Greetings~ The original request by Chad Waits on this subject is pasted below for reference:
Wrenches, > > Wondering what you folks are using for array mock-ups in your proposal > tools. Since Bright Harvest¹s array-o-metic went black, we¹ve tried Aurora > and Helioscope, but they seem to be too time consuming and functionally > more > than what we need. All we¹re looking to do is place some simulated modules > on a satellite photo with a program that is simple enough for a salesman to > use. Any input is appreciated. > > Thanks! > > Chad Waits > President/Owner Net Zero Solar > 101 W. 5th St., Tucson, AZ 85705 > > Mick's reply: The Unirac racking design tool: http://design.unirac.com/tool/ incorporates "augmented reality" features as you described, Chad. There is a learning curve but the tool is free & it can also generate a bill of materials for Unirac brand mounting hardware. Typing in the project location kicks up a satellite photo image as the bottom layer; I prefer using the touch screen on my notebook to zoom & move the satellite image. Next, the user draws rectangles or other shapes to define the "roof boundaries'; the "Clear All" button is handy if one needs a reset. When it's time to "Draw Panels" (sic) as the next layer, one should first specify the tilt of the roof. Since the visual always shows everything as it would look from a satellite, the drawn PV modules are dimensioned differently depending on the specified roof tilt. To me, the "Roof Edge Autofill" feature is too aggressive at holding the array field back from the edges of the roof--but one can cheat that in various ways or turn it off. The tool can only accommodate standard "jumbos" so far, but did I mention it's free? Power-Fab (aka Direct Power aka Pre-formed Line Products) I hope this will be helpful information. The Wrench List is the Bomb! Mick Abraham, Proprietor www.abrahamsolar.com Landline: 970-731-4675 Cell phone or for text messaging: 970-946-6584 _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: [email protected] Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
