How to create and apply your setbacks template

Summary:

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to create, configure, and apply setback templates in OpenSolar. It covers where to access setback settings, how to define parameters such as inverter modeling, panel tilt, and edge distances, and how to apply templates in both 3D/2D and manual design modes. Users can create multiple templates, enable auto-apply rules, or manually select templates per project to ensure consistent and accurate solar designs.

Table of contents:

• Accessing the Setback Templates
• Creating a New Template
• Applying Setback in 3D and 2D Design Mode
• Applying Setbacks in Manual mode

Accessing the Setback Templates:

All setback templates can be created and managed within the Control section under Design & Hardware > Setbacks and Design Settings.

To edit an existing setback template, click the pencil icon next to the desired template.

To create a new template, select + Add Setbacks & Design Settings.

Creating a New Template:

In the Create Setbacks & Design Settings window, provide the following information:

• Title: The name of your template. This title will be displayed in the project for selection.

• Auto-Apply: Enable this option if you want the template to apply automatically to all projects. Once enabled, you can define criteria for auto-application (e.g., by state, ZIP code, country, or sector).

• Description: An optional field to provide additional context or notes about the template.

Click Save to proceed. The window will expand to reveal two sections:

• Setbacks & Design Settings

• Simulation Settings

For the purpose of setbacks, we will focus on the Setbacks & Design Settings section. This section contains the following fields for setup:

• Inverter Modeling Automation: Determines whether inverter modeling will be handled automatically or manually.
• Setbacks: Specify the distance between solar panels and roof edges. You can configure different edge types to match your design requirements.
• Tilt Rack Default Tilt: Defines the panel tilt angle when the roof slope is less than the specified threshold.
• Apply Tilt Rack Below Slope: If the surface slope is below this value, the system will automatically apply a tilt rack with the specified default tilt.
• Tilt Rack Default Orientation: Sets the default orientation of the solar panels.

Once you have configured all necessary settings, click Save to finalize and store your template.

Note: You can create multiple templates to suit various project needs. Templates can be auto-applied based on criteria or manually selected within each project.

Applying Setback in 3D and 2D Design Mode:

If a template is not auto-applied, follow the steps below to apply it manually:

• Navigate to the Manage tab of your project.

• Expand the Site Details section and click the Setbacks & Design Settings drop-down.

• Select the desired template and click Save.

• Go to the Design section and expand Advanced Settings in the upper right corner.

• Select the Roof tool from the drop-down menu.

• A pin will appear at your cursor. Click to place the pin at each corner of the home. Once all corners are connected, an edge will be created.

• To change an edge type, right-click on the edge and select a new option.

Applying Setbacks in Manual mode:

If a template is not auto-applied, follow the steps below to apply it manually:

• Navigate to the Manage tab of your project.

• Expand the Site Details section and click the Setbacks & Design Settings drop-down.

• Select the desired template and click Save.

• Go to the Design tab and open Advanced Settings.

• Use the Quick Roof tools to model the home.

• Once the model is complete, setbacks from the selected template will automatically apply.

• To adjust edge types, right-click on any edge and select a new option.