How to design in Manual mode

Summary:

This guide walks you through designing a solar project in Manual mode using 3D visualization in OpenSolar. By the end, you’ll be able to:

• Select the right design mode and imagery source

• Import and accurately scale/align a drone photo or roof plan

• Build a 3D roof model with the Quick Roof tool

• Apply pricing, incentives, and payment options

Manual mode is ideal when you want to design from your own imagery (drone photos, roof plans, CAD exports, etc.)—even when satellite imagery is outdated or unavailable.

Before you start (recommended)

Have at least one of the following ready to make scaling accurate:

• A known measurement (e.g., total roof length, ridge length, eave length), or

• A roof plan with dimensions, or

• A measurement you can verify on-site (tape)

Supported images: common formats like JPG/PNG work best.

Switch to Manual mode:

1. In the top-right of the design window, open the Design Mode dropdown.

2. Select Manual 

3. For imagery provider, choose No Ground Imagery.

4. Click Select to confirm and enter Manual mode.

Import your image (drone photo/roof plan):

Drag and drop your own image file into the white design canvas.

Click on the "Upload" button once the custom imagery upload comes up:

Scale and align the imagery:

Accurate scaling ensures your panel layout, setbacks, and production results reflect reality.

Scaling options

You can resize imagery in a few ways:

• Resize (recommended): draw a line between two points and add the distance between the two to scale.

• Width / Length / Azimuth: manually adjust size and rotation using fields on the left-hand side menu.

• Arrow controls: Scale up and down the image using the buttons next to the image. 

Recommended: Use Resize

1. Click Resize.

2. Your cursor will show a pin

3. Left click to place the first point on the image.

4. Left click to place the second point at the other end of the known measurement.

5. Enter the real-world distance between those two points (e.g., feet).

6. Confirm to apply resizing.

Finish alignment

When you’re satisfied:

• Click Close in the left-hand menu to exit the imagery alignment tools.

Video Walkthrough:

Build the 3D roof model (Quick Roof)

• Reopen Advanced Settings (if closed).

• Select the Quick Roof tool.

• Place pins on each corner of the roof area (each click drops a corner point).

• Complete the roof shape to generate the structure.

Use the arrow handles to fine-tune roof dimensions and angles.

If the slopes are inconsistent, use Edit Slope Individually to adjust them manually.

Tip: If you prefer using satellite imagery, select Google Solar API Ground Imagery or Google Ground Imagery instead of "No Ground Imagery," and follow the same steps above.

Add shading objects (obstructions and trees)

To improve the accuracy of shade and production modeling:

1. Use Obstruction to place chimneys, vents, nearby structures, etc.

2. Use Tree to place trees and approximate their height/canopy.

Place objects where they exist relative to the roof and adjust properties as needed.