SolOpt: A Novel Approach to Solar Rooftop Optimization

Traditionally Photovoltaic Technology (PV) and Solar Hot Water Technology (SHW) have been designed with separate design tools, making it difficult to determine the appropriate mix of PV and SHW. A new tool developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory changes how the analysis is conducted through an integrated approach based on the life cycle cost effectiveness of each system. With 10 inputs someone with only basic knowledge of the building can simulate energy production from PV and SHW, and predict the optimal sizes of the systems. The user can select from four optimization criteria currently available: Greenhouse Gas Reduction, Net-Present Value, Renewable Energy Production, and Discounted Payback Period. SolOpt provides unique analysis capabilities that aren't currently available in any other software programs. Validation results with industry accepted tools for both SHW and PV are presented.