PVHydro Installation Guide

Version 1.0 | Last Updated: January 2025

System Requirements

Before installing PVHydro, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

Important: PVHydro is currently available for Windows only. Mac and Linux versions are not available at this time.

Step 1: Download the Application

1 Visit the Download Page

Go to the PVHydro website and navigate to the Download section.

2 Download the Executable

Click the "Download Trial" button to download PVHydro.exe (approximately 109 MB).

3 Save the File

Save the downloaded file to a location of your choice (e.g., Downloads folder or Desktop).

Note: The download is a standalone executable file. No additional installation files are required.

Step 2: Installation

1 Locate the Downloaded File

Navigate to the folder where you saved PVHydro.exe.

2 Run the Executable

Double-click PVHydro.exe to launch the application.

Windows Security Warning: On first run, Windows may display a security warning because the executable is not code-signed. Click "More info" and then "Run anyway" to proceed. This is normal for software that hasn't been digitally signed.
3 Choose Installation Location (Optional)

You can run PVHydro directly from any location. For convenience, consider:

  • Creating a dedicated folder (e.g., C:\Program Files\PVHydro\)
  • Moving the executable to this folder
  • Creating a desktop shortcut for easy access
Tip: To create a desktop shortcut, right-click on PVHydro.exe, select "Create shortcut", then move the shortcut to your Desktop.

Step 3: First Run and License Activation

3.1 Initial Launch

When you first launch PVHydro, the application will check for a valid license. Since no license is installed initially, you'll see the License Activation dialog.

1 Generate License Request

Click the "Generate Activation Request" button in the activation dialog.

2 Save the Request File

A file named activation_request.licreq will be created in the same folder as the executable. This file contains your computer's unique fingerprint.

Important: The license is machine-bound, meaning it's tied to your specific computer. Each computer requires its own license.
3 Send Request for License

Email the .licreq file to:

Include your purchase information or trial request details.

4 Receive License File

After processing your request, you'll receive a license file (.lic) via email.

5 Activate License

To activate your license:

  1. Save the received .lic file to the same folder as PVHydro.exe
  2. Restart the application
  3. The license will be automatically detected and activated
Free Trial: During the 7-day trial period, all features are available. You can use the application fully before purchasing a license.

Troubleshooting Installation Issues

Application Won't Start

License Activation Issues

Performance Issues

Uninstallation

To uninstall PVHydro:

  1. Close the application if it's running
  2. Delete the PVHydro.exe file
  3. Delete the license file (.lic) if you want to remove it
  4. Delete any project files you no longer need
  5. Remove the desktop shortcut if you created one
Note: PVHydro doesn't modify Windows registry or system files. Simply deleting the executable and related files is sufficient for uninstallation.

Updating the Application

To update to a newer version:

  1. Download the latest version from the website
  2. Close the current application
  3. Replace the old PVHydro.exe with the new one
  4. Keep your existing license file (.lic) - it will work with the new version
  5. Launch the updated application
Professional and Enterprise Licenses: Include 1 year of free updates. Check your license terms for update eligibility.