After setting the project location, navigate to the Site tab to begin defining site objects. Site objects help PVCAD understand the physical layout and constraints of the project area. Available object types include:
- Rooftop – Define your rooftop area
- Carport – Define your carport area
- Ground Mount Outline – Set the boundary of your ground mount project
- Installation Area – If you have multiple sections within your larger project, use installation areas to make subarrays
- Obstructions – Draw places within the installation area where you do not want to place modules or objects outside of the installation area that may impact shading (trees)
Defining a Site Object
- Use the
POLYLINEtool in AutoCAD to trace any objects in PVCAD. Be sure to close the shape before pressing Enter to finalize the polyline.- Alternatively if you imported a KML or KMZ file you can define the lines within the file as a site object.
- Once the polyline is complete, select the object in the drawing window.
- Choose the appropriate object type from the dropdown menu.
- Use the table located below the dropdown to configure the object’s parameters. These may include:
- Setbacks
- Object Height
- Other attributes relevant to the selected object type
- Click
DEFINEto register the object with PVCAD.- You can use the
UNDEDEFINEbutton to de-register any objects
- You can use the
Repeat the above steps for each site object you intend to include in your design. Properly defining object properties like setback and height is essential. These objects directly impact layout design, system sizing, and downstream engineering calculations.
