Create a Project
================

A SAM project consists of one or more :doc:`cases <../reference/manage_cases>`. Each case stores inputs and results for a renewable energy system. When you save a project, SAM creates a project file with the .sam extension.

To create a SAM project:

#. On the :doc:`Welcome page <welcome_page>`, click **Start a new project** to create a new project, or on the :doc:`File menu <../reference/file_menu>`, click **New project**.

#. :doc:`Choose models <../getting-started/choose_models>` for your project.

SAM creates the project with a single case with all input variables populated with default values.

#. On the File menu, click **Save** to save the project as a .sam file.

.. image:: ../images/SS_start-button.png
   :align: center
   :alt: SS_start-button.png