How to Interpret 3D Shading Analysis

Summary

OpenSolar’s Shading Report provides in-depth solar access analysis for each panel group in your design. This feature is available only when designing in 3D mode with SAM (System Advisor Model) enabled. The report allows you to evaluate annual, monthly, and hourly sun access, visualize real-time raytracing, and optimize your design to reduce shading impact—ensuring maximum energy production for your system.

Requirements

To generate and use the shading report:

• You must be in 3D Design Mode

• SAM (System Advisor Model) must be enabled

What the Shading Report Shows

The shading report is calculated per panel group. Each distinct array of panels will have its own individual shading analysis.

To view the shading report:

1. Click on a panel array to select it (highlighted in yellow)

2. From the  left-hand toolbar click on Shading to expand it:

Key Metrics Displayed:

• Annual Sun Access
  Overall percentage of sunlight received over the year (e.g. 87%)

• Monthly Averages
  Shown as grey figures in the right-hand column

• Hourly Sun Access (Raytracing)
  A 12x24 grid showing solar access for each hour of every month

A value of 100 indicates full sun access
 A value of 0 indicates complete shading

When you click a specific hour from the report, that moment is ray-traced and visualized on the design canvas.

Raytracing Visualization

Raytracing provides real-time insight into how shade affects each panel substring:

• Each panel displays 6 small dots (representing sub-cells)

• The color of each dot shows its exposure status:

Example:

If an hour with 45% sun access is selected, you’ll see:

• Red dots on shaded sub-cells

• Orange dots on sub-cells impacted by string shading

• Green dots on fully exposed sub-cells

This granular shading information helps you pinpoint underperforming areas in your array layout.