Shadows

This context of Layout is in charge of analyzing the shadows generated by obstacles near the system. This is possible by inserting in the scene the objects that can be obstacles able to shade the strings of the system.

The objects that can be added are:

Trees: The Add Tree command creates a circle by entering the center and a point on it, in this way is summarized the tree shape. For each tree it is possible to specify the Height tree, the Height treetop that specifies the height of the tree covered by foliage and the Tree type that indicates the shape of the tree foliage, spherical or conical.

Buildings: The Add Building command creates a closed polygon that is extruded upward to a height Height building. With these simple objects it is possible to simulate the presence of buildings around the system.

You may also analyze the shading with more sophisticated scenes with buildings with pitched roofs. Simply add other roofs as indicated in the context Area, making sure that for these areas the inclusion of modules id disabled unchecking the check mark Insert modules on this area in the context Modules.

This section contains the tools to study the interference between the shadows of nearby objects to the system and the photovoltaic modules.

The Shadows command opens a window that allows you to set the position of the sun by:

• Position, specifies azimuth and elevation of the sun position

• Day of the year, specifies the date and time in which to realize the shading, the program automatically displays relative azimuth and elevation.

You can also make the animation of shadings by the move of the sun along its trajectory daily specifying the Start date and End date of simulation. The buttons Start, Stop and Pause managing the execution of the animation. The track-control Speed allows you to change the speed of execution of the animation.

You can also define the points of the shadows evaluation on the areas using the command Add Shade Point. In this way it defines a point on the area to which to plot a Shade diagram.

The shade point must be inserted on the area, and it is positioned over the plane of the area.

Selecting a shade point the command Show Shade Diagram of point it is enabled, this command shows the Shade diagram on the point.

In the 3D View you cannot change the geometry of the obstacles inserted in this section, but selecting the objects it is possible to modify any associated property, seeing the result of modification instantly in 3D.