BIM and solar PV modeling

This paper aims at finding possible approaches of integrating solar PV modeling within Building Information Model (BIM). There are various tools for solar PV modeling available in the market that are used by energy modelers separately from the BIM model to assess the PV generation potential of their projects. Certain input data required for solar PV modeling can be extracted, reducing the need for the energy modeler to repeat the often erroneous process. BIM and external inputs such as weather data and PV module database can aid in solar PV modeling, thus helping the owner making an informed decision of integrating PV within the building design.