Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining a system layout of a photovoltaic (PV) system is implemented by a design automation computer system in communication with a memory. The method includes receiving a first selection of a system table, receiving a layout mode designation, identifying a system orientation, identifying a system spacing, receiving a layout detail designation, and applying a layout algorithm based on the first selection of a system table, the layout mode designation, the layout mode designation, the system orientation, the system spacing and the layout detail designation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining boundary offsets in a photovoltaic (PV) system based on shadow simulations is implemented by a design automation computer system in communication with a memory. The method includes identifying a set of obstructions wherein the set of obstructions includes a set of obstruction elevations and a set of obstruction offsets, simulating a set of shadow effects using a first coarse shadow algorithm based on the set of obstructions, refining the set of shadow effects using a second fine shadow algorithm based on the set of obstructions and the set of shadow effects, and defining a plurality of boundary of boundary offsets based on the refined set of shadow effects.

Abstract: A method for designing a photovoltaic (PV) system is implemented by a design automation computer system. The method includes receiving a set of site data, receiving a system type selection, receiving a plurality of system component selections, receiving a plurality of PV layout preferences, determining a PV module layout by iteratively applying a first layout algorithm to the set of site data and the plurality of PV layout preferences, the PV module layout defining a placement of a plurality of PV modules of a PV system, determining a structural layout, an electrical design, and an electrical layout based on the PV module layout, determining a bill of materials based on the PV module layout, the structural layout, and the electrical layout, and designing the PV system using the structural layout, the electrical design, the electrical layout, the PV module layout, and the bill of materials.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining boundary offsets in a photovoltaic (PV) system based on shadow simulations is implemented by a design automation computer system in communication with a memory. The method includes identifying a set of obstructions wherein the set of obstructions includes a set of obstruction elevations and a set of obstruction offsets, simulating a set of shadow effects using a first coarse shadow algorithm based on the set of obstructions, refining the set of shadow effects using a second fine shadow algorithm based on the set of obstructions and the set of shadow effects, and defining a plurality of boundary of boundary offsets based on the refined set of shadow effects.

Abstract: A method for designing a photovoltaic (PV) system is implemented by a design automation computer system. The method includes receiving a set of site data, receiving a system type selection, receiving a plurality of system component selections, receiving a plurality of PV layout preferences, determining a PV module layout by iteratively applying a first layout algorithm to the set of site data and the plurality of PV layout preferences, the PV module layout defining a placement of a plurality of PV modules of a PV system, determining a structural layout, an electrical design, and an electrical layout based on the PV module layout, determining a bill of materials based on the PV module layout, the structural layout, and the electrical layout, and designing the PV system using the structural layout, the electrical design, the electrical layout, the PV module layout, and the bill of materials.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining a system layout of a photovoltaic (PV) system is implemented by a design automation computer system in communication with a memory. The method includes receiving a first selection of a system table, receiving a layout mode designation, identifying a system orientation, identifying a system spacing, receiving a layout detail designation, and applying a layout algorithm based on the first selection of a system table, the layout mode designation, the layout mode designation, the system orientation, the system spacing and the layout detail designation.