for a free trial by filling out this form and you will be sent an email containing pre-recorded demo videos and a link to download a free trial. You will see the days remaining on your trial in the top right...
1. PVCAD Quick Start Guide
Last Updated: June 10, 2025Quick Start Below is a summary of the key workflows in PVCAD, each section corresponds to a tab in the PVCAD Window. This page is a snapshot of the detailed explanations to follow in our documentation. To begin, if you have an AutoCAD license download the PVCAD Plug-In, or if you have AutoCAD LT or...
2. PVComplete AI
Last Updated: June 10, 2025The first tab in your PVCAD (Mega) Window is the AI tab. Simply type a question or a direction into the dialogue (or select a sample question from our drop down) and capture the power of AI in your design by clicking SEND. The PVComplete AI Assistant is an intelligent design tool embedded within PVCAD...
3. Project
Last Updated: June 10, 2025If you are using PVCAD Mega, make sure that you are in the correct mode for the project you are designing. If you are designing a large ground mount you should be in Utility Scale mode vs. Standard. Click SETTINGS and select UTILITY SCALE . If you doing a design <5MW or a rooftop select STANDARD....
4. Site Objects
Last Updated: June 10, 2025After setting the project location, navigate to the Site tab to begin defining site objects. Site objects help PVCAD understand the physical layout and constraints of the project area. Available object types include: Rooftop – Define your rooftop area Carport – Define your carport area Ground Mount Outline – Set the boundary of your ground...
5. Version Settings
Last Updated: June 10, 2025The Version Settings tab in PVCAD is a critical configuration area where users define key electrical parameters that shape the system’s overall electrical design and inform the automated calculations used in the Single Line Diagram and other engineering deliverables. Set these now to save time later in your design, these settings work together to ensure...
6. Mechanical Layout
Last Updated: June 10, 2025Once all project objects have been defined—including installation areas, obstructions, and boundaries—you can proceed to design the mechanical layout of your photovoltaic system. This phase involves selecting your module, inverter, and mounting system to create an optimized layout for your installation area(s). Selecting Mounting Systems and Modules On the Mechanical Layout tab, begin by specifying...
7. Electrical Layout
Last Updated: June 10, 2025Now that you have completed your Mechanical Layout onto the project site, it’s time to select the electrical equipment and define how the system components will be electrically connected. The Electrical Layout tab in PVCAD includes all tools needed to complete the electrical design: selecting and placing inverters, stringing modules, connecting conductors, and generating a...
8. Summary
Last Updated: June 10, 2025You have completed your first design, congrats! PVCAD supports version control by allowing users to create and manage multiple layout versions within a single project. You can see a summary of each of these versions on the Summary tab with key defining features about the project. If you are looking for more information, refer to...
