5. Topo & Reports

Topography Analysis

Once you have completed an initial layout, use the Topography tab to assess how your design interacts with the terrain of your site. This step ensures your tracker layout is compliant with slope and pier constraints and optimizes for shading and constructability.

To overlay your layout with topographic data, begin by selecting a source:

• Google Elevation Service:
  Click Import to automatically generate 3D topography data within your drawing using Google Elevation. All elevation points will be visualized in model space.

• Layer (Survey Contours):
  If you have survey-based contour data:

  1. Confirm the contour lines have been added to your PVCAD drawing.

  2. In the Layer dropdown, select the appropriate layer and click Add.

  3. Repeat the step to add multiple contour layers, if applicable.

Running Pier Analysis

Use manufacturer specifications to guide your pier placement and slope tolerances:

1. Enter the Maximum Pier Height, Minimum Pier Height, and Maximum Slope Angle.

2. Click Pier Analysis to run the simulation.

PVCAD will output:

• Pier locations

• Surface elevations

• Pier heights

• Torque tube elevations

• Tracker tilt angles

Any tracker rows that fall outside your specified constraints will be flagged in red.

To export this data, click Pier Schedule. A CSV file will be generated containing coordinate-specific pier details for each tracker row.

Adjusting Row Spacing for Topography

You can adjust your row spacing dynamically based on terrain to minimize shading and optimize constructability.

1. Run Pier Analysis.

2. Set your allowable Minimum and Maximum row spacing adjustment values.

3. Re-run the pier analysis. PVCAD will automatically adjust row spacing to conform with topography while maintaining shading clearance.

Post-Analysis Shortcuts

At the bottom-right corner of the Topography tab, shortcut buttons are available for further analysis and export:

• Layout BOM
  Export an Excel file summarizing equipment quantities, wire lengths, and component types, allowing you to prepare a complete bill of materials for procurement.

• PVSyst
  Export a 3D scene including topography and shading to PVSyst format to streamline energy simulations without redrawing.

• Google Earth KML
  Generate a KML file to visualize your entire layout and terrain within Google Earth.