The first step in creating a solar design with PVSketch is to establish the project location. Setting the correct location is critical because it determines the solar resource data (irradiance, weather patterns, sun path) that will be used to calculate production and allow you to create a project specific to your site. A precise location also ensures that the system design aligns with site-specific constraints such as roof orientation, shading, and regional code requirements. Once the location is set, you can begin defining the building surfaces where solar will be installed. This involves outlining the roof planes of interest and identifying potential obstructions that may cast shadows or reduce usable roof space. Taking the time to carefully define the site in this step lays the foundation for accurate energy modeling and a reliable proposal.
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Enter a Location – Provide the project site address or GPS coordinates directly in PVSketch. Once entered, the software automatically loads the corresponding solar resource data for that area, including annual and monthly irradiance values. This information feeds into the energy estimate calculations later in the workflow.
- Ground vs. Roof – PVSketch works best for rooftop solar projects; however, you can draw ground mounted or carport projects using PVSketch. For large or utility-scale projects (>5MWs), use PVSketch Mega, which is designed to handle expansive ground-mounted layouts with higher data requirements.
