Mastering Practical Solar PV Design Using SketchUp & Pvsyst

Course Overview & Objectives

Designing a high-performing solar photovoltaic plant requires more than just dropping modules onto a layout. It demands a rigorous understanding of site constraints, precise 3D modeling, and advanced simulation to mitigate shading losses and optimize energy yield.

This comprehensive course takes you step-by-step through the entire design lifecycle—from foundational solar geometry and site assessment to advanced 3D shading analysis and integrated workflows using AutoCAD, SketchUp, and PVsyst.

Key Modules Breakdown

Module 1: Solar Energy Fundamentals

Core solar energy basics and types of solar systems (PV, CSP, thermal)

Irradiance concepts (kW/m2, peak sun hours) and radiation types (direct, diffuse, reflected)

Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI) and Direct Normal Irradiation (DNI) measurement tools, including pyranometers

Module 2: Solar Geometry & System Design Basics

Sun path mechanics and seasonal movement

Solar noon, azimuth angle, altitude angle, tilt, and optimal orientation

Module 3: Solar Site Analysis

Online assessment methodologies (Google Earth, surrounding topography)

Layout understanding, local site inspection, and critical site constraints

Practical software application using SunCalc for site evaluation

Module 4: Introduction to Shading & Impact

Defining shading, why it is critical, and its direct impact on PV production

Module 5: Types of Shading (Part 1)

Temporary shading, location-based constraints, building shading, and mitigation basics

Module 6: Types of Shading (Part 2 – Critical Types)

Self-shading (interrow shading) and direct shading

Energy loss impact and engineering design considerations

Module 7: Advanced Shading & Field Tools

SunEve, Sun Path Finders, and field measurement instrumentation

Module 8: Practical Shading Analysis Workflow (AutoCAD → SketchUp → PVsyst)

Preparing 2D PV layouts using AutoCAD

Developing 3D models and simulating shading scenarios in SketchUp

Performing advanced shading analysis and calculating energy losses in PVsyst

Evaluating simulation results to identify critical shading impacts and applying design optimization (layout, spacing, and tilt) to minimize losses

Who This Is For

Solar Engineers & Designers seeking to master industry-standard simulation and 3D modeling tools.

EPC Professionals & Project Managers wanting deeper technical insight into energy yield optimization and loss mitigation.

Engineering Students & Practitioners aiming to gain hands-on, practical competency in utility and commercial PV system design.