Instructions
Interested in using PVCAD to create precise, accurate and efficient solar project designs within the AutoCAD environment? Great! Let’s get you set up.
Requirements for running PVCAD
First, please check that your computer meets the minimum requirements to install and run PVCAD. The system must have
an x-64-based processor
a 64-bit operating system
8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
1280 x 800 or higher display resolution
Microsoft Windows 10 or 11
Microsoft Excel
Installing the PVCAD bundle
The PVCAD Bundle provides AutoCAD and PVCAD in a single installation. If you already have AutoCAD, skip to the next section for details about adding PVCAD as a plug-in. Be sure you have adequate storage on the hard drive. The file size is approximately 1.4 GB.
Once the download is finished, unzip and extract all files to the hard drive. This is done by locating the downloaded zip-file on your File Explorer, and right-click to select Extract All. Then, open the PVCAD Desktop Installer file folder and double-click the setup Application to start the installation. Please note, this is not the file of configuration settings titled setup, it is the application.
Trial Installation
If installing the software during a trail period, please follow all previous steps up until you get to the PVCAD login screen. For trial users, you must enter in your email on this screen to have your free trial registered. You do not need a license key at this point, so you can disregard the license key. This is the same as PVCAD Mega – an example entry is below:
Installing the PVCAD plug-in
Before installing the PVCAD plug-in, first check that you have the latest version of AutoCAD, and an account with the Autodesk collaboration tool A360. Visit the A360 website to sign up. This is not required but it is recommended.
Download the PVCAD plug-in. This is an MSI file. Once it downloads, double click the file to start the installation.
Manually Uninstalling and Reinstalling PVCAD
If an error occurs during the PVCAD installation process, the program may not run correctly. If you do not see the PVCAD ribbon in the AutoCAD user interface or you are experiencing immediate errors, we recommend manually uninstalling and reinstalling PVCAD.
Close AutoCAD and uninstall PVCAD using the installer.
Go to Add or Remove Programs from your Start Menu.
Uninstall PVCAD again.
Delete any previous PVCAD installers from your computer via file explorer.
Go to installation page on our website to download a new installer
If using the PVCAD plugin, run the .MSI file
If using the PVCAD bundle, unzip/extract the downloaded file, run the setup application in the extracted filei
Installation FAQs
What if I don’t have Microsoft Windows?
If your computer does not have Microsoft Windows, consider a hard drive partition or a virtualization program that allows you to run multiple operating systems on the same machine. Many of the latest Apple computers include Boot Camp, a tool that helps users switch between macOS and Windows at startup.
What if I’m running AutoCAD on a 32-bit system?
You must upgrade to a 64-bit system to add the PVCAD extension.
I am unable to Run PVCAD Bundle.
Uninstall PVCAD.
Download and install the .NET 4.7.1 installation wizard adn .NET 4.7.1 Update
Re-install PVCAD.
