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Subscription ManagementAccount FAQsUsing Solcast data in PVsyst
PVsyst tutorial for using Solcast’s meteorological historical and TMY data
Guide is current as of PVsyst version 7.4
PVsyst Tutorial for Importing Solcast TMY and Time Series Data
Using PVsyst can be tricky but importing Solcast's data into PVsyst doesn't need to be! Here we will teach you how to import Solcast's TMY, Time Series, and Monthly Average meteo data into the PVsyst software.
Using Solcast's "TMY" data in PVsyst
Using Solcast's TMY data in PVsyst is easier than ever. Solcast's TMY can now be accessed directly within the PVsyst software with no need to download and upload external files.
Step 1: Select Databases (Under Utilities)
Step 2: Geographical sites (Under Mateo database → Main meteo data)
Step 3: Select your geographical site. In this example, we will select Sydney / Bass Hill and then select Open
Step 4: Select Solcast TMY on the right hand side (under Meteo data Import).
Step 5: Select Import, you should see the following window.
Existing Users
Please enter the login email used within the Solcast Toolkit.
Your API key can be found here
New Users
For users without existing Solcast credentials creating a free API Toolkit account is simple. Enter your email address and click 'Ok', you will then be provided an API Key directly within the software.
If you see the following error:
403 Invalid Role
Connection Error: Http/1.1 403 Invalid Role Please verify that you are connected to internet and/or try again.
This likely indicates that your account has not yet been verified. Please verify your account and then try again.
403 Forbidden
Connection Error: HTTP/1.1 403 Forbidden Please verify that you are connected to internet and/or try again later.
This likely indicates that you are not using a commercial account when using PVsyst. TMY is only available on our commercial tier users. If you are a commercial tier user and this error is showing, please contact support@solcast.com.au
The user monthly request limit was reached.
If you see the following error:
The user monthly request limit was reached. Visit https://solcast.com/pvsyst for more details.
This would indicate that you have no request left on your account. Please reach out to sales@solcast.com.au for more request. Or if you believe this is in error, please reach out to support@solcast.com.au
Using Solcast's 'Time Series' data in PVsyst
Solcast's Time Series data can easily be downloaded from the Solcast API Toolkit in the PVsyst file format, and uploaded directly into the PVsyst software.
Obtaining the file via the Solcast Toolkit
Step 1: Select Historical and TMY
Within the top navigation bar.
Step 2: Select Create a New Time Series Request
Step 3: Add your location by Location Search or entering the Latitude and Longitude
In the example screenshot, we select the Sydney Opera House.
Once that is complete, click on “Add Location”
If you scroll down it will be listed within the “Chosen locations” section. If you have multiple locations to add, scroll back up and add the locations individually.
Step 4: Select your Time granularity and Format
Step 5: Select your Parameters
Step 6: Select your Date period
In the example below, we entered 1st of January 2020 to 31st December 2022
Step 7: Review your selections and when ready, select Download Data Now
Step 8: Downloading the file
Depending on the time period you have selected the system may take a while to generate the file. Please do not redirect from the page.
Obtaining the file via the Solcast API
Information regarding the Historic Solcast API can be found here: Solcast API Docs
Please ensure the format is set to pvsyst within the API parameters.
Uploading the file to PVsyst
Step 1: Select 'Databases' within the PVsyst software
Step 3: Select 'Known Format'
Step 4: Select 'PVsyst standard format' from the drop-down menu. Then select 'Choose'
Step 5: Input appropriate location data for the site.
Step 6: Then select 'Import'
Using Solcast's 'Monthly Averages' data in PVsyst
Obtaining the file via the Solcast Toolkit
Step 1: Select Historical and TMY
Step 2: Select Create a New Monthly Averages Request
Step 3: Add your location by Location search or entering the Latitude and Longitude
In the example screenshot, we select the Sydney Opera House.
Step 4: Select your parameters
Step 5: Select Submit Request
You will see the following screen:
Uploading the file to PVsyst
Step 1: Select 'Databases' within the PVsyst software
Step 2: Select 'Geographical sites'
Step 4: Select 'New'
Step 5: Select the 'Geographical Coordinates' tab
Step 6: Enter Location information
Step 7: Select the 'Monthly Meteo' tab
Step 8: Open the downloaded csv file, copy the GHI column
Step 9: Select the 'Paste' button
Step 10: Repeat step 9 for all other values
Step 11: Select 'OK'
Step 12: Select ‘Save’
