What Is SolarPlex?
SolarPlex is a commercial, user-friendly, cloud-based simulation platform developed by NREL’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) and SolarPlex LLC, designed specifically for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and utility-scale solar energy planning.
It’s not just another tool — it’s the industry-standard tool for validating CSP performance, estimating energy yield, and optimizing storage and tracking systems.
🌞 Why Energy Planners Need SolarPlex
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Free to Use (for non-commercial, research, and educational purposes) | No licensing fees — open to developers, researchers, and planners |
| High Accuracy | Matches real-world data from 20+ CSP plants |
| Cloud-Based Access | No software install — access via browser |
| Multi-System Support | Parabolic Trough, Power Tower, Linear Fresnel, Solar Tracking |
| Export Options | CSV, PDF, Excel, and direct integration with EnergyPlus, PLEXOS, etc. |
| Real-Time Updates | Automatically updates with latest satellite and weather data |
🧩 Key Features of SolarPlex
1. System Design & Configuration
- Select System Type: Parabolic Trough, Power Tower, Linear Fresnel
- Input Tracking Angle: Fixed or single-axis tracking
- Tilt Angle: Customize for optimal performance
- Solar Field Size: Enter area, number of collectors, spacing
- Receiver Type: Choose from various receiver models (e.g., parabolic trough, heliostat)
2. Irradiance Modeling
- Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI)
- Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI)
- Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance (DHI)
- Seasonal & Hourly Variation Plots
- Cloud Cover Simulation (optional)
3. Energy Yield Estimation
- Daily / Annual Energy Output
- Peak Power Output
- Storage Requirement Calculation
- Cost-Benefit Analysis (LCOE, ROI, Payback Period)
4. Grid Integration & Planning
- Grid Dispatchability
- Demand Response Matching
- Storage Sizing for Peak Shaving
- Integration with Grid Simulation Tools (PLEXOS, EnergyPlus, etc.)
📈 Real-World Use Cases
1. Desertec Project (Germany)
- Used SolarPlex to model 1000 MW CSP plant in Spain
- Validated DNI, GHI, and seasonal yield
- Optimized storage for grid stability
2. SolarReserve (USA)
- Used SolarPlex for 500 MW plant in Nevada
- Confirmed peak DNI and energy yield
- Integrated with EnergyPlus for cost modeling
3. NREL’s Own CSP Projects
- Model validated with real-world data from 20+ CSP plants
- Accuracy: ±2% for DNI, ±5% for GHI
📌 How to Use SolarPlex
🔗 Visit SolarPlex: https://www.solarplex.com
Note: Free for non-commercial use. Commercial licensing available for large-scale projects.
Step 1: Sign In / Create Account
- Free account for research, planning, education
- Commercial license for enterprise users
Step 2: Choose System Type
- Parabolic Trough
- Power Tower
- Linear Fresnel
- Tracking System
Step 3: Input Location & Parameters
- Latitude / Longitude
- Tilt Angle
- Tracking Type
- Number of Collectors
- Receiver Type
Step 4: Generate Output
- Irradiance Data
- Energy Yield
- Storage Requirements
- Export to Excel / PDF
📊 Sample Output — CSP System Design Use Case
Example: 100 MW CSP Plant in Arizona
- Location: Phoenix, AZ (33.45° N, 112.07° W)
- System: Power Tower with 100 MW capacity
- Tracking: Single-axis tracking, 15° tilt
- Output:
- Average DNI: 2,000 W/m²
- Peak DNI: 2,500 W/m²
- Annual Energy Yield: ~12,000 MWh/year
- Storage Requirement: 10 hours → 100 MWh thermal storage
💡 This data directly informs CSP system sizing, thermal storage capacity, and economic feasibility.
📌 Best Practices for Using SolarPlex
✅ Use the “Clear Sky” assumption for initial design
✅ Validate with local weather data
✅ Compare with satellite data (e.g., MODIS, Meteosat)
✅ Model multiple system types (Trough vs. Tower)
✅ Export to Excel for cost modeling
✅ Use with other tools (e.g., EnergyPlus, CSP-Modeler)
📌 Comparison with Other Tools
| Tool | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| SolarPlex | Free, accurate, cloud-based, multi-system, export options | Requires account, limited free features for commercial use |
| NREL CSP Solar Radiation Model | Free, open-source, customizable | Manual setup, no GUI |
| SolarPlex Pro | Commercial, advanced modeling, AI integration | Paid license, limited free access |
| CSP-Simulation Tool (CSP-Modeler) | High-fidelity thermal modeling | Proprietary, limited free access |
✅ SolarPlex wins for: Free access, accuracy, ease of use, and export options.
The content on EnergyPlanning.com.au is for informational purposes only. We make no guarantees regarding completeness, accuracy, or applicability to specific energy projects. EnergyPlanning.com.au is an independent platform not affiliated with any energy retailer, regulator, or government body unless explicitly stated. Read our
Terms of Use.
// RESOURCES & REFERENCES
// OUR PARTNERS & NETWORK
// SUPPORT OUR MISSION
✨ Help us continue building tools that simplify complexity!
Every contribution fuels new features and improvements.
Thank you for being part of our journey! 🚀
// CONTACT US