Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an optimum number of PV modules and predicting energy generation for a solar photovoltaic (PV) system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving an address and zip code of a proposed installation site, and displaying an image of the proposed installation site. The method includes receiving an input identifying a mounting plane on the image, displaying the mounting plane, determining an optimum number of PV modules that would fit within the mounting plane, and displaying the optimum number of PV modules on the mounting plane. The method includes sending a request for roof pitch data for neighboring sites within the zip code, receiving the roof pitch data, determining an average roof pitch based on the roof pitch data, and predicting PV generation based on the number of PV modules in the mounting plane and the average roof pitch.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology may include a computer-implemented method to indicate a solar panel mounting location. The method may include receiving, by a processor, a first data set including three-dimensional data for a top side of a roof of a solar panel installation site. The method may also include receiving, by a processor, a second data set including three-dimensional data for a bottom side of the roof The method may further include identifying a rafter in the second data set based on a predetermined profile. Additionally, the method may include determining a relative location of the rafter with respect to the bottom side of the roof. In embodiments, the method may also include generating an output indicating a solar panel mounting location on the top side of the roof based on the location of the rafter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an optimum number of PV modules and predicting energy generation for a solar photovoltaic (PV) system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving an address and zip code of a proposed installation site, and displaying an image of the proposed installation site. The method includes receiving an input identifying a mounting plane on the image, displaying the mounting plane, determining an optimum number of PV modules that would fit within the mounting plane, and displaying the optimum number of PV modules on the mounting plane. The method includes sending a request for roof pitch data for neighboring sites within the zip code, receiving the roof pitch data, determining an average roof pitch based on the roof pitch data, and predicting PV generation based on the number of PV modules in the mounting plane and the average roof pitch.

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.