Design Tools

One of the most important aspects of designing a solar array is sizing module strings to operate within the parameters of the selected inverter. Renewable Energy Associates has developed a tool to help in that process. Most inverter manufacturers offer some type of sizing tool, whether it’s simple or advanced, it’s usually limited to selecting only their products. The REA System Sizing Tool lets you select from a wide variety of products and manufacturer’s.

Our tool is free and available for download just fill out the quick questionnaire below. We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously. The information gathered from this questionnaire is being used to research ways we could potentially expand this service. Thank you.

REA String Sizing Tool v7.5.6

REA String Sizing Tool v7.5.6

Name: *
Country: *
Company: *
E-mail: *

Notes:
1. The string sizer is not setup for inverters with multiple MPPT’s. There might be a couple inverters included in our tool that have this feature (Power-One) but our results will vary from what the manufacturer will recommend.
2. We will no longer be taking request for additional micro-inverters to be added to the tool as the tool is a string size calculator and there are no strings with micro inverters. If you wish to have a micro inverter added so that you can calculate voltage drop we would suggest following the manufacturer recommended install procedure typically found in the install manual or on the manufacturers website.
3. Request for additional equipment will require a spec sheet of the product you are requesting.

Have a question about the string sizing tool or a suggestion which might make it better? Feel free to leave a comment below. Updates will be made periodically.

  • suresh reddy

    Hello, Please Add AEG Inverters data in your Tool Data base

    PV250

    PV500

    PV630

    Please it will greatly help us…. & also how add Manually Location, Country, city since My location is not there in your data base (India – Asia Region)

    Thanks

    • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA

      Looking at the spec sheets for those inverters I don’t see why you couldn’t add them to the custom equipment list on your own. If for some reason you are unable to do so send us an email with the spec sheets of the inverters you wish to have added and we will try to include them on the next update.

      You can also use the manual temperature data entry mode to use data that is not already included in the data set. For ASHRAE locations this is a great resource: http://www.solardesigntemps.com/

      We will be releasing a new version soon that will include ASHRAE locations world wide and several other modifications.

  • Karl

    Any chance on adding Xantrex XW inverters?

    • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA

      Unfortunately our tool is not configured to correctly calculate string size for battery based inverters but, we offer services that would help you in your design. http://renewableassociates.com/design-services/

  • Chris

    Please add these inverters
    Theia HE-t UL 2.0kW
    Theia HE-t UL 2.9kW
    Theia HE-t UL 3.8kW
    Theia HE-t UL 4.4kW

    Thanks

    • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA

      From first glance I don’t know why you couldn’t add these to the custom equipment list. If for some reason you are unable to do this send us a spec sheet and we will try to include them on the next update.

  • JFerrari

    I’m using your tool on a mac and it works but says visual basic macros don’t open. Do you have a different version for mac users, or can I just use it as I am now?

    • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA

      I have not used our tool on a mac and am unfamiliar with using excel on mac’s in general. Most of the VBA in the tool has to do with warnings and errors that might occur with specific equipment or scenarios selected. There might be a way to enable macros on Mac’s, I am not sure. If the tool is working for you, I think it’s probably fine.

  • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA

    Update v7.5.6

    Added Inverters:
    SMA 6000TL,7000TL,11000TL
    note: The SMA 3000TL, 4000TL and 5000TL will not be added to our tool as they have two MPPT.

    Fixed:
    Many central inverters were showing “0″ for the maximum number of strings in parallel.

  • Jerry Henderson

    Advanced Energy PVP 35K and up; Max input current = 0

  • Ken

    Nice Sizer! Thanks

  • M Bassett

    Can you please add SMA SB 6000-9000TL US inverters at 240V? Thanks!

    • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA

      We will add those inverters on the next update. For now you can add them yourself using the custom equipment tab.

  • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA

    Updated v7.5.5

    Added Modules:
    Solarworld 265W Module
    Solarworld 270W Module
    Yingli YL285P-35b
    Yingli YL290P-35b
    Yingli YL295P-35b
    Yingli YL300P-35b
    Silicon Energy SiE160
    Silicon Energy SiE165
    Silicon Energy SiE170

    Added Inverters:
    Altenergy Power Systems Micro Inverters

    Updates:
    1. You can now select the ASHRAE .4% and 2% or manually enter your own temperature.
    2. There is now a tab to input your own custom equipment. You can manually enter nine additional modules and inverters.

