In this document
You'll learn how to draw ground segments and rooftop segments (via Commercial & Industrial rooftop objects, including height/slope configuration and applying the rooftop shape or a custom shape as the array area) using the interactive 3D map, how to configure segment parameters (mounting type, albedo, horizon source, geometry, safe zones), and how to add, edit, move, and duplicate restricted lines and shading polygon/line objects to represent obstructions and their exclusion zones.
Drawing segments
Solargis Evaluate Energy system designer supports two types of segments (array placements) - ground segments and rooftop segments. You will create both using the interactive 3D map tools.
Ground segments
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 in the interactive 3D map guide.
Once you have the segment in place, you can start adding restricted areas or shading objects if required.
Rooftop segments
You can create a rooftop segment using the Commercial & industrial (C&I) rooftop object tool on the interactive 3D map. This process contains three steps to configure the rooftop area for the segment properly.
1. Creating C&I rooftop object
In the first step, you must create the rooftop object to simulate the building’s rooftop shape.
Select the C&I rooftop object tool.
Draw the building rooftop area and click enter.
The C&I rooftop object will be added to the design with a default height of 10 m.
2. Defining the rooftop parameters
The second step involves configuration of the building height, slope, and slope azimuth:
Define the building height if required. You can switch between relative (from the surface) and absolute (elevation) height.
If the building’s roof is sloped, use the slope and slope azimuth parameters to set its slope. You can use “set in map” feature for the slope azimuth to set it relative to any rooftop side or any angle.
The slope of the building’s rooftop will be rendered in the design in real time after every change.
3. Adding a segment to the rooftop object
In the third step, you will add a segment for the array on the created rooftop. You can use the rooftop shape as a segment or add a custom segment manually.
To add a custom segment to the rooftop, use the segment drawing tool and outline a custom-shaped segment on the rooftop.
To use the rooftop shape as a segment, click the “Use rooftop shape as segment” button in the C&I rooftop object properties panel.
Now your segment is ready, and you can add an array to it.
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.
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).
The Terrain approximation setting determines how the software treats the underlying ground surface for a specific segment or site. You can choose between two distinct modes:
Terrain following method:
What it is: This mode enables the PV tables to follow the natural terrain surface exactly without any digital modification.
Effect on table orientation: Because every table must adjust to its unique underlying slope, the orientation can only be set as "Nominal".
Planar surface method:
What it is: This mode calculates a single flat plane that best approximates the underlying terrain for the entire segment.
Effect on table orientation: This mode offers higher flexibility, supporting three distinct ways to define table orientation for fixed-tilt mountings: specific, nominal, and effective. Learn more about how to work with table orientation in the Array configuration guide.
Note: Terrain approximation is not available to rooftop segments.
Editing segment vertices
To edit segment vertices:
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 with your mouse 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, you can open the segment options menu using the three dots menu in the segment properties panel or right-clicking the segment on the interactive 3D map to do 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.
Restricted areas and restricted lines
If you want to include maintenance routes inside your installation or create areas unsuitable for PV table installation, you can use restricted area and restricted line tools. Both objects offer an option of placing inverters within their constraints. This allows for inverters to be placed on maintenance paths or inside specific restricted areas.
Restricted areas and lines now incorporate terrain-following geometry. The entire polygon—along with its outline—now conforms to the terrain through re-projection.
You can edit restricted areas and lines the same way you would edit a segment.
Note: Existing restricted areas and restricted lines are listed within the Site section in the main menu 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.
You can draw restricted areas using the restricted area drawing tool by selecting it in the left 3D map toolbar or by pressing A on the keyboard.
Restricted area properties
Restricted areas offer the following customization options:
Exclusion zones: You can define a no-build zone (in meters) around the restricted area if required to create a “buffer zone” between various design objects.
Allowed objects in the restricted zone: You can decide whether to allow or restrict object placement (e. g., inverter units) within the boundaries of the restricted area. This way, you can group several inverter units in a single restricted area for easy access and maintenance.
The properties panel offers additional three-dot options menu, where you can perform further edits of show/hide the element’s outline in the 3D map.
If you set an exclusion zone around the restricted area, you may further specify the shape of its breaking points to miter, round, or bevel.
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.
You can draw restricted lines using the restricted line drawing tool by selecting it in the left 3D map toolbar or by pressing L on the keyboard.
Restricted line properties
Restricted areas offer the following customization options:
Exclusion zones: You can define a no-build zone (in meters) around the restricted line if required to create a “buffer zone” between various design objects.
Allowed objects in the restricted line area: You can decide whether to allow or restrict object placement (e. g., inverter units) within the boundaries of the restricted line.
The properties panel offers additional three-dot options menu, where you can perform further edits of show/hide the element’s outline in the 3D map.
Moving restricted areas and lines
You can move around existing restricted areas/lines using the move tool.
Select the restricted area/line on the map or from the list in the main menu under Constraints.
Activate the move tool in the left toolbar or press “M” on your keyboard.
Drag and move the restricted area/line on the map to the desired position
Press Enter on your keyboard to confirm the new position.
Duplicating restricted areas and lines
Additionally, you can duplicate the restricted area/line while the move tool is active by pressing the “Alt” button on your keyboard. An exact copy of the object will be added to the design at its original spot. You can continue moving around the existing object to its new position, while the duplicated one will occupy its original position.
Duplicated restricted area/line where the original restricted line was originally placed.
The existing restricted area/line that you can move around to its new position.
Note: Pressing “Enter” will place the existing restricted area at the new position while leaving the duplicated one in its original spot.
Shading polygon objects and lines
Shading polygon objects
The shading polygon object represents surrounding obstacles such as buildings, walls, or other structures that could cast shadows on the PV system. By adding these objects to the 3D map, you can simulate real-world shading effects and assess how nearby elements impact system performance and energy yield.
You can draw shading polygon objects using the shading polygon drawing tool by selecting it in the left 3D map toolbar or by pressing P on the keyboard.
Key features of shading polygon objects
Shading polygon objects can not have arrays placed at the top.
They can be placed inside or outside of the buildable area.
They can be placed inside segments.
You can define the object’s exclusion zone in its properties in the panel to the right.
Shading objects can be moved using the move tool and duplicated.
They can be moved around using the move tool.
Shading line objects
The shading 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.
You can draw shading line objects using the shading line drawing tool by selecting it in the left 3D map toolbar or by pressing S on the keyboard.
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.
Shading line object properties
You can set the height of a line object and decide how to apply its surface albedo - as a constant for the whole year or as monthly values that you can edit. If you want to edit the monthly values, use the “Edit” button.
