Abstract: In one embodiment, a method outputs a first image of a site for a solar installation. The first image allows a distance and correlating values to be defined. A first input for the first image is used to define the distance from the measurement position of the solar installation to the set of obstructions. The method then outputs a second image of the site for the solar installation. The second image allows a height and the correlating values to be defined. A second input for the second image is used to define the height of the set of obstructions. Then, the method generates a three dimensional model of the site. A path of solar light is overlaid at a set of time intervals to determine when the set of obstructions obstruct the solar light from the solar installation at the installation location and a shade calculation is performed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. In one embodiment, a method is provided that can comprise retrieving an image of a site where a PV system is to be installed. The method can further comprise receiving, from a user, a definition of a mounting plane for mounting one or more PV panels at the site, and automatically determining a configuration of PV panels that fits on the mounting plane. The configuration of PV panels can then be displayed to the user such that the configuration is superimposed on the site image.