Shading analysis: Calculate shade and yield fully automatically
The autarc shading analysis calculates how much trees, buildings, and the horizon shade a photovoltaic system throughout the year. The result is provided fully automatically as a 3D model, heatmap, and hourly visualization.
How does shading analysis work with autarc?
autarc uses a 3D model to simulate the sun's path throughout the year. This allows you to see how trees, buildings, and other objects shade your PV system and affect the yield of individual modules.
- Create a model: Use a photogrammetry model or add roof structures and other objects directly in autarc.
- Calculate shading: autarc simulates the sun's position and determines the yield losses for each module.
- Use your results: Heatmaps, hourly views, and reports support you in module layout and string planning.
What features are included?
See shading on every roof with precision.
Benefits of shading analysis with autarc
- Chimneys or trees can reduce annual yield by 10 to 25%. autarc calculates the effect of each element individually in advance.
- Results are available in seconds, regardless of system size.
- Shading, sun position, and sun path visible on an hourly basis instead of a rough annual overview.
- Automatic 3D model generated from photogrammetry or map data.
- Shading map shows shading and irradiation at a glance, without having to pore over tables.
- Shading report ready for client presentations, with no post-processing required.
Shading analysis for precise PV planning
What is a shading analysis in PV planning?
A shading analysis calculates the impact of shadows cast by buildings, trees, or other obstacles on PV modules throughout the year. It distinguishes between horizon shading and object shading. Based on a 3D roof model, the sun's position and path are simulated hourly to determine shadow casting with hourly precision, serving as the basis for an accurate yield forecast.
How much does shading affect yield?
Since modules in a string are connected in series, even a single shaded module throttles the overall performance. Bypass diodes limit this loss, but partial shading from chimneys or trees can still reduce annual yield by 10 to 25%. Heatmaps and hourly visualizations show the exact impact of objects before construction begins.
Where does the 3D model for the shading analysis come from?
For shading analysis, autarc uses a 3D model derived either from existing map data or generated from your own photos via photogrammetry. If 3D map data is already available for the address, the capture step is skipped entirely. In both cases, roof objects and trees can be manually adjusted.
How is the shading analysis incorporated into further planning?
The results of the shading analysis form the basis for module layout and the system simulation, which calculates the economic yield of the entire installation. This allows solar installers to see which roof areas are economically viable and which are not, right from the quotation phase.
Shading analysis FAQ
What is a shading analysis for photovoltaic systems?
Can I adjust roof objects and trees myself?
What do the heatmaps in the shading analysis show?
Does the shading analysis work for large systems with many modules?
What data do I need for a shading analysis?
How much does the shading analysis cost?