    Notes:
    1. The string sizer is not setup for inverters with multiple MPPT. There might be a couple inverters (Power-One) included in our tool that have this feature but our results will vary from what the manufacturers will recommend.
    2. We will no longer be taking request for micro-inverters to be added to the tool as the tool is a string size calculator and there are no strings with micro inverters. If you wish to have a micro inverters added so that you can calculate voltage drop we would suggest following the manufacturer recommended install procedure typically found in the install manual or on the manufacturers website.
    3. Request for additional equipment will require a spec sheet of the product you are requesting.

    Reminders:
    This is a service provided by us at no cost to you so please let us know what you think of it and if you find errors or have problems do not hesitate to contact us.

    • Aultsb

      do i have to sign in every time on use site

    • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA

      After you provide your information and the download window opens you are presented with two options: Run and Save. Save the file to an appropriate location on your computer and you just have to open the file again from that location to use the sizing tool.

    • MT

      It states “Resize System” now, no matter what variables are entered in the spreadsheet. Is this an error in the program?

    • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA

      Be sure to read the Disclaimer on the “Disclaimer” tab and select “Yes” and enable editing and macros on the spreadsheet. If there is not a message bar near the top of the screen that shows when you open the file which asks if you would like to to enable macros check in File/Options/Trust Center/Trust Center Options and make this file a trusted location.

      If this doesn’t resolve the issue email me the file that is showing the “Resize System” error with all of the parameters which result in this error selected.

      john@renewableassociates.com

  • Pancho Villa

    I see you have the sharp NT-180U1 @208v

  • Pancho Villa

    I see you have the sharp NT0-180U1 @208v
    I did not see the sharp NT-180U1 @240v

  • Srdjan1105
  • Srdjan1105

    Can you add data od Sungrow SG15KTL inverter?

    • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA

      This inverter has multiple MPPT’s and at this time our tool is not configured to correctly calculate potential string size on each MPPT.

  • Raam

    Hi,

    While measuring max Vmp at the given ambient temperature, why does the E17 cell value has different temperature? I used 37.8 C as my locations maximum ambient temperature. Design tool uses 72.8 C which is wrong in my opinion. Is there any reason for doing this?

    • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA Employee

      The ambient temperature of your location is not the same as the module cell operating temperature. The difference between the two temperatures is dependent on your selection of the mounting method. Since the difference is 35°C you have selected a “Roof” mounted PV system. This is a standard industry practice and is discussed in the String Sizing Instructions section at the bottom of the String Sizing tab in our tool.

  • Julio Rodriguez

    can you update your SUNPOWER Models to include the 435watt units?

    • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA

      We could not find the Sunpower 435W module. Please provide us with a spec sheet and we can add it. The latest version of the tool has a custom equipment tab which enables the user to add their own equipment. If you have any questions about this process don’t hesitate to ask.

  • KenP

    Great tool, I do a lot of Excel programming for solar volage drop for large arrays and I applaud the effort. Have you though about adding conduit type for voltage drop. In the DC there are only slight changes between Steel and ALuminum/PVC, but in the AC voltage drop there is a difference between Magnetic and Non-Magnetic conduits which affect the voltage drop. Checkout the Bussmann charts on long runs it does make a difference. Ken

    • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA Employee

      This would be new to us but were willing to take a look. Can you provide some links or resources? Thanks

  • skamal

    Would you please add APS Micro-inverter YC-200-NA made by Altenergy Power Systems Inc in your next revision.

    Thanks

    • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA Employee

      Sure. Are you looking to do voltage drop calculations for this inverter as well?

    • skamal

      Yes, if its possible.

      Thanks

    • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA Employee

      I checked their website and they don’t actually have voltage drop data available for their inverters but there are maximum recommended conductor lengths. I’m not sure how we could integrate this into the tool at this time. I will add the inverter on the next update. Thanks

  • http://twitter.com/yousali99 Newarker

    i would like to add a module that’s not listed, why can’t you unprotect the sheet so i can edit it.
    please yinli 300w poly, thanks

    • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA Employee

      I will add that module on the next update. The data sets contained in the tool belong to us and considering how the data has been integrated into the tool you risk incorrectly entering the new data and corrupting subsequent sections of the tool. A future option might be a section where you can enter you own equipment specifications. Thanks.

    • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA

      The latest version of the tool enables users to add their own equipment. Try it out and let us know what you think.

  • Sohan Das

    Great Stuff..Thanks..!!

  • 123e4

    John,
    Try suntechSTP290 + solaron5001KV in Vegas rack mounted.  Min size String is larger than Max

    • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA Employee

      From the looks of it I would say it’s the wrong inverter and module to use in that scenario but there could be an error in the tool. Ill look into it. Thanks.

  • http://www.renewableassociates.com/ John Stimac. REA Employee

    Updated v7.5.2

    Added:Solarworld 260W Module

    Samsung PV-MBA Series

    Chaori Solar CRM Series

    Fixed:Voltage Drop Calculator
    - Output circuit calculator was not working.

  • Stuart

    Hello. Thanks for this tool. It’s a very nice combination of simplicity and usefulness. Can you add these modules to your database?
    http://www.china-solar.de/pdf/CHAORIpoly.pdf

  • JohnStimac

    Updated v7.5.1

    Added:
    LTD Modules
     -245D-20
     -250D-20

    Samsung Modules
     -LPC244SM
     -LPC247SM

    Advanced Energy Inverter
     -AE 500

    Fixed:
    SMA Inverters
     - The REA tool was not displaying an error when the inverters were overloaded.

  • Mike Brown

    Great tool.. thanks for all the work on this!!

    Quick question: if a SunnyBoy 2500HF-US is selected, along with SW245 polys, and the string size is set to 14, with 1 string in parallel, the total STC watt rating is 3,430, which is over the Maximum Input Power (WDC) of 3,125 W – is this to be expected, or is this a data check missing from the spreadsheet, or…?

    Thanks!

    • John at REA

      Thanks for finding that! We had some numbers stored as text and the calculations were not showing up as an error. I will make that change on the next update.

  • John at REA

    Updated v7.4.4
    MAGE Solar
    -245W
    -250W

  • http://truesouthsolar.net Shawn

    Great tool. Can you add Mage 250w to the list? Thanks

  • John at REA

    Updated version 7.4.3
    Added
    - Global Solar PowerFLEX BIPV 250/275/300W

  • John at REA

    Updated version 7.4.2
    Solarworld poly modules TC values updated
    Solarworld 245 & 250 mono black modules added
    Solarworld module Rated Power Tolerances updated

  • http://www.solarworld-usa.com Tim O’Keefe

    SolarWorld module Vmp coefficients need to be corrected to match the latest data sheet values for 220 poly, 225 poly, 230 poly, 235 poly, 240 poly and 245 poly modules. 245 mono black and 250 mono black modules could be added. Also all module Rated Power Tolerances are -0/+5Wp.

    • John at REA

      Thanks for the update!

  • John at REA

    Updated version 7.4.1
    - Schuco MS 08 series added
    - REC PE series electrical specifications updated

  • John at REA

    Updated version 7.4
    Aurora Power One Inverters
    - Fixed the minimum MPPT value.

    Note: At this time our tool is unable to simulate multiple MPPT configurations.

  • John at REA

    Updated version 7.3.1
    Solarworld TC values updated

  • http://www.solarworld-usa.com Tim O’Keefe

    SolarWorld module data needs to be updated. Minimally TC values do not reflect those reported within the latest data sheets available on the SolarWorld website.

  • John at REA

    Updated version 7.3
    SunPower Modules
    - SPR-320E-WHT-D
    - SPR-327NE-WHT-D

  • John at REA

    Updated version 7.2
    Silicon Energy inverters
    - SiE3840
    - SiE5300
    REFUsol inverters
    - 012K-UL
    - 016K-UL
    - 020K-UL
    - 024K-UL
    itek energy modules
    - IT 225-255W

  • http://www.kenergysolar.com Ken Stadlin

    Please add REFUsol string inverter line to the tool. Unfortunately they don’t have a string sizing tool available. Nice product though.

  • Kurniawan

    Please add module SOLAR SLW0005 SIZE 63.9 X 32.0 X 1.6 INCH, 40LB, ELECTRICAL RATING 120WP 35VMP 4.72IMP, AMPERAGE 4.72 VMP 5.4 ISC.

    And Xantrex TR1512-230-50 inverter module.

    Thanks,

    • John at REA

      What is the manufacturer of the module you are requesting? Could you send us a spec sheet? The Xantrex inverter is a charge controller and battery based inverter and unfortunately our string sizing tool is not set up for battery based PV systems.

  • John at REA

    Updated version 7.1
    -Fixed Enphase voltage drop calculator

  • John at REA

    Updated version 7
    - Added and updated hundreds of modules and inverters. To many to list.
    - Formatted for easy printing.

    Note: We do our best to make sure there are no errors with the tool but if you find one please notify us right away so we can fix it. Thanks!

    John

  • hollie

    Can you add ET Solar Modules M572185,190 & 195 and P660235 – 250?
    I didnt really make sure to see if you have the Conext TX Series Inverters 2800,3300,3800,and 5000?

    • John at REA

      The latest update includes the ET modules you requested and the Context Inverters can be found under Schneider Electric.

  • John at REA

    Updated v6.9.1
    KACO new energy, Inc. inverters:
    - 6400xi
    - 7600xi

  • http://www.kaco-newenergy.com Paul Mync

    Hi,

    Can you add the KACO 6400xi and the 7600xi to the tool?

    It’s a nice calculator!

    Cheers,
    Paul

  • Ken Lyman

    Is there a way to add inverters to the spread sheet? I’m trying to add a Xantrex XW6048 but can not modify the worksheet. This is a neat tool you created though. Thanks.

    kenny

    • John at REA

      We do not have a way for users to add equipment but you can make a request for equipment to be added. Unfortunately the Xantrex XW series inverters do not work with our string sizer because they are battery based inverters.

  • John at REA

    Updated as of 10/11/11
    v.6.9
    Added:
    -Lumos module series
    -SolTech module series
    Fixed:
    -Two word state (New Jersey, New York, New Mexico ect.) drop down location list.
    Changed:
    -Voltage drop calculations to be based off of 12AWG or larger wire.

  • Tony

    Can you add the 250-watt 1SolTech STH-250 panel, please?
    Great tool – thanks for the effort!

  • http://truesouthsolar.net Shawn Schreiner

    Hi Jon,

    Can you add Lumos 180 LSX black to the lineup?

    Thanks

    Shawn

  • John at REA

    Updated as of 9/28/11
    v.6.8
    Added Solarworld SW 255 – Mono

  • http://www.solarworld-usa.com/ Ryan Persaud

    Please add Solarworld SW 255W Mono Modules

  • John at REA

    Updated as of 9/19/11
    v.6.7
    Added Enphase Internal Voltage Drop Calculator

  • John at REA

    Updated as of 9/7/11
    Fixed source circuit voltage drop calculator

    • http://truesouthsolar.net Shawn Schreiner

      The version I downloaded tonight did not have the source circuit voltage drop calc fixed.

    • John at REA

      Fixed now. Thanks for letting me know.

  • Cardona

    Thanks for your help. It is possible in tap “string size” add Puerto Rico in State area. In this tap also in “array design options” area, what you can do for more than one inverter or multiple inverters?

    • John at REA

      From what I can tell there is no ASHRAE data for Puerto Rico but if you find any data I can get it into the tool. If you are looking to size a PV string located somewhere outside the united states the manual temperature input area is your only option. At this time the REA string sizing tool has no option for multiple inverters.

  • John at REA

    Updated as of 8/3/11
    -Minor text changes
    Added:
    - Sanyo 225A
    - Kyocera KD 200-60 series

  • Cardona

    It is possible to add Kyocera KD 200-60 series (230,235,240,245 watts) solar panels?

    Thanks

  • Terry

    Please add the Sanyo HIT Power 225A module to the stringing tool.

    Thank you very much – this is a great tool!

  • John at REA

    Updated as of 7/12/11
    Fixed:
    - Voltage drop calculations
    Added:
    - Solarworld 240 & 245 poly modules

  • John at REA

    Updated as of 6/23/11
    Changed:
    - Temperature correction is based off of ASHRAE values
    - Voltage drop calculator has an additional AC section
    Added:
    - Sunpower 320′s
    - Westinghouse (Andalay) WHS_FL175
    - Canadian Solar CS6P-M & CS6P-P Series
    - Suntech 205
    - AUO Optronics Corp PM Series
    - Fronius CL Series
    - Nexus Energy DJ Series
    - UniSolar PVL144
    - Enphase 215

  • Dan Petrin

    Is it possible to update the “System Sizing Tool” with the new Enphase 215 microinverter as well as the Uni-Solar PVL144′s?

    Thank you,

    Dan

    • Matt

      There are no strings when using microinverters since each module is inverted individually.

    • John at REA

      We have added Enphase inverters to this tool more as a convenience then anything else. Like you point out, there is no string sizing involved with micro inverters which is why when you select an Enphase inverter and a Enphase inverter compatible module you only have the option of selecting one module per inverter. If there is a discrepancy somewhere in the tool it is likely because the module selected is not compatible with Enphase inverters. Please check the Enphase site for the module compatibility list. A future string sizing tool revision might include this compatibility list. Using the voltage drop calculator to calculate voltage drop with Enphase inverters is the main reason why Enphase inverters were included in this tool. Thanks.