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DNV Solar Resource Compass
Compare multiple satellite data sets side-by-side to choose the most bankable resource file for your site.
Overview
SOLARFARMER
Bankable modelling accuracy from DNV's field-validated PV yield model
±0.1 % bias across 2.1 TWh of real-world production
Independent validation shows that DNV's SolarFarmer model’s mean error is just ±0.1 % and its standard deviation is 30% lower than the industry-default tool, giving engineers tighter P50-P90 spreads and lenders greater confidence in cash-flow forecasts. The SolarFarmer model is used by the DNV Solar Energy Assessment team globally for independent engineering services.
Shading Precision
3D near-shading at cell-string scale
SolarFarmer models turbines, buildings, poles and tree rows in full 3D, ray-tracing both direct and diffuse light down to individual cell strings. Dynamic ray-tracing allows you to convert those shading losses into yield metrics, tightening P50-P90 spreads. Lenders gain proof that shading risks are quantified - not assumed, and developers know that their shading loss calculations can’t be increased unexpectedly.
Terrain Tracking
Accurate slope and bifacial gains
In real life operating environments, panels follow real ground contours, and modern trackers manage row-by-row backtracking and custom rotation limits, so slope losses, horizon shading and clipping vary string-to-string based on individual panel orientation. Just one simulation in SolarFarmer can calculate bifacial gains and all those 3D shading losses, delivering a production profile that removes spreadsheet patch-ups that speeds design sign-off.
REST API
Single-call design, run, retrieve
A documented REST interface accepts JSON designs, queues simulations and returns energy series, loss tables and string voltages ready for analytics. The same endpoints serve desktop pilots and multi-GW portfolios — giving one source of truth for engineering and data teams.
Layout Automation
Auto-place modules and strings
Rule-based algorithms can position panels around shade zones, add power optimisers where they lift yield, and route strings to keep voltage windows in spec within seconds. Designers can still override details when needed — but early iterations run up to 10 × faster.
Speak with us about how SolarFarmer simplifies accurate, bankable PV yield modelling.
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14-day guided trial with API access - replicate a current project and validate results against your own data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an academic licence?
Yes, DNV offer discounted licences for researchers to support the advancement of scientific progress. Request access through the free trial.
Is SolarFarmer compatible with other third-party software?
SolarFarmer is compatible with many file formats and its scripting capability provides a convenient way to interface with other formats, including your own in-house formats.
- Download of SRTM terrain data and background images from multiple providers
- We support many solar resources, please see the documentation
- Many standard formats for GIS data via vector, raster and contour data imports
- COLLADA 3D objects
- Tracker position time histories
Want to discuss more specifically how SolarFarmer could fit in with your current toolchain? Contact us.
What are the hardware requirements to run SolarFarmer desktop software?
Recommended system requirements:
- Operating system: Windows 10
- Processor: 3GHz processor or above
- RAM: 16GB or more
- Graphics card: Graphics acceleration is only used for data cleaning
- Resolution: 1920 x 1200 at 100% DPI, SolarFarmer is designed to utilize wide screen monitors
- Mouse: Mouse with scroll wheel
Get more information on installation and system requirements
How much support is included with the SolarFarmer licence?
Unlimited email support. Straightforward software installation and usage queries are generally answered the next day within European working hours. More complex and domain-related questions often take a little longer, for example where we need to draw on domain experience from the hundreds of experts and professionals across DNV.
Are the licences transferable between team members?
Our support team can transfer a licence between team members up to four times per year.
