CAD Export

CAD Export refers to the process of converting a solar design—typically created in a solar design platform—into a CAD-compatible format such as DWG, DXF, or other engineering file types. This export allows solar designers, structural engineers, architects, and permitting teams to work with the layout inside professional drafting tools like AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, or other engineering suites.

In the solar industry, CAD Export is essential for preparing permit plan sets, engineering drawings, construction documents, and as-built records. It ensures that digital solar layouts adhere to building codes, AHJ requirements, NEC electrical standards, and structural design guidelines.

CAD Export is commonly used in workflows powered by tools such as Solar Designing, especially when generating accurate mechanical and electrical plan sets or submitting detailed drawings for approval.

Key Takeaways

CAD Export converts a solar design layout into a CAD-compatible engineering file.
Essential for permitting, structural evaluation, electrical design, and installation planning.
Supports DWG, DXF, IFC, and layered export formats.
Ensures accuracy, compliance, and smooth coordination between designers and engineers.
Integrated heavily into workflows using Solar Designing and the Solar Project Planning Hub.

What Is CAD Export?

CAD Export is the function that takes the designed solar array—including module placement, mounting details, stringing diagrams, equipment locations, and boundaries—and converts it into a CAD-ready blueprint.

A CAD-exported file typically includes:

Module layout footprints
Roof planes, slopes, and boundary lines
Setbacks and exclusion zones
Stringing and electrical routes
Inverter and equipment locations
Mounting structure specifications
Dimensions, notes, and labeling

This ensures that both installers and engineers can work with precise, editable geometric data.

How CAD Export Works

1. Designer Creates or Finalizes the Solar Layout

Using software tools such as Solar Designing.

2. The Software Converts the Layout Into a CAD Layer Structure

Typical layers include:

Roof edges
Obstructions
Modules
Mounting hardware
DC/AC electrical lines
Text and annotations

3. Export Format Is Selected

Usually DWG, DXF, or IFC depending on the receiving tool.

4. The File Is Uploaded to an Engineering or Drafting Platform

Engineers then refine the plan set:

Structural notes
Electrical one-lines
Load calculations
Fire-safety pathways
Mounting details

5. Final Drawings Are Submitted

For:

Permits
Construction
Quality assurance
Install team review

CAD Export acts as the bridge between automated solar design software and traditional engineering workflows.

Types / Variants of CAD Export

1. DWG Export

The most common AutoCAD format.

Ideal for AHJ permitting and structural engineering.

2. DXF Export

More universal; works with many drafting tools and CNC systems.

3. IFC Export

Used for BIM workflows in Revit and architectural modeling.

4. Layer-Based Export

Where each component (modules, rails, obstructions, equipment) is organized into editable layers.

5. 3D CAD Export

Includes terrain, roof slopes, or canopy structures for advanced engineering analysis.

How CAD Export Is Measured

1. Layer Accuracy

How precisely layers match the original design.

2. Geometric Accuracy

Exactness of module placement, roof boundaries, and setbacks.

3. Compatibility

Whether files open flawlessly in engineering tools.

4. Annotation Completeness

Correct placement of labels, notes, and dimensions.

5. File Cleanliness

Minimal unused layers, clutter, or scaling errors.

Typical Values / Ranges

Practical Guidance for Solar Designers & Installers

1. Finalize your solar layout before exporting

Revisions inside CAD tools are slower and harder to sync.

2. Export using consistent scale and units

Most U.S. designers use feet/inches; global teams may use metric.

3. Ensure obstructions and setbacks are on separate layers

This helps engineers quickly verify compliance.

4. Include stringing and electrical paths in the export

Important for NEC compliance and installer planning.

5. Use CAD Export for accurate permitting workflows

When generating plan sets through tools like the Solar Project Planning Hub.

6. Share CAD files early with structural engineers

Reduces redesign cycles and installation errors.

7. Reimport CAD updates if needed

If an engineer adjusts roof dimensions, update your design accordingly.

Real-World Examples

1. Residential Rooftop Permit Set

A designer exports a precise DWG of a 6 kW layout showing setbacks, rails, and electrical paths for permitting.

2. Commercial Flat Roof Installation

CAD Export provides the engineering team with accurate module footprints, walkway zones, and mechanical equipment offsets for a 300 kW system.

3. Ground-Mount Utility-Scale Project

A DXF file containing terrain contours and row spacing is sent to civil engineers for grading analysis and layout review.