Frequently Asked Questions

PVHydro is a professional desktop application for designing hybrid photovoltaic (PV) and pumped hydro storage (PHS) power plants. It provides comprehensive design capabilities, advanced calculations, optimization analysis, and professional reporting features for engineers and consultants.

PVHydro currently supports Windows 10 and Windows 11 (64-bit only). Mac and Linux versions are not available at this time.

An internet connection is only required for the initial license activation. Once activated, PVHydro works completely offline. You don't need an internet connection for daily use.

The PVHydro executable is approximately 109 MB. It's a standalone file that doesn't require installation - just download and run.

The free trial lasts for 7 days and includes all features of the application. No credit card is required. Simply download and run the application. After 7 days, you'll need to purchase a license to continue using the software.

1. On first run, click "Generate Activation Request" to create a .licreq file
2. Send this file to support@pvhydro.mushsho.com along with your purchase information
3. You'll receive a license file (.lic) via email
4. Place the license file in the same folder as the executable
5. Restart the application - the license will be automatically activated

No, licenses are machine-bound, meaning each license is tied to a specific computer. If you need to use PVHydro on multiple computers, you'll need a separate license for each computer. Enterprise licenses may include multiple user licenses - contact sales@pvhydro.mushsho.com for details.

If you change computers, you'll need to request a new license for the new machine. Contact support@pvhydro.mushsho.com with your purchase information and the new activation request file. We'll provide a new license for your new computer.

Starter and Professional licenses are one-time purchases with no expiration. The license is valid for the lifetime of the software version. Enterprise licenses may have different terms - check your license agreement.

We offer a 14-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied with PVHydro, contact support@pvhydro.mushsho.com within 14 days of purchase for a full refund.

PVHydro allows you to design:

• Pumped hydro storage systems with penstock optimization
• Photovoltaic solar systems integrated with hydro storage
• Hybrid power plants combining PV and hydro technologies
• Complete system configurations with economic analysis

Starter ($299): Full hydro design, basic PV design, PDF reports, project save/load, email support.

Professional ($599): Everything in Starter, plus advanced PV features, optimization analysis, Excel/CSV export, priority support, 1 year of free updates.

Enterprise (Custom): Everything in Professional, plus multi-user licenses, custom features, dedicated support, training options, API access.

Yes, but this feature is available in Professional and Enterprise licenses only. You can export calculation results to Excel (.xlsx) and CSV formats for further analysis in other tools.

Yes, the Optimization Analysis module is available in Professional and Enterprise licenses. It allows you to analyze multiple design scenarios and find optimal configurations by varying multiple parameters simultaneously.

PVHydro generates comprehensive PDF reports that include:

• Cover page with project information
• Executive summary
• Complete design calculations
• Performance metrics and analysis
• Charts and visualizations
• Technical specifications
• Economic analysis

PVHydro uses industry-standard calculation methods for both hydro and PV systems:

• Hydro: Standard hydraulic equations, Darcy-Weisbach for head losses, penstock optimization algorithms
• PV: Location-based solar irradiance models, temperature derating, system loss calculations, LCOE analysis

All calculations follow established engineering practices and standards.

Yes, PVHydro provides extensive parameter customization options. You can adjust:

• All hydraulic parameters (head, flow, efficiency, losses)
• PV system components (panels, inverters, configuration)
• System losses (soiling, shading, mismatch, cable losses)
• Economic parameters (costs, discount rates, O&M)

PVHydro includes predefined locations with optimized parameters:

• Desert (Arid)
• Tropical (Equatorial)
• Subtropical (Mediterranean)
• Temperate (Moderate)
• High Latitude

Each location includes appropriate irradiance, temperature, and climate parameters.

Yes, all license types support project save and load functionality. Projects are saved with a .pvhydro extension and can be reopened at any time. The application also maintains a list of recently opened projects for quick access.

You can get support through:

• Email: support@pvhydro.mushsho.com
• Documentation: User Manual, Quick Start Guide, and Installation Guide available on the website
• Professional/Enterprise: Priority email support with faster response times

Starter: Updates are not included, but you can purchase updates separately.

Professional: Includes 1 year of free updates and bug fixes.

Enterprise: Includes extended update periods and priority access to new features.

To update:

1. Download the latest version from the website
2. Close the current application
3. Replace the old executable with the new one
4. Keep your existing license file - it works with new versions
5. Launch the updated application

Yes, professional training sessions are available. Contact support@pvhydro.mushsho.com to request training. Enterprise licenses may include training as part of the package.

To purchase a license:

1. Download and try the free 7-day trial
2. Generate an activation request file
3. Contact sales@pvhydro.mushsho.com with your activation request and desired license type
4. Complete payment as instructed
5. Receive your license file and activate

Contact sales@pvhydro.mushsho.com for information about accepted payment methods. We support various payment options including bank transfers, credit cards, and other methods depending on your location.

Yes, volume discounts are available for multiple licenses. Enterprise licenses also include volume pricing. Contact sales@pvhydro.mushsho.com for custom pricing.