Frequently Asked Questions

Energy Optima is a professional simulation and optimization platform for battery energy storage systems (BESS), solar PV, and hybrid power systems. It provides physics-based degradation modeling using real manufacturer cell data, LP-optimized capacity sizing, hourly 8760-timestep EMS dispatch simulation, and bankable financial analysis including NPV, IRR, LCOE, and LCOS. The platform is trusted by engineers, consultants, EPC contractors, and project developers worldwide.

Energy Optima models battery degradation using manufacturer-specific 3D degradation tables, not generic curves. Each of our 147+ battery models has 156+ data points mapping State of Health (SOH) and Round-Trip Efficiency (RTE) across multiple C-rates (0.25C, 0.33C, 0.5C) and cycle frequencies over a 26-year period. 3D linear interpolation computes exact SOH and RTE values for your specific operating conditions, and calendar aging and cyclic aging are modeled as separate mechanisms with distinct temperature dependencies.

Energy Optima supports four major battery chemistries: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC), Nickel Cobalt Aluminum (NCA), and Sodium Sulfur (NAS). Each chemistry is modeled with chemistry-specific degradation behavior. LFP batteries typically offer longer cycle life but lower energy density, while NMC provides higher energy density with faster degradation. Our database covers products from CATL, BYD, Samsung SDI, LG Energy Solution, Panasonic, and Northvolt, among others.

Our linear programming (LP) optimization simultaneously sizes all system components — PV capacity (kW), battery power (kW) and energy (kWh), diesel generator rating (kW), and wind turbine count — to minimize LCOE or maximize NPV while meeting reliability, renewable fraction, and budget constraints. The LP formulation includes degradation-aware constraints that ensure the system meets performance guarantees at end-of-life. The solver typically converges in under one second, enabling rapid scenario comparison and sensitivity analysis.

Our database includes 127 PV modules and 215 inverters from leading manufacturers. PV modules range from 5 W to 700 W from manufacturers including JinkoSolar, LONGi, Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, JA Solar, and First Solar. Inverters range from 5 kW to 4400 kW from manufacturers including Sungrow, Huawei, SMA, Fronius, ABB, and Delta. All components include real datasheet parameters updated regularly as new products are released.

To run a solar PV simulation in Energy Optima, first create a new project and enter your site location — weather data is automatically sourced from PVGIS TMY or NREL NSRDB. Then configure one or more PV arrays with tilt, azimuth, and tracker type, select modules and inverters from the component database, and run automated string sizing. Set your 10 loss categories (soiling, shading, mismatch, cabling, etc.), input financial parameters (CAPEX, OPEX, PPA terms), and run the simulation. Results include 25-year energy yield projections, loss waterfall visualization, performance ratio, and full financial metrics — all available in under 5 minutes.

Energy Optima calculates a comprehensive set of financial metrics following NREL SAM methodology on post-tax nominal cash flows: Net Present Value (NPV) using project-specific WACC, Internal Rate of Return (IRR) solved iteratively from discounted cash flows, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for PV and hybrid projects, Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS) for BESS projects, simple and discounted payback periods, and cumulative cash flow projections up to 50 years. Revenue streams modeled include energy arbitrage, demand charge reduction, frequency regulation, capacity payments, PPAs, and renewable energy certificates.

Battery augmentation planning in Energy Optima calculates the optimal timing and sizing of capacity additions required to maintain system performance through project life. As battery cells degrade, SOH declines below initial nameplate capacity. The tool identifies when capacity falls below guarantee thresholds and determines the most cost-effective augmentation strategy — whether partial cell replacement, full module swap, or incremental rack addition. Augmentation costs including labor, logistics, and disposal are incorporated into the project financial model, ensuring accurate LCOE and IRR calculations.

Yes, Energy Optima models both diesel generators and wind turbines. The database includes 158+ diesel and natural gas generator models from Caterpillar, Cummins, Kohler, MTU, and Generac, ranging from 25 kW to 2000 kW, each with manufacturer-based polynomial fuel consumption curves and part-load efficiency data. Wind turbine modeling includes 111 models with site-adapted power curves and air density correction. Both technologies can be combined with PV and BESS in a single hybrid system optimization.

Energy Optima automatically sources weather data from multiple providers based on project location: PVGIS (Photovoltaic Geographical Information System) provides TMY data for global coverage spanning 1994-2022, and NREL NSRDB (National Solar Radiation Database) covers the Americas region. Users can also upload custom weather files in CSV, Excel, EPW, and TMY formats. Multi-year weather data is supported for interannual variability analysis, and the platform automatically selects the best available data source for each location.

Energy Optima combines the solar PV simulation depth of PVsyst with the hybrid system optimization of HOMER Pro in a single modern platform. Unlike PVsyst, Energy Optima adds physics-based battery degradation modeling using real manufacturer cell data, LP-optimized BESS sizing, and integrated financial analysis. Unlike HOMER Pro, Energy Optima offers manufacturer-grade PV loss waterfalls with 10 independent IEC 61724 loss categories, real component databases with automated updates, and a modern web-based interface with API access. Both comparisons are validated within 2% of NREL SAM for PV and within 3% of HOMER for hybrid configurations.

Energy Optima offers three pricing tiers: a Free Starter plan for single projects with basic simulation capabilities, a Professional plan at $99/month for unlimited projects with full platform access including LP optimization and all component databases, and a Team plan at $249/month for collaborative projects with priority support, API access, and custom reporting. A 14-day free trial with full Professional access is available with no credit card required. Educational and non-profit discounts are available upon request.