In this document
You'll get an overview of the elements you can draw on the Energy system designer's interactive 3D map: segments (ground and C&I rooftop), restricted areas and restricted lines, and shading polygon and shading line objects. Each element is introduced briefly, with a link to its detailed guide.
The interactive 3D map is where you define the physical layout of your power plant. Using the drawing tools in the left toolbar, you can add three groups of elements to the design:
Segments: areas where PV arrays can be installed, either on the ground or on a rooftop.
Restricted areas and restricted lines: zones and routes that the array must avoid.
Shading polygon and shading line objects: surrounding obstacles that cast shadows on the installation.
All of these elements can also be brought into the design by importing a KML file instead of drawing them manually.
Tip: Before you start drawing, get familiar with the map controls and the general drawing mechanics in the interactive 3D map guide.
Note: Drawn segments are listed in the Segments section of the main navigation menu. Restricted areas, restricted lines, and shading objects are listed in the Site section under Constraints.
Segments
A segment is a polygonal area you draw on the map to define where a PV array can be placed. It delimits the buildable ground or rooftop surface and carries its own mounting, terrain, albedo, and horizon settings for the array inside it.
Energy system designer supports two segment types: ground segments and rooftop segments (created as Commercial & industrial (C&I) rooftop objects). Once a segment is in place, you can add an array to it.
Learn how to draw both segment types, configure segment properties, and edit segment vertices in Adding segments.
Restricted areas and lines
Restricted areas and restricted lines mark places where PV tables must not be installed. Use a restricted area for zones unsuitable for installation, such as swamps, rock formations, or groups of trees, and a restricted line for maintenance routes or any other linear obstacle to be avoided.
Both elements support an exclusion zone (a no-build buffer around the object) and allowed objects, which lets you permit inverter units inside their boundaries, for example to group them along a maintenance path.
Learn how to draw, configure, move, and duplicate both elements in Adding restricted areas and lines.
Shading objects
Shading polygon objects and shading line objects represent the surrounding environment that casts shadows on the installation. Use a shading polygon for buildings, walls, or other structures, and a shading line for forest borders, fences, or building walls close to the array.
Adding these objects to the design lets you simulate real-world shading and assess how nearby elements affect system performance and energy yield. Both element types have a configurable height and surface albedo.
Learn how to draw both object types and configure their properties in Adding shading objects.