Troubeshooting
On this page we share troubleshooting solutions for common errors reported by PVCAD users. If these solutions do not resolve errors, please send an email to support@pvcomplete.com. The more detail you are able to provide, the faster we will be able to assist you with the issue you are experiencing.
Switching your PVCAD or PVCAD Mega license to another computer
In the PVCAD program, you can release your license key to make available to use on another computer. Releasing your license key can be done on a as-needed basis. Please follow the steps below.
1) Go to About in the PVCAD (or PVCAD Mega) ribbon
2) Copy license key into a separate document where you can reference it later
3) Select the “Release Key” button
3) Follow installation instructions for installing PVCAD (or PVCAD Mega) on the new computer
4) Once installed, re-enter the key into the dialogue window on the new computer.
Resolving firewall and connectivity issues
If you are having difficulty downloading or using PVCAD, check to see if your firewall is configured to allow communications with PVCAD. Connectivity issues sometimes generate a 500 code error. To resolve, look in your security settings for apps allowed through the firewall. In Windows, type ‘Allow an app through Windows Firewall’ in the Start menu for a shortcut to the settings panel. There, click Change settings, then Allow another app. Then browse to your PVCAD program files and select two executable files, PVCAD.exe and AcWebBrowser.exe, if they do not already appear in the allowed apps list. This video demonstrates the process.
Index Out of Range Error
If you see the Index Out of Range Error, check if your site plan has been mistakenly measured in inches rather than feet. The error message pertains to the size of the roof area. PVCAD calculates the wind zones of all roof areas created. If the area of the roof is too small, the wind zone calculation cannot be computed correctly. Check your units and/or scale and make sure the roof is representing the actual size of the roof intended. Once the roof is scaled and drawn correctly, this error should not appear anymore.
Adding Your Own Modules and/or Inverters
Users can add their own modules and inverters to the database for their own use. Select the Database icon in the PVCAD ribbon. Type in the needed variables. Once submitted, the module or inverter is available to design your project. Note that any entries to a personal database are limited to that PVCAD device and can not generate production estimates. Contact support@pvcomplete.com to add an inverter or modules the public database.
PVCAD Can’t Find Templates
If you receive the error shown below, or something similar saying that the ‘Template’ could not be found, please follow the steps below.
Step 1
Navigate to the PVCAD Installation Directory. You should see a ‘Templates’ folder and a ‘Support’ folder right next to each other.
Step 2
Drag the ‘Templates’ folder into the ‘Support’ folder.
Step 3
Try running your process again.
What if I can’t add PVComplete templates to AutoCAD?
Some network firewalls block file imports from unrecognized sources. If you are having trouble adding PVComplete templates to AutoCAD, check with your IT department and ask to greenlight all URLs that contain “pvcomplete”.
