When there is no 3D imagery available for an address, you can use our solar design tool to create a manual design. Here is the step-by-step guide.
Creating a Manual Design When 3D Data Isn't Available
Start on the designer tab in our proposal software.
- Open Google Maps: Click on the location icon in the design canvas and open Google Maps. If possible select browse street view by clicking on the person icon on the bottom right corner of Google Maps. This will give you a clear view of the roof shape, surrounding trees, and any visible obstacles.
- Switch to Drawing Mode: Open the Roof Segments accordion on the design tool. Start by clicking on the Drawing Mode icon to begin your manual design.
Select & Use Guidelines to Draw the Roof Segment: Select the guidelines icon on the left hand side
[
]. Use the guideline tool to trace the roof shape accurately.
- Optimize + Run Edge Detection Again: Click on Optimize and Edge Detection to auto-identify roof edges. If the results aren’t accurate, you can manually adjust segment labels for better accuracy.
- Set The Pitch and Height: Set the pitch and eave height for all roof segments. (adjust later if needed).
- Identify and Add Trees: Check google maps or base image for any trees. Estimate their height based on shadow length, then add them manually.
- Add Obstacles: Place any known obstacles on the roof like vents, chimneys, or skylights.
- Place Panels: Open the Design accordion. Select your preferred panel orientation (from the first row), your preferred solar layout (from the second row) and click 'Fill Panels'.
- Run Shading: Open the Shading accordion and click Run Shading.
Your solar design is now completed - you can go ahead and click 'Create Proposal'.
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White Image Issue
If you encounter an address where no imagery appears after you confirm the home, create a new lead, place and confirm the pin in a nearby empty field and follow the same steps that are listed above to create a manual design.