# Panel Placement & Inverter Selection

## Purpose of This Page <a href="#purpose-of-this-page" id="purpose-of-this-page"></a>

This page is the continuation of the project creation flow and focuses on PV system design and simulation.

After defining the project location and creating a 3D roof model, the technical design can be finalized by converting roof surfaces into an operational PV system. Decisions made here, such as panel placement, inverter selection, and shading analysis, directly affect system capacity, energy production, and financial feasibility.

## What You Can Do Here <a href="#what-you-can-do-here" id="what-you-can-do-here"></a>

On this page, you can:

* Select PV modules from the system’s product database
* Define setback and placement rules
* Place panels manually or automatically on roof faces
* Configure panel orientation, rotation, spacing, tilt, and grouping
* Select inverters manually or use automatic inverter suggestions
* Simulate the system to calculate production results
* Analyze shading and solar irradiance on both roof faces and individual panels
* Visualize sun position and evaluate seasonal solar exposure using Sun Path
* Export the PV layout as a DXF file for CAD workflows
* Download hourly simulation results for detailed analysis

{% embed url="<https://app.arcade.software/share/rHzRhiOAUmiEOtA93n0X?language=en>" %}

## Panel Placement on the 3D Roof Model <a href="#panel-placement-on-the-3d-roof-model" id="panel-placement-on-the-3d-roof-model"></a>

Solar panels are placed directly on the 3D roof model created in the [Roof Drawing](/project-design/create-a-project/roof-drawing.md) step.

Each roof face is treated as an independent surface with its own. When a roof face is selected, detailed technical information is displayed on the right panel.

### Roof Face Interaction <a href="#roof-face-interaction" id="roof-face-interaction"></a>

Roof faces can be selected either before or after placing panels.

* Click on a roof face to see the face details
* Panels automatically align with the selected roof face’s slope and orientation
* Panels placed on one roof face do not affect other faces

{% hint style="info" %}
This allows different roof faces within the same project to be designed and evaluated separately.
{% endhint %}

### Available **Characteristic** Parameters <a href="#available-characteristic-parameters" id="available-characteristic-parameters"></a>

* **Slope**: Inclination of the selected roof face
* **Azimuth**: Orientation of the roof face
* **Area**: Total usable surface area
* **Panel Count**: Number of panels placed on that face
* **Panel Coverage**: Percentage of roof area covered by panels

These values directly affect shading analysis, irradiance calculations, and simulation results.

## Panel Placement Modes <a href="#panel-placement-modes" id="panel-placement-modes"></a>

After selecting a PV panel, placement can be done using two different methods.

### Fill Roof Face <a href="#fill-roof-face" id="fill-roof-face"></a>

The **Fill Roof Face** mode automatically places panels across the selected roof face.

* Automatically fills the selected roof face with panels
* Uses defined panel settings such as orientation, spacing, grouping, and tilt automatically for each one
* The system calculates the maximum number of panels that can fit
* Suitable for fast, uniform, and large-scale layouts

{% hint style="info" %}
This mode is recommended for standard residential, commercial, and industrial designs.
{% endhint %}

### Manual Placement <a href="#manual-placement" id="manual-placement"></a>

Manual placement allows precise control over individual panel positions.

* Panels can be placed one by one
* Drag-to-place interaction is supported
* Placement respects all defined panel settings; however, every panel can have different settings like orientation, spacing, grouping, and tilt.

{% hint style="info" %}
Manual placement is useful for:

* Irregular roof shapes
* Avoiding obstacles
* Fine-tuning layouts for aesthetics or shading optimization
  {% endhint %}

## Panel Placement Settings <a href="#panel-placement-settings" id="panel-placement-settings"></a>

Panel behavior and layout are controlled from the placement settings panel.

