Field Support - SolarGraf

1. Starting a New Project

Begin by clicking "New Project" at the top right corner of the dashboard.
Enter the project address using Google Maps' search function.
Note: Ensure you select the correct address from the dropdown. A pin will appear on the roof of the selected home.
You can adjust the pin location manually:
- For ground mount or flat roofs, left-click and drag the pin to the correct spot.
- For new builds, continue the project even if it shows an empty lot. In the next step, updated imagery from Nearmap will provide more current images.

* For Field Support use the search bar to find the existing design

2. Pre-Signed Page Setup

On the Pre-Signed Page:

Fill in the Project Details, such as whether it’s residential or commercial, and choose the system design (new system, system expansion, or battery-only add-ons).
Imagery:
- Adjust imagery through Nearmap (which often has more recent updates than Google Maps).
- Upload any custom imagery (drone images, blueprints, etc.) if available.
Energy Consumption:
- Choose the correct utility provider and enter the consumption data (annual or interval data).
- Example: If a homeowner consumes 11,000 kWh annually, distribute this across the months.
- Use the Consumption Profiling feature to account for heavy load appliances, such as EVs, when pairing a PV system with a battery.

After completing this step, click "Create Design" to proceed to the design tool.

3. Inside the SolarGraph 3D Design Tool

Designing happens in four main processes:

Roof Design:

Begin with the pen tool to draw or modify the roof.
- You can auto-detect the roof outline using the tool or manually adjust it.
- Consider changing the capture date for better clarity (through Nearmap) if needed.
- To detect surrounding obstructions like trees, zoom out to capture them in the design.
Use "Detect Roof Outline" to auto-generate the roof. You can also manually model neighboring homes or areas that impact solar access.
Once the roof outline is complete, click "Run Wizard":
- The wizard automatically detects roof pitch, obstructions, and vertical walls.Roof Adjustments:

Use the select tool to modify roof lines, delete or adjust roof edges, and ensure accurate placement.
Adjust the azimuth (the direction the roof is facing) using the blue box, or invert it if the detection was incorrect.

Internal Vertical Walls:

Mark internal vertical walls (especially for multi-story homes) in purple.
If needed, use the split-screen view to check for missed elements like additional stories.

Tree and Obstruction Adjustments:

Select trees to modify the crown diameter or trunk height (simulate trimming or growth).
Delete low-profile obstructions if solar panels will be placed over them.

4. Fitting to LiDAR Data

After completing the roof design, ensure accuracy by comparing it to LiDAR data using the visibility menu (eyeball icon).
If necessary, click "Fit Design to LiDAR" to align your model to the real-world data.

5. Setting Roof Heights and Internal Vertical Walls

Setting Stories and Height: You can adjust roof height by setting the building to multiple stories (e.g., 2 stories). You may need to add internal vertical walls to differentiate one section of the roof from another.
Internal Vertical Walls: These walls are necessary when you want distinct sections of the roof to have different heights. If the internal walls are missing, any change in the roof height would affect the entire building. Add the internal vertical walls (purple lines) to divide the roof into different sections logically.

6. Roof Design Basics

Undoing Changes: If you make a mistake during the initial roof outline, you can back up a step by pressing "Ctrl + Z" to undo your last action.
Line Crossing Issues: If you encounter a red line preventing you from closing off a roof section, press "S" to reset your selection and redraw.
Adding Nodes: To add new corners or edges to your roof, double-click along a roof line to insert additional nodes. If unnecessary nodes were added, you can merge them back or delete them as needed.

7. Adjusting the Pitch and Roof Lines

Pitch Adjustments: Roof pitch is visualized in 3D but must be adjusted in 2D. After checking the pitch in 3D, switch back to 2D to fine-tune the design.
Snapping: Snapping helps align roof lines to 90-degree angles. If you need more precise adjustments, disable snapping by holding down the Shift key.

8. Roof and Solar Panel Design Workflow

Finalizing Roof Design: Before moving on to the solar design tab, make sure your roof outline is finalized. Changing the roof later will require redoing the solar panel placement.
Using the Shading Wizard: The shading wizard generates a heat map showing how different roof sections perform in terms of solar access. Use this to optimize panel placement based on areas that receive the most sunlight.
Fire Setbacks: You can set fire setbacks using the flame icon. Setbacks are typically added automatically, but you can also manually customize them if required.

9. Roof and Solar Panel Design Workflow

Finalizing Roof Design: Before moving on to the solar design tab, make sure your roof outline is finalized. Changing the roof later will require redoing the solar panel placement.
Using the Shading Wizard: The shading wizard generates a heat map showing how different roof sections perform in terms of solar access. Use this to optimize panel placement based on areas that receive the most sunlight.
Fire Setbacks: You can set fire setbacks using the flame icon. Setbacks are typically added automatically, but you can also manually customize them if required.

10. Adding and Editing Solar Panels

Panel Placement: You can place panels using auto or manual methods in either portrait or landscape. Auto-placement populates panels automatically, while manual allows you to click each area for panel placement.
Array Adjustments: Select individual panels or entire arrays to move, expand, or delete them. Use blue nodes to adjust the size and orientation of arrays.

11. Smart Designer Feature

Consumption vs. Bill Optimization: The smart designer helps by optimizing panel placement. You can choose between maximizing the bill offset (for lowering energy bills) or consumption offset (for fully covering the home’s energy needs).
Battery Addition: The smart designer can also factor in battery storage. It provides recommendations for adding batteries to optimize energy storage and usage.

12. Stringing Inverters and Electrical Design

Micro Inverters and String Inverters: Choose between using a micro inverter (one per panel) or a string inverter. If using string inverters, you’ll need to string the panels together.
Stringing Panels: Use the stringing tool to link panels by clicking and dragging across them. Avoid crossing lines over panels multiple times.
Electrical Validation: The software will validate the stringing, ensuring it meets electrical standards. Any issues will be flagged for correction.

13. Additional Tips

Cloning Designs: You can create multiple design options by cloning your initial layout. This allows you to present different configurations or material choices to clients.
Accessing Support: If you need further assistance, refer to the support page where you’ll find videos, live training, and webinars to help you master the design tool.

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