Tlahuilli-ce: a novel solar energy program for the design of photovoltaic systems

The paper introduces a novel software program for the design of photovoltaic systems called Tlahuilli-ce/spl trade/ (tlahuilli=light, ce=1 in Nahuatl language). In comparison to existing programs, it permits an easier access to known algorithms for photovoltaic system design. At the same time, it is detailed enough at the feasibility and design dimensioning stage for autonomous or stand alone photovoltaic systems (pumping as well as residential and building applications). It can also be used as utility-interactive systems connected to the electric grid. The interface language for Tlahuilli-ce/spl trade/ is Spanish, and it is a Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Visual Basic application. Tlahuilli-ce/spl trade/ allows people that do not have experience in the solar energy field to use it to achieve good designs.