**Available Settings**

* **Orientation**: Panel alignment direction
* **Tilt Angle**: Custom tilt relative to the roof surface (useful for flat roofs)
* **Rotation Angle**: Fine rotation adjustment
* **Horizontal Spacing**: Distance between panels placed side by side
* **Vertical Spacing**: Distance between panels placed above or below each other
* **Racking Type**: Mounting structure type, which may affect spacing and tilt constraints

{% hint style="info" %}
These settings apply to both manual placement and automatic fill operations.
{% endhint %}

### Panel Bundling, Duplication, and Rearrangement <a href="#panel-bundling-duplication-and-rearrangement" id="panel-bundling-duplication-and-rearrangement"></a>

After panels are placed on roof faces, solarVis allows you to manage them as groups instead of individual modules. This enables fast replication of layouts and efficient adjustments across large or repetitive roof areas.

#### Bundling Panels

Panels placed on a roof face can be bundled into a single selectable group.

* Select multiple panels on a roof face
* Create a bundled panel group
* Treat the bundle as a single object

Bundled panels remain linked and move together while preserving spacing and alignment.

{% hint style="info" %}
This is especially useful for agricultural projects, as it allows you to adjust the tilt and orientation of panels simultaneously.

* Arrange the panels into a bundled group in the solarVis account, as shown in the image below.

<img src="/files/h3CZOHR7rnrg68lIBUED" alt="" data-size="original">

* Place the bundled panel groups across the agricultural area, following the design created in solarVis.

<img src="/files/BPIvCo3NnGFuaNpqSCXW" alt="" data-size="original">
{% endhint %}

#### Duplicating Panel Groups

Bundled panel groups can be duplicated and reused across the roof.

* Copy an existing panel bundle
* Place it on another roof face or location
* Maintain the same layout and spacing

{% hint style="info" %}
This is especially useful for industrial and commercial roofs with repeating geometry.
{% endhint %}

#### Editing Panel Properties After Placement

Panel orientation and geometry settings can be modified even after placement.

The following properties can be updated for selected panels or panel groups:

* Orientation
* Tilt angle
* Rotation angle

Changes are applied instantly to the selected panels or bundles and reflected in production calculations.

### Panel Grouping <a href="#panel-grouping" id="panel-grouping"></a>

When panel grouping is enabled:

* Panels are placed as grouped frames rather than single units
* Horizontal and vertical panel counts per group can be defined
* Frame spacing can be customized independently
* Grouping rules apply to both **Fill Roof Face** and **Manual Placement** modes

{% hint style="info" %}
Panel grouping is commonly used for:

* Large flat-roof installations
* Standardized mounting structures
  {% endhint %}

## Shading Analysis & Solar Irradiance <a href="#shading-analysis-and-solar-irradiance" id="shading-analysis-and-solar-irradiance"></a>

When shading analysis is enabled, roof faces and panels are color-coded based on **annual average solar irradiance**.

* The analysis takes into account the sun array angle and shading effects from surrounding buildings, trees, and other obstacles on the roof
* Results are calculated on a yearly average basis
* Both the **roof-point** and **panel average** performance can be analyzed

### Visual Heatmap <a href="#visual-heatmap" id="visual-heatmap"></a>

Roof surfaces and panels are displayed using a color gradient:

* **Dark / Red tones**: Lower solar performance or higher shading impact
* **Orange tones**: Medium solar performance
* **Yellow tones**: High solar irradiance and optimal areas

This heatmap helps quickly identify suitable areas for panel placement.

{% hint style="info" %}
Panel colors may change based on their **angle and orientation**, as these directly affect the irradiance they receive.
{% endhint %}

### Inspector Popup Window <a href="#inspector-popup-window" id="inspector-popup-window"></a>

When moving the cursor over a roof face or panel, the **inspector popup window updates dynamically**.

* Values change instantly based on the cursor position
* Enables detailed, point-based analysis across the roof and panels

Displayed metrics include:

* **Irradiance** - Solar energy received per unit area, measured in **kWh/m²/yr**.
* **Solar Access (%)** - Percentage of irradiance reaching the roof after shading losses.
* **TOF (Tilt and Orientation Factor)** - How well the panel's tilt and orientation compare to the optimal angle.
* **TSRF (Total Solar Resource Fraction)** - Overall solar resource available, factoring in both shading and TOF.

