#insights

The inability to reliably calculate and optimize Earthworks for PV plants on complex terrains in a short time increases both uncertainty and risks during the development and construction phases of a project. The same applies to the calculation of annual electricity production.

Some of the questions our customers ask include: Can I reliably supply energy (EUR/MWh) at a cost that will ensure the long-term profitability of my business? Is the annual electricity production properly calculated for this terrain? What is the best tracker for this terrain?   What level of production can I guarantee for this project with such an undulated terrain?

ORUGA® software, developed by Sener Digital Solutions team, improves performance and minimizes costs of PV projects on complex terrains. This innovative software package, unique on the market, solves traditional problems that arise in complex terrains, especially in relation to Earthworks and the application of Backtracking strategies.

Since its launch in 2020, dozens of customers in Spain have leveraged it for their investment processes, since it is able to define the plant configuration that maximizes the project’s profitability. In addition, ORUGA® is more accurate – this is certified by a technical advisor – than the benchmark software on the market for calculating electricity production on complex terrains. The use of this software opens the possibility of using land that would otherwise not be profitable for this type of technology.

ORUGA® software allows for precise, automatic and realistic Earthworks calculations and for the design of the pylons needed to install the trackers or fixed structures, while optimizing the volumes that need to be moved on site.

At the same time, the software is able to do iterative calculations, meaning it can manage thousands of design alternatives and accurately assess their CAPEX, OPEX and electricity production, thus determining the LCOE (Levelized Cost of Electricity) for each case. ORUGA® thus finds the ideal design that maximizes the project’s profitability.

The answer is ORUGA® software! More information at orugaPV@sener.es.