ABSTRACT
Potential investors in or operators of solar systems ask for the optimum system solution, the expected solar yield and the level of energy saving. Simulation programs are essential to answer these questions. System planning should involve the optimization of the various system variants and system components on the basis of energy, economics and ecology. Whereas previously this optimization was possible only to a limited effect on the basis of empirical values, it is now made much easier – or even possible – with the aid of commercially available simulation programs. Nevertheless simulation does not replace draft design, estimation of the yield and reliable determination of the data that are necessary for planning. In order to obtain realistic results in the simulation and optimization of large or complex systems it is not only a powerful simulation program that is required but also the technical engineering knowledge of the planner. The results of a simulation are only as good as the realistic selection of the entry values and the simulation method. Many program makers have therefore begun to integrate plausibility controls at the data entry stage. This is helpful when gross dimensioning errors are made. Optimization can take place only if the planner knows which parameters or dimensions can improve the system to be planned, and if the program offers the optimization functions or variant comparisons. However, a critical evaluation of the simulation results is recommended for every planner because, in the end, the simulation program always assumes the optimum artificial conditions, which in reality cannot exist.
