13Variants: batch, version comparison, worst case

Comparison and combination only work with variants from the same batch run; this way all have the same observation points and the same time resolution.

13.1 Batch analysis

1. Open "Start Simulation" (Ch. 12) and choose "Batch Analysis" under "optional".
2. Add variants with "Variant" (up to 20). Each new one takes over the values of the previous one, the first one the current planning. "Duplicate row" copies a variant.
3. Change the values per variant and PV area and give each a unique version name (prefilled "Batch-V1", "Batch-V2" …).
4. "Start batch". All tokens are debited at once; the server checks each variant like a single simulation; most messages name the variant ("Variant V‹k›: …").
5. The variants are calculated one after the other, also in the background. Each becomes a version tagged "Batch N"; the reports open via "Versions & Results".

Observation points, obstacles, terrain and all other inputs are the same in all variants. Allowed are azimuth 0 to below 360° and tilt 0–90° (roof-parallel 0–89°) with at most one decimal place for changed values; other values abort the start with a message. 100 MB of storage is required per variant.

If cross tilt is switched on for a PV area of the design (automatically, by hand or in zones), "Start batch" is locked; trackers are excluded. The notice reads "‹PV area›: cross tilt is enabled. A batch analysis with cross tilt is not possible — switch off the cross tilt or calculate the variants as separate versions." For roof-parallel areas with a calculated edge height, that height follows the tilt as in the editor.

13.2 Version comparison

1. In the report, choose "Compare versions".
2. Select 2 to 5 versions from the same batch run and click "Compare".
3. The view shows azimuth, tilt, module type and dual orientation per PV area, with differences highlighted, and, per group of observation points, per point and version: glare duration per year, longest duration on one day, days with glare and a total.
4. By default the filters of the open report apply. "Edit filters" affects only the comparison, not the report (Ch. V.8).

PV areas are matched by their order in the list. For passing on results, use the reports of the variants or a worst-case combination.

13.3 Worst-case combination

1. In the same selection, choose 2 to 5 versions and click "Combine (worst case)".
2. Check "Name of the new version" (at most 100 characters) and click "Create version". For large simulations this takes one to two minutes; the report then opens.

For each time and observation point, the combination shows the most unfavorable values of all selected variants, for example to cover several possible module types or orientations while the design is still open.

The filters check each variant on its own: a time never passes with the luminance of one variant and the illuminance of another. Otherwise key figures and filters apply as for a single simulation. The reflection map in year mode shows the most unfavorable value of all variants per direction. Combinations created before 12 Oct 2026 have to be combined again. Maps and area drawing follow the most recently created of the selected variants; the PV areas chapter lists the differing parameters per version.

13.4 Points to note

• Only variants from one batch run can be compared and combined; independently simulated versions cannot.
• The combination is an upper estimate, not a state that can actually be built.
• Do not delete source versions: for points with a very large number of reflections, daily values are recalculated from the sources; without them this is no longer possible.
• Cancelling a batch ("Cancel batch"): finished variants remain, variants not yet started are refunded, the token of the running one is not. A failed variant is refunded; the others continue.
• Older simulations without the required data are rejected by the combination; they must be simulated again.
• A combination uses storage of the size of its sources.