Resources

Additional resources that support our products.

Home Resources General Frequently Asked Questions

General Frequently Asked Questions

Transferring software licenses

General Questions

Software Administration Questions

Climate Data

Technical Issues

General Questions

Software Administration Questions

Climate Data

  • Which climate data files are delivered with the software, and what is the source of the data and the historical period upon which it is based?

    All current Valentin programs come with the same initial selection of climate data files. In addition, most versions of the programs include the climate data generator MeteoSyn, which can be used to create additional climate data files including of your own source providing it is in monthly format. Further hourly climate files can be directly imported.

    The source of the weather data is often indicated in the PV*SOL climate data database and this varies across the world. Where no reference is obvious, this is normally a data set from Meteonorm in Switzerland. PVGIS or NASA data is sometimes also used. Where original data is in monthly format, MeteoSyn uses an algorithm to produce hourly values using a mathematical model called INSEL.

    The historical period of data collection or observation varies but is almost always an average taken over a time-span of at least 5 years. For prediction into the future, long-term historical averages tend to be more reliable.

    Back to top

  • Is it possible to use my own climate data?

    Yes, this is possible if it is in monthly format in the current versions of PV*SOL and T*SOL. You can also directly import hourly data if in the format of WBV, DWD or Meteonorm (*.dat) See more about *.dat files via this downloadable document: FAQ: Importing a *.dat climate file .pdf

    Back to top

  • After the climate data has been installed it is not shown in the program. What should I do?

    If the program is still in demonstration mode then you may not be able select other climate files. Check under the Help menu for whether it is fully registered. The MeteoSyn module will also not work fully if there is no Internet connection. This may be because the connection has been blocked by a firewall.

    If these do not resolve the problem, please try reinstalling the software.

    Back to top

  • How do I delete old custom climate locations?

    If you have previously saved projects that used custom climate files then those values will be automatically re-imported if the project is re-opened. In these cases you may wish to first open, then re-interpolate the custom climate locations and re-save those projects if there is change in PV*SOL/T*SOL version.

    Any previous self-created climate data records will remain stored under a Windows folder that can be easily accessed with a right-click on the location listing in the List view of Meteosyn. This will allow ‘Show in existing folder’ were you can optionally delete those custom climate files using Windows ‘Files and Folders’. This folder is usually located “C:\ProgramData\Valentin EnergieSoftware\MeteoSyn\WBV\_userfiles\GBR” The ‘GBR’ suffix will change for different countries.

    Back to top

  • Is it possible to view the climate data?

    The climate results can be exported via the diagram/graphics editor. Here it is possible to also output tables of hour/month/year values for 'Irradiance onto horizontal plane' and 'Outside Temperature'. In PV*SOL this can also be at minute level resolution.

    Back to top

  • How can climate files be used from other specific sources like 'MCS', 'Solar-GIS', 'NASA' or 'PV-GIS'?

    Manual entry of custom climate data (i.e. irradiation and ambient temperatures) is done via the monthly value import in the PV*SOL Meteosyn dialogue > Create climate data for New Location> Measurement data. To note, there are already several UK SAP climate files in the database which effectively synchronise with those used by the UK MCS.

    In PV*SOL, most of the bundled climate files of hourly values originate principally from a Swiss company Meteotest but it quite possible to also make use of other datasets as well. For PV-GIS it is even easier from here. Also there is a much wider range of climate data options from our other product Meteonorm.

    It is possible to convert the same originating climate data from other calculation methods into PV*SOL or T*SOL although it should be stressed this will not automatically lead to obtaining the same annual performance results. Some alternative methods use only simplistic steps to obtain an approximate annual yield estimate; whereas PV*SOL & T*SOL considers such details as efficiencies, temperature and energy analysis. In the case of PV*SOL down to a minute's resolution, along with voltage / current array configuration options. The consideration of part-load, shading and albedo are also quite distinct.

    See also here: https://www.solardesign.co.uk/faqgeneral.php#comply and here https://www.solardesign.co.uk/faqgeneral.php#delivered

    Back to top

Technical Issues

  • The program help is not displayed under Windows Vista and Windows 7. What do I do?

    To display the help function the Windows program WinHlp32.exe is required. Please follow the instructions from Microsoft.

    For Windows 7 (32 bit) go to:

    www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=258aa5ec-e3d9-4228-8844-008e02b32a2c&displaylang=en

    For Windows Vista go to:

    www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=6ebcfad9-d3f5-4365-8070-334cd175d4bb

    Back to top

  • After starting the simulation, a message appears that the wPDF200A.dll file is not available. What can I do?

    The wPDF200A.dll file is required in order to create the Project Report in PDF format. The file is a part of Microsoft Windows Systems. Please copy the wPDF200A.dll file via the following link: http://solar-software.de/downloads/support/wPDF200A.dll and paste it into C:\WINDOWS\system32 or C:\WINNT\system32, depending on your Windows System.

    Back to top

  • I got the message "The operation timed out" or "the time limit is reached" when downloading a new software release through the automatic update process. What does this mean?

    The program needs a relative constant and stable internet connection. If this is not guaranteed, then the program aborts the download of data. You can try to download the latest program version from the download section of our webpage. Please execute the downloaded setup file. The old program version doesn't need to be uninstalled. Some browsers such as Internet Explorer handle the download process better than others.

