EPiSun Tools is targeted at PV solar installers and provides four tools to evaluate a building’s suitability for solar installations.
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The Solar Compass in 2D shows the direction of north as a simple compass and draws the path which the sun will take in the summer, winter, spring and autumn, as well as the path the sun takes now. Panels should be installed on south facing roof planes to give the maximum yield.
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Solar Compass 3D uses the iPhone’s camera to show these sun paths in augmented reality, superimposed on the camera’s view. The 2D and 3D compass are invaluable to show the sun’s path even on cloudy days or at night when assessing the most suitable planes for a solar installation.
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The Survey tool is used to measure the elevation and bearing of object which might obstruct the sun’s rays. In order to comply with the latest UK regulations any objects which might shade the solar PV installation must be taken into account when estimating the performance of the installation. The elevation and bearing should be used to estimate the appropriate shading factor according the MCS guidelines.
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The Slope tool can be used to measure the slope of a roof, which is critical in accessing the performance of solar PV panels. The iPhone can be placed on a rafter to measure the slope directly or the camera view can be used to estimate the slope if the roof is not easily accessible.
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These tools can be used alongside ProFactum’s laptop based EPiSolar program, a sales tool which models the roof, calculates the performance of solar PV installations and produces the quotation and contract paperwork.