Shade Report (Software Generated)
A software-generated shade report is a digital analysis that quantifies how shadows from trees, buildings, chimneys, parapets, terrain, or other obstructions impact the solar irradiation available at a site. Modern solar designing platforms automatically generate shade reports using 3D roof modeling, LiDAR data, sun-path calculations, and irradiance simulations.
In professional solar workflows, shade reports are essential for system sizing, energy yield prediction, stringing & electrical design, module placement, and producing accurate production estimates used in solar proposals, AHJ submissions, and customer approvals.
A high-quality shade report ensures designers, installers, EPCs, and sales teams deliver solar systems that are both technically reliable and financially predictable—especially when calculating long-term ROI using tools like the Solar ROI Calculator.
Key Takeaways
- Software-generated shade reports deliver precise, data-driven shading analysis.
- Critical for layout optimization, performance modeling, and ROI accuracy.
- Replace manual shade methods with automated, repeatable workflows.
- Improve transparency for customers, AHJs, and financiers.
- Integrate seamlessly into modern solar design, sales, and installation processes.
What It Is
A shade report (software-generated) is a structured dataset and visual document that explains how shading reduces sunlight exposure across a roof or site. It is a core output of modern shadow analysis workflows and typically includes:
- Annual and monthly solar access values
- Hourly obstruction shading profiles
- Irradiance heatmaps showing sunlight distribution
- Module- or zone-level shading losses
- Shading-adjusted inputs for final energy yield models
Unlike manual shade assessments, software-generated shade reports rely on automated modeling to ensure repeatability, accuracy, and bankability—especially important for commercial solar and utility-scale projects.
Shade reports directly inform workflows such as solar layout optimization, performance modeling, and electrical design decisions inside professional solar design software.
How It Works
Software-generated shade reports follow a structured computational pipeline:
1. 3D Environment Modeling
Design tools reconstruct the roof or site using:
- LiDAR elevation data
- High-resolution satellite imagery
- 3D building and terrain vectors
- Optional on-site measurements
This 3D base model forms the foundation for accurate solar shading analysis.
2. Object & Obstruction Identification
Algorithms detect shading sources such as:
- Trees and vegetation
- Adjacent buildings
- Dormers and roof equipment
- Utility poles and parapets
Each obstruction is modeled with precise height, position, and orientation—critical for accurate solar access value calculations.
3. Sun Position Simulation
The system simulates the sun’s movement throughout the year using:
- Site latitude and longitude
- Solar time corrections
- Seasonal tilt and azimuth changes
This step ensures shading impacts are correctly modeled across all hours and seasons, not just peak conditions.
4. Irradiance Calculation
Hourly or sub-hourly shading losses are computed for each roof point or module, adjusting:
- Plane of array (POA) irradiance
- Diffuse vs. direct sunlight
- Seasonal shading patterns
These values directly influence performance ratio and annual energy estimates.
5. Output Generation
The final shade report includes:
- Solar access percentages
- Color-coded shade heatmaps
- Obstruction frequency charts
- Annual energy loss due to shading
- Zone-by-zone shading profiles
These outputs flow directly into solar proposals and generation forecasts produced by the generation & financial tool.
Types / Variants
1. Annual Shade Report
Full-year shading and solar access summary—used for long-term yield and ROI modeling.
2. Monthly Shade Breakdown
Supports seasonal production forecasting and utility-rate analysis.
3. Hourly Shade Simulation
High-resolution modeling for complex roofs, tree-heavy sites, or urban environments.
4. Module-Level Shade Report
Evaluates shading on individual panels—critical for MLPE vs. string inverter decisions and stringing & electrical design.
5. 3D Shade Heatmap
Visualizes irradiance intensity across roof planes to guide module placement.
6. Obstruction-Path Report
Tracks when specific objects cast shade during the day or year.
How It’s Measured
Software-generated shade reports rely on the following metrics:
MetricDescriptionTypical UnitsSolar AccessPercentage of available sunlight after shading%IrradianceTotal solar energy receivedkWh/m²/yrShading LossEnergy lost due to obstructions% or kWhObstruction Elevation AngleAngle where shading beginsDegreesTOF (Time of Obstruction Factor)Duration an area remains shadedHours, %
These values are applied as derate factors in final system performance models.
Practical Guidance
For Solar Designers
- Use shade heatmaps early in solar designing to avoid underperforming zones.
- Combine shade reports with solar layout optimization for maximum yield.
- Use module-level shading data to guide inverter and MLPE selection.
For Installers
- Validate trimming or obstruction removal recommendations.
- Cross-check on-site conditions before installation to avoid surprises.
For EPCs
- Integrate shade losses into production forecasts and financial models.
- Use reports to justify design decisions to AHJs and investors.
For Sales Teams
- Present simplified shade visuals in solar proposals.
- Set realistic expectations using shading-adjusted production estimates.
Real-World Examples
Residential Rooftop
A suburban home with large trees shows 82% solar access. Using the shade report, the designer:
- Adjusts module placement
- Recommends selective trimming
- Updates energy projections
The optimized layout improves annual production by 9%.
Commercial Flat Roof
A warehouse experiences morning shading from an adjacent building. Shade analysis helps:
- Reposition arrays
- Adjust tilt angles
- Validate ROI using the Solar ROI Calculator
Utility-Scale Site
Terrain shading during winter mornings is identified through 3D modeling. Designers:
- Adjust row spacing
- Optimize tracker orientation
- Improve bankability forecasts
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