Users can switch between:

* **Solar Access view**

Shows the percentage of annual sunlight per unit area on the roof can access.

<figure><img src="/files/xVSgqxUSdAu4Gxgz7UCx" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Irradiance view**

Displays the total solar radiation (kWh/m²/year) received per unit area

<figure><img src="/files/HLaWwarFQjK2hBquvVp3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Time-Based Analysis <a href="#time-based-analysis" id="time-based-analysis"></a>

The Inspector panel also provides a **monthly distribution chart**:

* Shows how irradiance or solar access changes throughout the year
* Helps understand seasonal production patterns
* Supports more accurate system evaluation before simulation

### Recalculation Warning <a href="#recalculation-warning" id="recalculation-warning"></a>

When there is any change in PV module placement, the system will display:

* **"Irradiance has changed and needs recalculation."**

This indicates that changes to panel placement or configuration have affected the irradiance results.

Users should re-run the simulation to ensure accurate performance outputs.

{% hint style="info" %}
This analysis allows users to compare different roof faces and panels and validate placement decisions with real performance data.
{% endhint %}

## Sun Path <a href="#sun-path" id="sun-path"></a>

The Sun Path view helps users understand how the sun moves around the project area during different times of the hour, day, and month.

This view is used to visually evaluate solar exposure conditions on the roof and better understand how seasonal and hourly sun position affects the project.

* Displays the sun trajectory around the project model
* Shows the sun position for a selected hour, day, and month
* Helps users visually interpret solar access before or during system design
* Supports a better understanding of shading behavior across different periods

{% hint style="info" %}
Sun Path is a visual analysis tool. It helps interpret solar exposure conditions, but final production and shading impacts should still be validated through system simulation and irradiance analysis.
{% endhint %}

### How It Works <a href="#how-it-works" id="how-it-works"></a>

The Sun Path tool creates a visual path around the project area and places the sun according to the selected date and time.

Users can:

* Start or pause the sun path animation
* Select a specific hour
* Change the day
* Change the month

As these values are updated, the sun position changes accordingly in the 3D scene.

{% hint style="info" %}
This helps users check how solar exposure changes throughout the year and supports more informed panel placement decisions.
{% endhint %}

## Advanced Settings <a href="#advanced-settings" id="advanced-settings"></a>

Advanced Settings allow you to fine-tune how system performance and production are calculated.

These settings affect simulation accuracy, loss assumptions, and data sources used in energy calculations.

Advanced Settings are divided into two sections:

* **Loss Calculations**
* **System Preferences**

You can access this panel from the PV design screen at any time. Changes apply to the current design version only.

{% hint style="info" %}
Advanced Settings are optional. If not modified, solarVis uses default industry standard values.
{% endhint %}

### Loss Calculations <a href="#loss-calculations" id="loss-calculations"></a>

Loss Calculations define system-level losses that reduce theoretical production to realistic output values.

Each parameter is expressed as a percentage and applied during simulation.

**Available Loss Parameters**

* **Shading:** Losses from partial or indirect shading
* **Soiling:** Losses caused by dirt or dust on panels
* **Snow:** Losses due to snow covering panels
* **Environmental conditions:** Losses from humidity or wind
* **Light-induced degradation:** Initial performance loss after a certain time of installation
* **DC connections:** Losses at DC connection points, like connectors
* **DC wiring:** Losses caused by the strength in cables connecting panels to the inverter or other components
* **AC wiring:** Energy losses in AC wiring from the inverter to the grid

These values directly impact annual energy production and financial outputs.

#### Reset to Default

Resets all loss parameters to solarVis default values.

### System Preferences <a href="#system-preferences" id="system-preferences"></a>

System Preferences define the data sources and assumptions used for production simulation.

These settings control **how solar resource data and weather information are selected** for calculations.

