How to use the Single Line Diagram (SLDs)

Summary

This article explains how to generate, customise, and export Single Line Diagrams (SLDs)—also known as Schematic Diagrams—on the OpenSolar platform. These diagrams visually represent the key electrical components and connections in a solar system. You’ll learn how to:

• Generate SLDs from your project design

• Edit diagram components, shapes, and text

• Save and export diagrams

• Embed SLDs in your document templates

Availability: SLDs are supported in Australia (AU), United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Germany (DE), Italy (IT), and Spain (ES).

Table of Contents:

What is a Single Line (Schematic) Diagram?

Generating an SLD in OpenSolar

What’s Included in the SLD?

Editing the SLD

• Editing Shapes and Objects
• Editing Text
• Moving or Deleting Objects
• Copying and Adding Objects

Saving the SLD

Embedding SLDs into Document Templates

Exporting the SLD

Video Walkthrough:

What is a Single Line (Schematic) Diagram?

A Single Line Diagram (SLD) is a simplified visual representation of an electrical system. It illustrates the components (e.g., panels, inverters, batteries) and how they are electrically connected. These diagrams also provide critical installation details such as stringing, voltage, and current parameters. SLDs are commonly used by installers and engineers to understand and implement the system design.

Generating an SLD in OpenSolar

OpenSolar automatically populates an SLD based on the design specifications of your project. To create one:

Steps:

1. Complete your system design and click Save.

2. Click the SLD button from the top header menu.
   
    

   

   
    

• If you have multiple system options, select the appropriate panel system from the dropdown.

• Choose your template region (defaults to your organization’s country, but you can select others as applicable).
  
   

  

• Click Apply to generate the diagram.

Your SLD will be rendered according to your selected template and system configuration.

Sample Single Line Diagram for AU
 

Sample Schematic Diagram for UK
 

What’s Included in the SLD?

System specifications from your design will auto-populate in the diagram, including:

• Modules and Strings

• Inverters

• Batteries

• Project and Site Details

If any required information is missing from the project, the SLD will display "NOT SPECIFIED" in the relevant sections.

Editing the SLD

The SLD template is fully editable, allowing you to tailor the diagram to meet specific project needs or compliance standards.

Editing Shapes and Objects

You can:

• Change shape color and opacity

• Add gradients or shadows

• Adjust line width, color, and style

• Modify shape styles (e.g., Rounded, Shadow, Glass, Sketch)

Use the Format Panel on the right to access these settings.

Editing Text

• Double-click any text field to open text-editing options.

• Use the Text tab in the Format Panel to change font, size, and color.

Moving or Deleting Objects

• Move: Select and drag to reposition.

• Delete:

  • Press the Delete icon in the toolbar.

  • Right-click > Delete (or use Cut to remove the shape and its connector).

  • Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Delete (or Cmd + Delete on Mac).

Copying and Adding Objects

To copy or add objects:

1. Go to View > Layers and select the highest visible layer.

2. Click on the object you want to copy or duplicate.

3. Use drag-and-drop to insert new objects from the sidebar.

A “Layers” pop-up will help you navigate and manage the structure of your diagram.

Saving the SLD

Once editing is complete:

• Click File > Save.

• The updated SLD will be saved under the Manage > Documents section

You can download the file from clicking on the download button.

• To download, click the Download icon next to the file.

Note: Saving a new version of the SLD will overwrite the previous one in your project files.

Embedding SLDs into Document Templates

To include your SLD in a proposal or installation pack:

• Navigate to Control > Other > Document Templates.

• Select the document template you wish to update.

• Insert the placeholder: "Embed Connection Diagram" in the document template.

• Save the template.

Now, when you generate a document using that template, the SLD will be embedded automatically.

Exporting the SLD

To export your SLD in different file formats:

1. Click File (top left corner).

2. Select Export As.

3. Choose your preferred file type (e.g., PDF, PNG, SVG).

Video Walkthrough: