Description

Solar Pathfinder Assistant Software – All-in-One PV, Thermal & Shading Analysis Suite

Any scientific analysis requires accurate input and precise calculations. The Solar Pathfinder Assistant Software provides mathematical accuracy for solar site analysis by eliminating gross errors in structure orientation, solar system sizing, and PV or collector placement.

Now combining the capabilities of all previous versions, this single license supports Photovoltaic (PV), Thermal (Solar Hot Water), and General Shading Analysis applications—making it the most complete solar resource assessment tool available.

The software integrates local weather data (using NREL/WMO databases) with site-specific shade analysis to produce customizable, data-rich reports for system design, performance evaluation, and rebate programs.

Core Features

• Computes monthly sunpaths for any latitude
• Includes worldwide weather data (WMO/NREL)
• Calculates optimal array orientation based on shading
• Imports and exports data (.PDF, .CSV, .JPG, etc.)
• Maintains built-in report health diagnostics
• Supports English and Metric units
• Generates fully customizable reports (add business name, logo, and notes)
• Provides distance shading model for ground-level readings
• Allows specification of deciduous trees for seasonal accuracy
• Compatible with PV, thermal, and shading-only analysis

Photovoltaic (PV) System Features

• Database of PV panel makes/manufacturers (auto-fills specs)
• Database of inverter makes/manufacturers (auto-fills specs and derate)
• Allows entry of custom panel and inverter specs
• Calculates system performance including:
  • Ideal vs. Actual Solar Radiation (kW/m²/day)
  • Ideal vs. Actual AC Energy (kWh)
  • Site Efficiency (%), TSRF, and CSI-EPBB metrics
  • PVWatts Unshaded %
  • Actual Cost Savings
• Exports to OnGrid, PowerClerk, and other software
• Supports custom array layout configuration
• Allows multiple array orientations and tilts within the same report
• Provides roof design layout tools for visual panel placement and performance mapping

Thermal (Solar Hot Water) Features

• Database of 240+ solar hot water collectors (SRCC data)
• Auto-fills collector specs: aperture area, efficiency curve Y-intercept, and thermal conductance slope
• Allows entry of custom collector specifications
• Uses F-Chart calculations to determine system performance
• Inputs include:
  • Collector make/model and number of units
  • Tilt and orientation
  • Hot water load per month
  • Tank volume and temperature
  • Supply water temperature
  • Collector fluid type and heat exchanger efficiency
• Outputs include:
  • Solar Fraction, Hot Water Production (MMBTU), and Cost Savings
  • Ideal vs. Actual Solar Radiation (kW/m²/day)

Shading-Only Analysis

• Azimuth/Altitude of site shading
• Ideal vs. actual solar radiation (kW/m²/day)
• Monthly sunpath diagrams
• Full photo tracing and overlay features

Inputs (All Modules)

• Digital photo of Solar Pathfinder unit
• Latitude/Longitude or U.S. ZIP code
• Choice of English or Metric units
• Optional: panel/inverter or collector specifications, roof dimensions, and layout data

Outputs

• Azimuth/Altitude shading data
• Ideal and actual solar radiation (kW/m²/day)
• Ideal and actual AC energy (kWh)
• Optimal tilt and azimuth for maximum output
• Efficiency ratios, TSRF, PVWatts unshaded %, and energy savings
• Customizable report exportable to PDF, CSV, JPG, or XML

System Requirements

Computer Requirements:

• Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, or 11
• .NET Framework 4.0 (included in Windows 7+, installs automatically)
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster
• RAM: 512 MB or higher
• Disk Space: 30–175 MB (depending on installed weather data)
• Solar Pathfinder unit and digital camera

Tablet Requirements:

• Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, or 11
• Screen size: 8″ or larger
• Built-in camera
• 1 GHz processor or faster
• 512 MB RAM or higher
• Disk Space: 30–175 MB

One License – Every Feature Included

Previously available as separate editions (Assistant PV, PV Studio, and Thermal Assistant), all features are now unified under a single comprehensive license—providing full access to PV design, thermal system evaluation, and shading-only reporting without needing multiple software packages.