Summary

The Voltage Rise Calculator allows you to calculate and document AC voltage rise directly within your OpenSolar design.

Note: The Voltage Rise Calculator is currently only available for projects located in Australia and New Zealand. It does not calculate DC voltage drop.

Creating a voltage rise calculation

1. Open your project and navigate to the Design tab.
2. Open the Voltage Rise Calculator from Tools
3. Ensure the phase for the location is entered
4. Draw cables based on your project:
   • Point of Supply to Main Switchboard
   • Optional: Main Switchboard to Distribution Board
   • Distribution Board to inverters
5. Confirm the cable details, including:
   • Cable length. This will be based on the distance you have drawn the cable, however, you can choose to manually override this if you prefer (e.g. if you are using 2D, this can help account for vertical runs) 
   • Cable size
   • Cable type
   • Number of phases
     
6. Review the calculated voltage rise and adjust the cable size or route where required.
   • Note- OpenSolar will default to “Auto” when selecting cable size. This will pick the smallest possible cable where total Voltage Rise is still compliant. You can override this at any time. 
7. Generate and download the voltage rise report.

Important notes

• For designs with multiple inverters, OpenSolar displays the cable path with the highest voltage rise.
• Voltage rise requirements can vary between regions and network providers. Confirm the applicable limits and submission requirements with the relevant authority.
• The calculator does not determine the project’s approved export limit or guarantee network approval.