# Panel Placement Add solar panels to rooftops and analyze their solar production potential. Panel placement is precise and automatically respects obstructions. ## Prerequisites Before placing panels, you must: 1. Have at least one polygon (building structure) created 2. Select the polygon you want to add panels to ## Entering Panel Mode 1. Select a polygon by clicking on it 2. Press `P` or click **Place Panels** in the properties panel 3. Panel mode activates, showing panel count and controls 4. Press `F1` or `?` to toggle the help overlay > **Note:** You cannot enter panel mode without a polygon selected. ## Placing Panels ### Single Panel Placement Click once on the polygon surface to place a single panel at that location. ### Multiple Panel Placement Click and drag across the polygon surface to place multiple panels in a row. Panels automatically: - Respect the spacing settings (row/column spacing) - Avoid overlapping with obstructions - Align with the surface orientation - Follow the selected orientation (portrait/landscape) ### Automatic Behavior Panels cannot be placed: - Where obstructions exist - Outside the polygon boundaries - In areas with insufficient space - On top of other panels ## Selecting Panels ### Single Selection Click on any panel to select it. Selected panels appear highlighted. ### Multi-Selection Click and drag across multiple panels to select them all at once. This is useful for: - Deleting multiple panels - Moving groups of panels - Reviewing panel groups ### Select All Panels Press `Ctrl+A` to select all panels on the current polygon. ### Deselect - Click on empty space to deselect all panels - Press `Escape` to deselect ## Managing Panels ### Delete Selected Panels 1. Select one or more panels 2. Press `Delete` to remove them ### Clear All Panels Press `X` to instantly clear all panels from the polygon. Use this when you want to start fresh with a new panel layout. ### Panel Count The status indicator shows the total number of panels placed on the current polygon. This updates in real-time as you add or remove panels. ## Panel Configuration Configure panel settings in the properties panel: ### Panel Type Choose from available solar panel models: - Different wattages (300W, 400W, 450W, 500W, etc.) - Different manufacturers - Different efficiency ratings - Different physical dimensions Changing the panel type will: - Update all existing panels on the polygon - Recalculate spacing and layout - Update production estimates ### Inverter Select the inverter model for DC-to-AC conversion: - String inverters - Microinverters - Power optimizers + inverter - Hybrid inverters The inverter choice affects: - System DC/AC ratio - Production calculations - BOM (Bill of Materials) ### Orientation Choose how panels are mounted: **Portrait (Vertical)** - Panels are taller than they are wide - Better for narrow roof sections - Standard residential installation **Landscape (Horizontal)** - Panels are wider than they are tall - Better for wide roof sections - Can improve coverage on some roofs ### Row Spacing Vertical spacing between panel rows, measured in inches: - `0"` - Panels touching (flush mount) - `2-6"` - Standard spacing for racking - `12-24"` - Spacing for walkways - Higher values for maintenance access Used for: - Flat roofs (to prevent row shading) - Ground mounts (to prevent row shading) - Creating maintenance walkways ### Column Spacing Horizontal spacing between panel columns, measured in inches: - `0"` - Panels touching (flush mount) - `2-6"` - Standard spacing for racking - Higher values for specific racking systems ### Tilt Additional tilt angle for panels, in degrees: - `0°` - Panels follow roof slope exactly - `5-15°` - Common for flat roof installations - Higher angles for optimizing production > **Note:** This is tilt *in addition to* the roof slope. A flat roof (0° slope) with 10° tilt means panels are at 10° total. ### Stagger Enable staggered panel layout: - Alternating rows are offset horizontally - Can improve coverage on irregular roof shapes - Creates a more aesthetic appearance - Helpful for fitting more panels in tight spaces ## Solar Production Analysis The PV Watts panel shows real-time production estimates: ### Total System Size Combined DC wattage of all panels on all polygons: - Displayed in kilowatts (kW DC) - Updates as you add/remove panels - Based on selected panel wattage ### Annual Output Estimated annual energy production: - Displayed in kilowatt-hours (kWh) - Based on location, panel angle, azimuth, and shading - Uses PV Watts API for calculations - Accounts for system losses ### System Efficiency Energy production per unit of installed capacity: - Displayed as kWh/kW annually - Higher values indicate better performance - Varies by location and system design - Typical residential: 1,200-1,800 kWh/kW ### Array Details View production breakdown by polygon/array: - Individual array performance - Panel counts per array - Array-specific production values - Azimuth and tilt for each array ### DC/AC Ratio Ratio of panel DC capacity to inverter AC capacity: - Typical range: 1.1 to 1.5 - Higher ratios can increase energy production - Too high may cause clipping during peak sun - System displays warnings if ratio is problematic ## Exiting Panel Mode To exit panel mode: 1. Press `Escape` to deselect any selected panels 2. Press `Escape` again to exit panel mode 3. Or click outside the polygon ## Keyboard Shortcuts | Shortcut | Action | |----------|--------| | `P` | Toggle panel mode (when polygon selected) | | `Ctrl+A` | Select all panels | | `Delete` | Delete selected panels | | `X` | Clear all panels | | `F1` or `?` | Toggle help overlay | | `Escape` | Deselect panels / Exit panel mode | ## Tips for Optimal Panel Placement 1. **Place Obstructions First** - Add all roof obstructions before placing panels so panels automatically avoid those areas. 2. **Use Shadow Analysis** - Enable shadow visualization before placing panels to identify the best locations. 3. **Check DC/AC Ratio** - Aim for 1.2-1.3 for optimal performance without excessive clipping. 4. **Consider Orientation** - Portrait orientation is standard, but landscape can work better on some roof shapes. 5. **Adjust Spacing** - Use appropriate spacing for the racking system and maintenance requirements. 6. **Multiple Arrays** - Create separate polygons/arrays for roof sections with different orientations or tilts. --- **Next:** Learn about managing roof features with [[Obstructions]] or add shading analysis with [[Trees]].