Solar System Design Optimizer
Design optimized solar PV systems with load profiles, array configs, and financial projections
What You Can Do
This skill streamlines the complete solar system design workflow by organizing site data into structured formats and running simultaneous engineering analyses that typically require multiple specialized tools. You can generate precise load calculations, determine optimal array configurations based on site constraints and energy goals, size all balance-of-system components, model financial projections with realistic degradation factors, and validate designs against NEC compliance requirements—compressing 8-12 hours of calculation-heavy work into minutes while supporting data-driven client decision-making.
Features
Calculate hourly and seasonal energy consumption patterns, identify peak demand periods, and size systems to match actual usage profiles rather than generic estimates
Determine ideal panel quantities, series/parallel string arrangements, and orientation (tilt/azimuth) based on site constraints, roof geometry, and shade analysis
Automatically spec inverters, disconnects, combiners, breakers, wiring gauge, and conduit requirements with equipment compatibility validation
Project 25-year NPV, IRR, payback period, and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) with degradation curves, utility rate escalation, and incentive scenarios
Compare multiple configurations (string vs. microinverter topology, roof-mount vs. ground-mount, battery inclusion) with performance and cost matrices
Check voltage drop calculations, overcurrent protection sizing, grounding requirements, and code-required spacing to reduce permitting delays
Account for seasonal shade patterns from trees, buildings, or terrain to adjust expected yield and prevent overdesign in partially shaded areas
Work with limited roof space, existing electrical panel capacity, orientation limitations, and unusual loads (EV charging, pool systems, light commercial)
Example Output
Example 1: Residential System Design
Site: 6.2 kW system on south-facing roof, San Diego, CA
Annual Load: 8,500 kWh/year | Peak Demand: 4.2 kW
Optimal Array: 17× 400W panels (6.8 kW DC) | String config: 2 strings × 8.5 modules
Inverter: 6 kW string inverter | Combiner: 2-string | Wire: 6 AWG | Conduit: 1-inch PVC
Year 1 Production: 9,250 kWh | Year 25 Production: 7,140 kWh (2.7% annual degradation)
Financial: 25-yr NPV $42,800 | Payback: 6.2 years | IRR: 8.5% | LCOE: $0.09/kWh
Example 2: Commercial Retrofit with Constraints
Site: Flat commercial roof, 2,800 sq ft usable, east/west exposure, San Francisco
Constraint: Existing 150A service (upgrade limited to 200A)
Optimal Design: 25 kW (65× 385W bifacial panels) | Two 12.5 kW microinverters (distributed topology)
Production Loss from Suboptimal Orientation: 8% vs. south-facing | Bypass shade 2-3 hours midday
Year 1 Production: 28,600 kWh | Financial: 25-yr NPV $185,400 | Payback: 7.8 years
NEC Compliance: ✓ Service upgrade to 200A required | ✓ Voltage drop 2.1% (< 3% limit)
Example 3: Design Comparison Matrix
| Topology | Inverter Type | Year 1 kWh | 25-yr NPV | Payback | Complexity | Monitoring |
|----------|---------------|------------|-----------|---------|------------|------------|
| String | 1× 10 kW | 12,840 | $51,200 | 6.1 yr | Low | System-level |
| Micro | 26× 400W | 13,020 | $48,900 | 6.4 yr | High | Module-level |
What's Included
- SKILL.md instruction file: Complete solar design methodology with calculation protocols
- Load Analysis Template: Structured worksheet for residential and commercial energy audits
- System Sizing Worksheet: Step-by-step array, inverter, and BOP component selection checklist
- Financial Projection Framework: 25-year cash flow model with incentive and rate-escalation scenarios
- NEC Compliance Checklist: Design validation checklist for voltage drop, overcurrent, grounding, and spacing requirements
- Design Trade-Off Comparison Matrix: Side-by-side topology and equipment option evaluation tool
Who It's For
- Solar Engineers & Designers — Residential and commercial PV system designers needing to accelerate design cycles and validate technical decisions
- Energy Consultants — Professionals conducting site assessments and creating preliminary feasibility studies for clients
- Electrical Contractors — Installation teams sizing systems for permitting and procurement
- Sustainability Officers — Corporate or municipal staff evaluating renewable energy ROI for capital planning
- Solar Sales Engineers — Sales professionals creating client-ready financial projections and design options
Best For
- Complete system designs from preliminary assessment through final equipment specifications
- Financial ROI modeling and client justification for system sizing decisions
- Design trade-off analysis comparing topology options (string vs. microinverter, roof vs. ground mount)
- Retrofit projects with space, orientation, or electrical capacity constraints
- Sites with complex loads (EV charging, pool systems, light commercial) or unusual shade patterns
- NEC compliance validation and design documentation for permitting workflows
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