    Back to top

  • I have an unresolvable error what should I do ?

    If an error persists try to capture any indications by screenshot and email those to us. We can then provide a more detailed list of options.

    Back to top

  • Upon starting a program download, why do I get a Windows incompatibility message ?'

    For Windows 11 meesages see this Microsoft page

    This can also be often resolved by using a different download location or using a different browser.

    Back to top

Transferring software licences

  • How do I transfer my licence of Valentin software (PV*SOL, T*SOL, GeoT*SOL) to another computer?

    You may wish to transfer a licence because:

    • You have a new PC
    • Change of user
    • Hard drive replacement of existing PC
    • Hard drive reformatting of existing PC

    When you made the original full installation you were ultimately asked to activate the program. Activation generates a unique keycode for each installation. You will not be able to make a second full installation of a licence by simply copying the same original activation keycode (even if you try to install it on the same computer). You will however need the longer serial number and ideally this should first be recorded possibly via a screenshot of the original installation under the Menu > Help > Registration. Alternatively the original email you received with the licence serial number will be required.

    Before you can make a transfer, you will first need to de-activate the original install – this is different form simply deleting it. In any case you may wish to first back-up and make copies of your saved projects. You also may wish to export some program settings. Requesting a licence re-activation will discontinue support of the original (current) installation. It is therefore not a facility for attempting to duplicate licences and you should only request reactivation if you wish to transfer the licence from one computer to another.

    a) Program versions 2019 onwards allow self-deactivation providing the old computer is online. Use Main Menu > Help > Registration > Change Registration to do this. Then the licence number can be used on another computer. This is limited to twice a year.

    b) Where self-deactivation is not possible then Click here to request a reactivation

    After the request is sent you will eventually receive an email back with a download link. Ensure this is the correct trial version to be installed on the target computer you wish to transfer to and check as far as possible that it functions correctly in trial mode. If you wish urgently use or transfer a current program (i.e. not a legacy program) the current trial versions can be quickly obtained via the Contact Us page. For legacy transfer requests we will first check if you are eligible for an update.

    NOTE: You will need to uninstall the original program from your PC before being able to make the new installation. Please let us know if you are unable to do this (e.g. because of theft or damage to the original PC). However if a laptop has been taken by a known user you must use all means necessary to re-aquire the laptop to de-activate the license as option a) above. In any case you should give a reason in the box titled 'Reason for reactivating' on the form. Re-activation requests without deleting the original can take much longer to complete. If you wish to copy over your PV*SOL custom settings to your new computer, please first follow this FAQ: https://www.solardesign.co.uk/faqpvsol.php#pvsolfaq_36

    Please note: Old serial numbers that have already been updated cannot be re-activated. Instead you should use the new serial number that was sent as the replacement.

    Back to top

  • How do I transfer my licence of HorizOn?

    You may wish to transfer a licence because:

    • You have a new PC
    • Change of user
    • Hard drive replacement of existing PC
    • Hard drive reformatting of existing PC

    From Sep 2018, the HorizON program is no longer on sale. It is not designed to work with Windows 10 and above. For support on licensing please contact the programmers directly www.energieburo.ch In any case first ensure a demo version is installed on the target computer you wish to transfer to and check as far as possible that it functions correctly.

    When you made the original full installation you were ultimately asked to activate the program. Activation generates a unique keycode for each computer. You will not be able to make a second full installation of a licence by simply copying the same original activation keycode. You will however need the longer serial number and this should be recorded possibly via a screenshot of the original installation under the Menu > Help. You will need this information when you contact the programmers.

    Back to top

  • How do I transfer my licence of Meteonorm?

    You may wish to transfer a licence because:

    • You have a new PC
    • Change of user
    • Hard drive replacement of existing PC
    • Hard drive reformatting of existing PC

    First ensure a demo version program is installed on the target computer you wish to transfer and check as far as possible that it functions correctly.

    Meteonorm programs allow you to self-activate and de-activate licences but you must deactivate the first installation online before you can activate the second installation.

    1) Deactivating a Meteonorm installation

    • Start Meteonorm program
    • Go to Help menu
    • Select 'Revoke registration' and confirm
    • You don't have to uninstall the residual program (which will revert to a demo version)

    2) Installing and activating a new Meteonorm installation (new or alternate PC)

    • Download the trial version installation via here Contact Us
    • Move downloaded file to Desktop
    • Run file to install program (you might need administrator rights to do this)
    • Open the program (if not automatically opened)
    • Activate program using the original licence serial number

    3) If deactivation of the old installation of Meteonorm is impossible

    If you do not have access to the original installation (for example, because the PC has failed completely or has been stolen) then follow these steps:

    • Email support@meteonorm.com asking to revoke your registration
    • Include your original serial number in the email
    • Install Meteonorm on the new PC (see instructions above)
    • Register new installation with your licence serial number

    Back to top

  • How do I transfer my old settings and projects for Kesa aladin from one computer to another?

    Download and follow the instructions in this document here: Kesa settings and projects transfer

    Back to top


The Solar Design Company is a trading title of The Solar Design and Training Company Limited.

Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved. The Solar Design and Training Company Limited retains rights to all the unique content published on this site. Any content seen on this site can not be reprinted, reproduced, or distributed without the expressed written consent of The Solar Design and Training Company Limited.

Registered company number: 04707083 (England and Wales) VAT number: 704128371