We use DSM data (elevation) to model the terrain and use the terrain to model the shade that casts on the solar panels. If a tree (elevation) is not visible in 3D mode you need to draw in a tree to model the shade. You can also remove elevation to model shading in cases where a tree is to be removed.
To do so, follow these steps:
Adding a tree(s)
1. From the designer click on the Trees accordion.
2. Select the draw icon on the left hand side - .
3. Click on the middle of the tree and drag your mousse to the furthest branch of the tree. A green fill will appear indicating that the tree is being drawn. Once you've gotten to the edge of the tree click the left button on your mousse again.
From here you can view and assess the captured height and shape of a tree by clicking the 3D icon on the top right hand corner [ ] of the design tool.
4. If you would like to adjust the height and shape of the tree, on the right hand side under the Tree accordion manually update the height and shape.
5. From here, run or re-run the shading.
NOTE: Anytime a tree is added, removed or adjusted shading needs to be re-run as the solar production will be impacted.
Adjusting a Tree
1. From the designer click on the Trees accordion. You can adjust already drawn in trees.
2. To edit a drawn in tree select the Edit Mode icon [ ] on the left hand side.
3. While in Edit Mode you can select the point on the radius of the tree and adjust the radius of the tree. You can also adjust the height of a tree in the Trees accordion.
4. You may also delete a drawn in tree by going into Delete Mode by clicking the delete icon [ ] found below the edit icon. While in Delete Mode you can then click on a tree and it will be deleted. You may also delete a tree by clicking the X in the Trees accordion.
5. Proceed to Shading Analysis accordion and run or re-run the shading.
NOTE: Anytime a tree is added, removed or adjusted shading needs to be re-run as the solar production will be impacted.
Removing Tree(s)
1. From the designer click on the Trees accordion.
2. Select the draw icon on the left hand side - .
3. Click on the middle of the tree and drag your mousse to the furthest branch of the tree. A green fill will appear indicating that the tree is being drawn. Once you've gotten to the edge of the tree click the left button on your mousse again.
4. On the right hand side, under the Trees accordion and the DSM column select Remove.
NOTE: To confirm the tree has removed you can click on the 3D icon on the top right hand corner [ ] of the design tool.
5. From here, run or re-run the shading.
NOTE: Anytime a tree is added, removed or adjusted shading needs to be re-run as the solar production will be impacted. Please note this is referencing removing the elevation of a tree.
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TIP: In scenarios when you are using Nearmap data and the trees do not have any leafs (Nearmap leaf off data) you can either switch to Google Solar imagery or manually draw in the trees and re-run shading to get accurate production numbers.