Different Edge Types

Summary

The following article will walk you through selecting of your edge types in OpenSolar. Defining edges is important an important step in OpenSolar as it helps the software accurately calculate your system’s annual kWh production based on the layout of the roof.

Pro Tip: Before you add panels to your design, you will want to draw and define all the edges of the roof. Please see this article on adding your setbacks

Table of contents:

• Gutter
• Ridge
• Valley
• Rake

Gutter

Gutters of a roof, shown as green lines in the image below, are the outside edges of the roof that are parallel with the ground. They are generally the lowest part of the roof.

Note: Panels placed on the roof face will automatically face toward these lines.

Here is a 3D diagram that shows the roof edges known as gutters.  

Ridge

Ridges of a roof, shown as yellow lines in the image below, are generally parallel with the ground and connect multiple sloped surfaces in a convex manner. They are typically the highest part of the roof.

Note: Panels placed on the roof face will automatically face away from these lines.

Here is a 3D diagram that shows the roof edges known as ridges.

Valley

Valleys, shown as blue lines in the image below, are generally sloped lines (not parallel with the ground) formed when two sloped surfaces meet in a concave manner.

Here is a 3D diagram that shows the roof edges known as valleys.

Rake

Rakes, shown as blue lines in the image below, are edges on the perimeter of the roof that are not flat (not parallel with the ground). They usually come in pairs, joining together where a ridge extends to the perimeter.

Below you will find diagrams that show all of the roof edges highlighted as mentioned in this article.