**Available System Preferences**

* Production source (PVGIS, PVWatts)
* Simulation year
* Weather data source

{% hint style="info" %}
By default, solarVis uses PVGIS-based datasets.
{% endhint %}

Changes to system preferences immediately affect simulation results.

## Setback Configuration <a href="#setback-configuration" id="setback-configuration"></a>

Setback rules define restricted areas near roof edges where panels cannot be placed.

* Prevents panel placement close to the roof boundaries
* Applied consistently across all placement modes
* Helps ensure installation safety and regulatory compliance

{% hint style="info" %}
Setbacks help ensure:

* Installation safety
* Maintenance access
* Compliance with local regulations and fire codes
  {% endhint %}

## Inverter Selection <a href="#inverter-selection" id="inverter-selection"></a>

After panel placement, an inverter should be selected to complete the system design.

### Manual Inverter Selection <a href="#manual-inverter-selection" id="manual-inverter-selection"></a>

* Inverters can be selected directly from the database
* Full control over inverter brand, model, and specifications
* Suitable for custom or advanced system designs

### Auto Suggest System <a href="#auto-suggest-system" id="auto-suggest-system"></a>

The system can automatically suggest inverter configurations based on production analysis.

* Analyzes installed project DC capacity and production behavior
* Suggests optimized inverter configurations
* Provides alternative inverter systems
* Users can select one of the suggested options or override them manually

This feature helps ensure proper sizing and system efficiency.

### Inverter Limiting <a href="#inverter-limiting" id="inverter-limiting"></a>

* Inverter output power can be limited manually
* Useful for grid constraints or design optimization

{% hint style="info" %}
🧷 For supporting battery integration;

* **On-Grid projects:** Hybrid inverters can be used.
* **Off-Grid projects:** Off-grid or hybrid inverters can be used.
* **Zero Injection projects:** Off-grid or hybrid inverters can be used.

Please note:

* You can use an on-grid inverter in an on-grid or a zero injection project; however, in this case, battery integration is not supported.
  {% endhint %}

## Downloads <a href="#downloads" id="downloads"></a>

After completing the PV design, you can export the current layout and simulation data from the **Downloads** menu on the page.

This allows you to take both the technical solar design and system performance results into external tools for further use, including CAD workflows and detailed analysis.

Available export options:

* Export DXF
* Download Hourly Simulation

### Export DXF <a href="#export-dxf" id="export-dxf"></a>

This export makes it possible to take the technical solar design into external CAD software for review, coordination, and installation planning.

{% hint style="info" %}
The exported DXF file is compatible with common CAD tools such as AutoCAD, DraftSight, and similar software.
{% endhint %}

To export a DXF file:

* Open the **Downloads** menu
* Click **Export DXF**
* Review the drawing in the **CAD Viewer**
* Optionally add measurements or adjust the view
* Click **Download DXF**

{% embed url="<https://app.arcade.software/share/GwgY0EGlCkwgPLQkpAiT?language=en>" %}

#### What Gets Exported <a href="#what-gets-exported" id="what-gets-exported"></a>

The DXF file includes the current PV design and is organized into separate layers so each drawing element can be reviewed independently.

Available layers include:

* **ROOF\_LAYOUT**: Roof edges, vertices, and roof face information (White)
* **PANELS**: PV module positions with tilt & rotation (Cyan)
* **STRINGS**: Electrical wiring paths between panels (Magenta)
* **STRING\_NODES**: Panel center markers and string labels (Magenta)
* **INVERTERS**: Inverter locations with AC/DC symbols (Blue)
* **SETBACKS**: Restricted offset areas from roof edges (Orange)
* **OBSTACLES**: Roof obstructions such as chimneys or HVAC units (Red)
* **DORMERS**: Roof protrusions (Green)
* **ELEVATIONS**: Height labels in metric or imperial units

#### CAD Viewer <a href="#cad-viewer" id="cad-viewer"></a>

Before downloading the DXF file, solarVis opens a built-in CAD Viewer where the drawing can be reviewed and annotated.

