The Quick Start Guide gives you a high-level overview of how to go from project setup to proposal in just a few steps. PVSketch is designed to allow any user to quickly learn and master the details of a solar installation. Our full PVSketch User Guide includes more detail on each step in this quick start guide!
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PVComplete AI
Ask any question or our AI can will help direct PVSketch help with your design, audit your design, refer to relevant code standard or permitting policy, and much more. Our AI it can take you from novice to pro in seconds. Using all the knowledge of AI and PVSketch, the AI will respond to specific questions and guide your workflow. The AI interprets site constraints, design targets, and engineering standards to produce efficient, construction-ready layouts. All project data shared is fully anonymized to ensure the confidentiality and security of your information.
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Enter a Location
Begin by locating your project.-
Input the site address or GPS coordinates.
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PVSketch automatically pulls in local solar resource data.
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Draw the Roof
Define the installation area for your system.-
Outline only the roofs where solar modules will be installed.
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Add obstructions such as chimneys, skylights, or HVAC units.
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Set Site and Project Properties
Configure the basic attributes of your roof.-
Define tilt (slope), azimuth (orientation), building height, parapets, and code setbacks.
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Select System Components
Choose the equipment that makes up your PV system.-
Select racking, modules, and inverters from supported databases.
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Define orientation and AC/DC ratio.
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Generate Design
Create your first layout automatically.-
Click Generate Design to produce a layout.
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Review shading heat maps and edit module placement as needed.
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Review Energy & Savings
Estimate performance and economics for your customer.-
Enter energy consumption, costs, financing method, and incentives.
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Review savings, ROI, and annual production.
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Create Proposal
Build a polished, customer-ready document.-
Customize proposal content, add branding, and finalize details.
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Export the proposal as a professional PDF.
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Export to PVCAD
Move seamlessly into engineering.-
Export the design to PVCAD to create a full permit plan set.
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