# Trees Add trees to your scene to analyze shading effects on solar panels. Trees cast realistic shadows during shadow analysis, helping you design around existing vegetation. ## Why Add Trees? Trees are essential for accurate solar design: - **Shadow Analysis** - Trees cast shadows that reduce panel production - **Accurate Modeling** - Represent real site conditions - **Production Estimates** - Get realistic energy production calculations - **Client Confidence** - Show you've considered all factors Neglecting to model trees can lead to: - Overestimated production values - Poor panel placement decisions - Unhappy clients when actual production is lower than predicted ## Entering Tree Mode Press `T` or click the **Tree** button to enter tree mode. You'll see a cursor indicator showing you're ready to place trees. ## Placing Trees ### Single Tree Placement Click once on the canvas to place a single tree at that location. ### Multiple Tree Placement For placing many trees quickly: 1. Click and hold the mouse button 2. Drag across the area 3. Trees are placed continuously as you move 4. Release when finished This is perfect for tree lines, forests, or landscaped areas with multiple trees. ## Tree Types Powerlily supports two tree types with different appearances and characteristics: ### Conifer (Evergreen) Conical shape, typical of evergreen trees: - Spruce - Pine - Fir - Cedar Characteristics: - Narrow, pointed crown - Dense foliage year-round - Casts consistent shadows ### Deciduous (Broadleaf) Rounded shape, typical of broadleaf trees: - Oak - Maple - Birch - Elm Characteristics: - Wider, rounded crown - Loses leaves seasonally (though model doesn't change) - Casts broader shadows ### Switching Tree Types While in tree mode, press `Shift` to cycle between tree types: 1. Press `Shift` - see current type indicator 2. Continue holding to see next type 3. Release `Shift` to lock your selection > **Tip:** Choose the tree type before placing. You can also change the type of an existing tree by selecting it and changing the type in the properties panel. ## Tree Properties Select any tree to adjust its properties in the right panel: ### Height Tree height in meters: - **Small Trees** - 3-8m (10-25 feet) - **Medium Trees** - 8-15m (25-50 feet) - **Large Trees** - 15-30m (50-100 feet) - **Very Large Trees** - 30m+ (100+ feet) Height directly affects shadow length: - Taller trees cast longer shadows - Consider mature height for existing trees - Use realistic heights for accurate analysis ### Foliage Radius Radius of the tree's foliage canopy in meters: - **Narrow Trees** - 1-3m radius - **Medium Trees** - 3-6m radius - **Wide Trees** - 6-12m radius Foliage radius affects shadow width: - Wider canopies cast larger shadow areas - Conifers typically have smaller radius - Deciduous trees typically have larger radius ### Tree Type Change between: - Conifer (evergreen) - Deciduous (broadleaf) This affects the visual appearance and shadow shape. ## Moving Trees To relocate a tree: 1. Select the tree by clicking on it 2. Press `M` to enter move mode 3. Click on the new location 4. The tree moves to the new position 5. Press `Escape` to cancel if needed > **Tip:** Use move mode to fine-tune tree positions after initial placement. ## Deleting Trees Two ways to delete a tree: 1. Select the tree and press `Delete` 2. Select the tree and click the delete button in the properties panel There is no "clear all trees" function - delete trees individually. ## Shadow Analysis with Trees Trees are critical for shadow analysis: ### How Tree Shadows Work - Trees cast shadows based on height and foliage radius - Shadows move throughout the day based on sun position - Shadow intensity depends on foliage density - Shadows affect solar production calculations ### Using Shadow Analysis 1. Place all trees in your scene 2. Enable shadow visualization in the toolbar 3. Adjust time of day using the timeline slider 4. Observe how tree shadows fall on roof surfaces 5. Adjust panel placement to avoid heavily shaded areas ### Shadow Heatmap Press `H` to toggle shadow heatmap: - Shows cumulative shading over time - Red areas receive the most shade - Green areas receive the least shade - Use this to identify optimal panel placement zones ## Tips for Tree Placement ### Be Realistic Model trees that actually exist or will exist: - Don't add trees that aren't there - Consider only mature trees (not small saplings) - Use realistic heights and canopy sizes ### Check All Sides Place trees all around the structure: - Trees on the east cast morning shadows - Trees on the south cast midday shadows - Trees on the west cast afternoon shadows - Trees on the north have minimal impact (northern hemisphere) ### Consult Satellite Imagery Use aerial imagery to identify trees: - Count actual trees visible - Estimate heights from shadows or building comparison - Identify tree species if possible ### Consider Removal Discuss with clients: - Can problematic trees be trimmed or removed? - Is tree removal worth the production increase? - Are there tree preservation ordinances? ### Don't Overdo It Only model significant trees: - Trees that are tall enough to cast shadows on the roof - Trees close enough to affect the installation - Ignore distant or very small trees ## Exiting Tree Mode Press `Escape` to exit tree mode. Trees remain in the scene and can be edited later. ## Keyboard Shortcuts | Shortcut | Action | |----------|--------| | `T` | Toggle tree mode | | `Shift` | Cycle tree types (Conifer/Deciduous) | | `M` | Move selected tree | | `Delete` | Delete selected tree | | `Escape` | Exit tree mode | --- **Next:** Add notes to your design with [[Annotations]] or review all [[Shortcuts Reference]].