Solar Software Tools

When one thinks of ways to lower the cost point for solar energy installations, the first thing that comes to mind is usually cutting edge technology like what Nanosolar has developed using silicon crystals or thin film deposits. But these technologies have proven difficult and expensive to perfect and have sunk more than one innovative company. Since the photovoltaic hardware is generally only 30-50% of the cost of a typical installation, there has been a more pedestrian place to look to cut costs and it doesn't have to be in renting solar.

Despite rising silicon prices, the price per kW has decreased due to the use of modelling software. Some examples are Clean Power’s CPF Tools, OnGrid, and PVOptimize. These can streamline the design and estimating of a project, as well as produce easier, quicker, and ultimately cheaper installations. Many of these tools are being coupled with financing tools to provide a model for small-scale loan originations and all of this makes going solar an easier and more cost effective process.

There are other back-end monitoring tools that allow for installation feedback and these are available from companies like Fat Spaniel Technologies. These tools help to ensure that the installation is performing to its full potential, thereby further ensuring a cost-effective installation. Tools like this should help the solar industry mature and, by becoming more cost-effective, become more mainstream.