Adding segments, restricted areas, and other objects

In this document

You will learn how to create segments, restricted areas, or shading objects using the interactive 3D map.

Drawing segments

Segments are created in the interactive 3D map:

Select the segment tool from the left toolbar.
Start drawing by placing the vertices on the map (mouse click).
Finish the shape by pressing Enter or placing the last point at the starting point.

Tip: You can learn how to work with the drawing tools here.

Segment parameters

Once you draw your segment, you can configure several parameters of your segment in the segment properties. Select the segment in the main navigation, and its properties panel will load in the properties panel.

General settings

Segment geometry

Terrain approximation

Here you can change:

Array mounting type.
Segment type (ground or building).
Albedo: You can adjust the default albedo for the segment.
Horizon data:
- Segment specific: Refers to the specific segment you have created and is calculated based on the centroid position of the segment from the SRTM90 elevation model.
- From site properties: Applies horizon shading from the site’s reference point, regardless of the placement of the segment. You can access and edit this horizon’s data under the Site properties in the main menu.

Provides information about the segment’s coverage area and perimeter. You can set an inner safe zone for the segment here ( buffer area around solar panels that ensures compliance with safety, maintenance, and regulatory requirements).

Select the segment’s terrain approximation method. Adaptive is set by default. You can change it by switching to manual and defining new slope, slope azimuth, and altitude values.

Editing segment vertices

If you need to edit existing segment vertices, you can do it in the following way:

Select the segment you want to edit (on the map or in the main menu).
Press “E” on the keyboard to start editing the vertices.
Move around the vertices or add new ones as required.
Save the changes using the “Finish” button.

Note: If the segment contained an array, it will be automatically adjusted to the new segment shape and all relevant parameters will be recalculated.

Additional segment options

Additionally, the segment menu offers the following (keyboard shortcuts are displayed in the menu):

Rename: Rename the segment.
Show/hide the segment: Hides the underlying shape illustration and leaves only the array in place.
Set all to default : Resets all changed parameters to default.
Remove array: Clears the segment of its array (if present).
Delete: Deletes the segment.

Note: You can also access the segment options using the three-dot menu in the segment properties or right-clicking on the segment on the 3D map.

Restricted areas, restricted lines, and line objects

If you want to include maintenance routes inside your installation, create areas unsuitable for PV table installation, or add shading objects, you can use restricted area, restricted line, and line object tools. Restricted areas and restricted lines offer an option of placing inverters within their constraints. This allows for inverters to be placed on maintenance paths or inside specific restricted areas.

You can edit them the same way you would edit a segment.

Note: Exisitng restricted areas, restricted lines, and line objects are listed within the Site section under Constraints.

Restricted area

The restricted areas are used to create zones where PV tables cannot be installed, e.g., swamps, groups of trees, or rock formations. The process of drawing a restricted area is identical to drawing the segment.

Restricted line

The restricted line can represent a maintenance route or any other straight line that must be avoided. Once you place the restricted line into the map, you can edit its safe zone in the properties panel to the right.

Line objects

The Line objects can represent forest borders, fences, or building walls near the installation, which may cast unwanted shadows and cause losses. You can add them to the map to visualize their impact and help you make better decisions about the PV table's placement.

Note: The image below shows that the fence near the road would cover one third of the tables to its side in the early evening.