PVGIS (Photovoltaic Geographical Information System) is a global tool for analyzing solar radiation and photovoltaic (PV) system performance. It collects and interpolates weather data from diverse locations worldwide. Users can input geographic coordinates and system details such as panel orientation and inclination to calculate electricity yields for grid-connected PV systems.
The tool provides valuable insights into solar radiation, including direct and diffuse radiation, temperature, relative humidity, wind, and air pressure. Data is based on the Typical Meteorological Year (TMY), averaging 10 years of measurements. PVGIS generates detailed visualizations and diagrams of energy production, showing how electricity yields vary across the year. Users can also evaluate the impact of battery storage on electricity usage.
PVGIS supports various output formats such as CSV, JSON, and EnergyPlus Weather (.epw), enabling integration with design tools like Rhino Grasshopper, Ladybug, and Honeybee, along with PNG diagrams of measured values. PVGIS answers critical questions for PV system planning, such as potential electricity production at a specific location, seasonal performance variations, and battery storage benefits. It is an essential tool for architects, engineers, and sustainability professionals optimizing solar energy systems.
