Shade Analysis
Shade analysis is a critical part of the solar site assessment process. Its purpose is to accurately determine how much sunlight a proposed solar panel installation will receive throughout the day and year, taking into account all potential sources of shade.
This analysis is essential because even a small amount of shade on a single solar panel can significantly reduce the power output of the entire solar array, especially in systems with a series string configuration. An accurate shade study helps solar designers and installers:
- Predict energy production: Provides realistic and reliable estimates for how much electricity the system will generate. This is vital for calculating the financial ROI and payback period.
- Optimize system design: Identifies the best locations on a roof or property to place solar panels to maximize sun exposure. It helps in avoiding or mitigating the effects of shading from chimneys, vents, trees, and neighboring buildings.
- Select the right equipment: The results of the study can inform the choice of technology, such as using micro inverters or DC power optimizers, which are designed to mitigate the power loss from partial shading.
Shade Analysis
Shade analysis is a critical part of the solar site assessment process. Its purpose is to accurately determine how much sunlight a proposed solar panel installation will receive throughout the day and year, taking into account all potential sources of shade.
This analysis is essential because even a small amount of shade on a single solar panel can significantly reduce the power output of the entire solar array, especially in systems with a series string configuration. An accurate shade study helps solar designers and installers:
- Predict energy production: Provides realistic and reliable estimates for how much electricity the system will generate. This is vital for calculating the financial ROI and payback period.
- Optimize system design: Identifies the best locations on a roof or property to place solar panels to maximize sun exposure. It helps in avoiding or mitigating the effects of shading from chimneys, vents, trees, and neighboring buildings.
- Select the right equipment: The results of the study can inform the choice of technology, such as using micro inverters or DC power optimizers, which are designed to mitigate the power loss from partial shading.
How it works?
Remote Site Survey
- Our team perform automated/ remote analysis using specialized software and high-resolution data without a physical site visit.
Aerial Imagery and LiDAR
- Companies use high-resolution aerial imagery, often with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, to create highly accurate 3D models of the property, including the roof, surrounding buildings, and vegetation.
Software Simulation
- Specialized solar design software (like Aurora Solar, OpenSolar, Scanifly etc.) takes this 3D model and simulates the sun’s movement for every hour of the year. It accounts for seasonal changes, tree growth, and the precise angle of the sun to calculate the exact amount of sunlight that will hit each solar3. Shading Loss Estimates. The tool estimates how much sunlight is lost due to shading in different zones of the roof. Output: % of TSRF (Total Solar Resource Fraction).
Why a Shade Study Matters in Solar Sales
- Ensures accurate energy production estimates
- Helps avoid underperformance and customer dissatisfaction
- Identifies the best panel placement and layout
- Justifies why some areas of the roof may be excluded
- Affects system size, cost, and financial return panel.
- How it works?