Solar Array Design Roof Layout

Design and installation challenges of flat roof solar panels encompass the constraints and considerations around valleys and ridges for drainage.

Solar array design roof layout.

Built for solar sales professionals and system designers who want to work together on a single versatile platform that combines efficiency and accuracy. Incorporate multiple arrays within a single project report. Solar design starts in pvsketch the easiest way to design solar. With this instructable i h.

Here are two examples. Free solar pv layout and analysis. Once you provide us with your address and electricity usage average kwh per month we utilize satellite imagery to design solar panels on your roof or property and provide an analysis of how much of your electric bill you could offset. Design your array after entering site information click next or go to the design tab which will bring up the array editor.

Mix modules in portrait and landscape orientation within a single array. Click the array icon and hover over the number of modules columns and rows for your array. For commercial rooftop solar it is often cost prohibitive to remove the solar arrays install a new roof and reinstall the solar arrays. It is a geographical information system gis with an easy to use interface that provides end users with specific information and capabilities relevant to siting large solar energy projects.

Click the array icon again to add more arrays to your design. Whether it s a new roof with solar arrays or will have solar arrays installed in the near future or it s an existing roof that will receive solar there are many important considerations for roof system design and panel layout. Generally solar panel layouts require a clear pathway around roof edges hatches skylights service penetrations between rows of panels and along both centerline axes of the roof areas. Setting rack heights with enough clearance to service the roof membrane especially at drains and penetrations is also important.

To find number of rows divide r by 5 5 then round to the lower whole number. Fine tune layout by sliding rows of modules and rotating array. Identify rafter and roof attachment locations. Click the selection to create the array.

Next measure l length of roof. Measure r run the distance from ridge of roof to eave. To find number on panels per row divide l by 3 25 and round to the lower whole number. All pvsketch designs can export to pvcad for project engineering and permit plan sets.

Pvmapper is a utility scale solar site mapping web application that is open source and free to use. Planning a solar array beginner s guide. Modify design based on module specific roof zone engineering data.