This allows users to inspect the exported design and optionally add dimensions before downloading the final file.

#### Available Viewer Tools <a href="#available-viewer-tools" id="available-viewer-tools"></a>

The CAD Viewer includes the following tools:

* **Length tool** for measuring distances between two points
* **Snap system** for accurate measurement placement using endpoint, midpoint, and perpendicular snapping
* **Layer visibility** toggle layers on/off
* **Unit toggle** for switching between metric (m) and imperial (ft)
* **Undo / Redo / Clear all** controls for managing annotations
* **Zoom and pan** scroll to zoom, right-click drag to pan
* **Monochrome mode** for simplified single color viewing

Any measurements added in the CAD Viewer are included in the downloaded DXF file.

#### Export Details <a href="#export-details" id="export-details"></a>

The DXF export reflects the current technical design as configured in the project.

* Panels are exported in flattened 3D with tilt and rotation written on the top left of the panel if it is non-zero
* Strings follow actual routed paths between panel centers, with circle markers and labels
* Inverters are shown with AC and DC symbols
* Setbacks are shown with outline and hatched fill
* Elevation labels are converted automatically based on the selected unit system
* File names are automatically transliterated for cross-platform compatibility

{% hint style="info" %}
The DXF export is useful for field review, electrical engineering checks, installation planning, and sharing technical layouts with external stakeholders.
{% endhint %}

### Download Hourly Simulation <a href="#download-hourly-simulation" id="download-hourly-simulation"></a>

The Download Hourly Simulation option allows you to export detailed system performance data as an XLSX file.

This export provides hour-by-hour production results based on the current system design and simulation settings.

To download the hourly simulation file:

* Open the **Downloads** menu
* Click **Download Hourly Simulation**

#### What Gets Exported <a href="#what-gets-exported-1" id="what-gets-exported-1"></a>

The XLSX file includes detailed time-series simulation data at an hourly resolution, based on the current system design and configuration.

Each row represents a specific timestamp and provides both production and system behavior metrics.

Typical data includes:

* Timestamp data for each simulation hour
* Hourly consumption values
* Hourly production values at the system level
* Energy imported from the grid and energy exported to the grid
* Battery Charging Power, Battery State of Charge, and Battery Loss values if a battery is applicable
* Base Consumption, Heat Pump Consumption, and Total Consumption values if a heat pump is applicable

The dataset reflects how the designed system performs across different hours of the year, capturing variations caused by sun position, shading conditions, and system configuration.

This file can be used for:

* Detailed performance analysis at the hourly level
* Validation of system design assumptions
* Financial modeling based on realistic production curves
* Consumption and production matching analysis
* Battery & Heat Pump and self-consumption optimization studies

{% hint style="info" %}
The export features are useful for engineering validation, installation planning, and sharing both technical layouts and performance data with external stakeholders.
{% endhint %}

## System Simulation <a href="#system-simulation" id="system-simulation"></a>

After completing panel placement, inverter selection, and shading analysis, click **Simulate System**.

Simulation results include:

* Installed system capacity (kWp)
* Total panel count
* Estimated annual energy production (kWh)
* Impact of orientation, shading, and inverter configuration

Detailed outputs can be reviewed via **Simulation Result Graphs**.

## Keyboard Shortcuts <a href="#keyboard-shortcuts" id="keyboard-shortcuts"></a>

#### Canvas Navigation

* **Mouse Wheel Up**: Zoom in
* **Mouse Wheel Down**: Zoom out

#### Design Tools

* **Esc**: Edit mode
* **C**: Create mode
* **Ctrl (hold)**: Multiselect mode

#### Actions

* **Ctrl + Z**: Undo
* **Ctrl + Shift + Z**: Redo

***

## Related Pages <a href="#related-articles" id="related-articles"></a>

* [Roof Drawing Page](/project-design/create-a-project/roof-drawing.md)

Still stuck? You can always [**get in touch with us!**](https://www.solarvis.co/en/company/contact)


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