Online simulation tool for stand-alone and on-grid photovoltaic (PV) systems.

In the last years, photovoltaic systems enjoyed great popularity especially as on-grid systems but also as stand-alone systems for remote areas. In both cases a precise forecast of the energy output is necessary for the proper dimensioning when planning a PV system. In countries supporting PV systems by feed-in tariffs this information is required to make a precise profitability forecast.

Project description

The aim of the project is to develop a user-friendly and reliable simulation tool for the installation of stand-alone and on-grid photovoltaic systems.

• The simulation tool offers the possibility of carrying out calculations on different detail levels. The end user has the option of selecting the facility configuration that best meets his purposes.
• The location, weather data, irradiation and shadows are considered.
• PV-component libraries and interfaces to external weather data are available as well as examples of installed systems
• The basis for a broad application is ensured by making the simulation tool available online for free on websites of the project partners and other public offices. Furthermore, the program based calculations are available.

Project Team

The Lead Partner of the project, Fachhochschule Pinkafeld , is responsible for the coordination, the analysis of existing tools and programming the code.
Eurac Research collaborates in the definition of needs, provides climate data for South Tyrol to be included in the database and offers data from installed PV systems for the validation of the simulation results.
Viessmann is involved as a stakeholder and a provider of technical know-how

Project Duration: October 2004 - September 2005

OSTAN-PV is a sub-project of the INTERREG III C regional framework operation SiTaR („Sustainability in Tourism and Resource management" www.sitar.co.at). SiTaR involves four European regions (Burgenland in Austria, South Tyrol in Italy, the Administrative District of Waldeck-Frankenberg, the Province of Hesse in Germany and the West Pannonian Regional Development Agency in Hungary). These regions have joined forces in order to develop and carry out subprojects.