LuSim is a 3D photovoltaic simulation framework developed by LuciSun to address PV projects where geometry, surroundings, and spatial variability play a central role. It is used to deliver advanced PV simulation and assessment services for systems that cannot be reliably analysed using simplified or two dimensional approaches.
LuSim combines high resolution 3D irradiance modelling with validated photovoltaic performance and loss models to support full PV energy yield assessments. It has been developed through applied research and engineering practice, with a focus on transparency, traceability of assumptions, and robustness of results.
In practice, LuSim is used to address a range of technical questions encountered in complex PV projects. These questions are reflected in the different services presented below.
LuSim is designed to support photovoltaic energy yield assessments in cases where geometry, materials, and surroundings have a material impact on irradiance distribution, system losses, and resulting energy yield. Rather than relying on simplified abstractions, it aims to represent PV systems as they exist in real environments, with an explicit focus on spatial variability and geometric effects.
The modelling approach prioritises physical consistency, transparency of assumptions, and compatibility with established engineering workflows. Its development has been shaped by applied research and consulting use, with a clear focus on understanding when additional modelling detail influences results and when simpler representations remain sufficient.
LuSim implements a complete photovoltaic energy yield simulation chain within a single and coherent framework, from irradiance evaluation to electrical energy production and system losses.
While simplified geometrical models are sufficient for many photovoltaic systems, they reach their limits when spatial variability and geometry-driven effects play a dominant role.
Applications involving complex terrain, surrounding structures, bifacial modules, or agrivoltaic layouts require an explicit three-dimensional representation to evaluate irradiance reliably.
LuSim addresses these cases through a GPU-based 3D modelling approach designed to capture geometric interactions and spatial heterogeneity without resorting to overly simplified assumptions.
Photovoltaic system performance is rarely governed by a single design parameter. In many projects, energy yield, losses, and economic performance depend on combinations of interacting variables such as geometry, spacing, height, orientation, ground properties, tracking strategy, storage capacity, and surrounding environment.
In complex PV systems, these interactions cannot be captured reliably through isolated sensitivity checks or single deterministic simulations. Multiparameter optimisation is therefore required to explore design spaces systematically and to understand how technical choices translate into both energy and financial outcomes.
LuSim has been developed to support this type of analysis within a consistent 3D modelling framework that links physical modelling with economic performance indicators.
In many photovoltaic projects, performance assessment cannot rely on a single deterministic estimate. Instead, results are expressed in terms of exceedance probabilities that quantify the likelihood of achieving or exceeding a given level of performance.
Indicators such as P50 or P90 are commonly used in energy yield assessments and financial evaluations to characterise risk. These indicators are central to bankability analyses, contractual discussions, and investment decisions.
LuSim supports exceedance probability analysis by explicitly quantifying and propagating uncertainties along the photovoltaic modelling chain, rather than relying on generic margins or fixed uncertainty percentages.
LuSim is used to assess shading losses in environments where multiple shading sources interact in complex ways. This includes irregular terrain, infrastructure, vegetation, non standard support structures, and combinations of static and dynamic shading elements.
Shading is evaluated explicitly in three dimensions. Direct irradiance shading is treated through geometric visibility, while diffuse and reflected components are evaluated using high spatial resolution 3D view factors. This allows partial shading, asymmetric effects, and temporal evolution to be captured consistently and integrated into PV energy yield assessments.
LuSim is used to assess bifacial PV systems in environments where reflected irradiance, ground properties, and shading play a significant role. Simplified bifacial gain assumptions are often insufficient in such cases.
Rear side irradiance is evaluated explicitly using high spatial resolution 3D view factors that account for geometry, material distribution, and partial visibility of surrounding surfaces. This allows bifacial gains to be analysed as a function of design choices rather than treated as fixed correction factors.
This service is particularly relevant for bifacial systems deployed on uneven terrain, in agrivoltaic contexts, or in infrastructure integrated configurations.
PV carports combine electricity generation with functional infrastructure and typically involve dense structural elements and complex surroundings. Their performance is strongly influenced by structural shading, reflected irradiance from parking surfaces, and proximity to buildings or vegetation.
LuSim represents carport geometry explicitly in three dimensions, including PV modules and supporting structures. Shading and reflected irradiance are evaluated locally, allowing spatial variability and asymmetric effects to be captured.
This service supports feasibility studies, layout optimisation, and comparative assessment of PV carport designs under realistic geometric conditions.
Vertical PV systems are particularly sensitive to orientation, surrounding geometry, and reflected irradiance. Their performance patterns differ fundamentally from those of conventional tilted PV systems.
LuSim evaluates irradiance on vertical surfaces directly in 3D space, accounting for shading, diffuse light, and reflected contributions using high spatial resolution methods. This allows east west asymmetries, seasonal effects, and local shading influences to be analysed consistently.
Vertical PV assessments with LuSim are used in applications such as fences, noise barriers, agricultural fields, and infrastructure corridors.
Agrivoltaic projects combine agricultural production and photovoltaic energy generation within the same space, creating design, assessment, and decision-making challenges that differ fundamentally from those of conventional PV systems.
LuciSun supports agrivoltaic developers, asset owners, public authorities, and research stakeholders through dedicated technical advisory and modelling services, aimed at evaluating the feasibility, performance, and robustness of agrivoltaic concepts under real project constraints.
Floating PV systems introduce specific modelling challenges related to layout geometry, reflected irradiance from water surfaces, and shading from surrounding terrain or infrastructure.
LuSim represents floating PV arrays and their environment explicitly in three dimensions. Reflected irradiance from water is evaluated using high spatial resolution 3D view factors, and shading from shorelines or nearby objects is treated dynamically.
This service supports feasibility studies and design optimisation of floating PV systems where simplified assumptions about geometry or reflectance would lead to significant uncertainty.
Contact us to discuss how LuSim can support your complex PV projects with validated 3D modelling.
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