Virtual Array Layout

A Virtual Array Layout is a digital representation of a solar PV array created within solar designing software to simulate, analyze, and optimize solar panel placement before physical installation. It models how modules are arranged on a roof or site—accounting for spacing, tilt, azimuth, boundaries, shading, and stringing & electrical design—without requiring an on-site build.

For solar designers, EPCs, installers, and developers, the Virtual Array Layout acts as the foundation of the entire design workflow. When combined with Shadow Analysis, Solar Layout Optimization, and Auto-Design capabilities, it improves production accuracy, reduces installation errors, and accelerates proposal generation.

Key Takeaways

Virtual Array Layouts form the digital foundation of solar system design
Enable accurate placement, shading analysis, and electrical planning
Reduce redesigns, site errors, and change orders
Essential across residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects
Improve proposal quality, sales speed, and installation accuracy

What It Is

A Virtual Array Layout is the digital “blueprint” that defines exactly where and how solar modules will be installed. Instead of estimating module positions on-site, designers rely on virtual tools to:

Define roof planes or ground boundaries
Identify usable installation areas
Set tilt and azimuth using tools like the Sun Angle Calculator
Place modules in rows or blocks
Apply setbacks, obstructions, and AHJ compliance rules
Preview shading losses through Shadow Analysis

This virtual environment mirrors real-world mounting conditions and ensures that design decisions made during planning translate accurately to installation.

Virtual Array Layouts sit at the core of modern solar workflows used by solar installers and sales teams creating high-confidence solar proposals.

How It Works

A Virtual Array Layout converts real-world geometry, site data, and constraints into a structured digital plane where solar modules can be placed, adjusted, and optimized.

Typical Workflow

1. Import Site Data

Aerial imagery, LiDAR, or survey measurements define the base surface.
Roof planes or ground regions are traced or auto-detected using solar design software.

2. Define Array Boundary

Designers establish installable areas by applying code setbacks, fire access paths, and AHJ Compliance requirements.

3. Place Modules Virtually

Select module dimensions and wattage
Define tilt, azimuth, and row spacing
Use Auto-Design to rapidly fill usable space or place panels manually for precision control

4. Apply Obstructions & Shading

Obstacles such as chimneys, vents, HVAC units, or trees are added, followed by Solar Shading Analysis to calculate monthly and annual shade losses.

5. Run Optimization

Using Solar Layout Optimization, designers adjust spacing, orientation, or panel count to maximize energy yield and minimize shading impact.

6. Generate Electrical Design

Once placement is finalized, layouts feed directly into Stringing & Electrical Design, ensuring voltage, current, and inverter limits are met.

7. Export to Proposal & Install Plan

The finalized Virtual Array Layout is used to generate visuals, energy simulations, and documentation for solar proposals and installation teams.

Types / Variants

1. Roof-Mounted Virtual Layout

Used for residential solar and commercial buildings. Accounts for:

Roof pitch (validated using the Roof Pitch Calculator)
Orientation and usable roof faces
Fire setbacks and safety pathways
Obstructions like skylights and vents

2. Ground-Mounted Virtual Layout

Common in commercial solar and utility projects. Includes:

Terrain modeling
Row spacing and racking geometry
Large-scale shading simulations
Trenching and electrical routing alignment

3. Carport Virtual Layout

Specialized layouts accounting for:

Column spacing
Cantilever geometry
Vehicle clearance
Drainage and access pathways

4. Tracker-Based Virtual Layout

Used for single-axis and dual-axis tracking systems, factoring in:

Rotation envelopes
Backtracking behavior
Row length and spacing

How It’s Measured

Although a Virtual Array Layout isn’t measured by a single metric, its accuracy depends on precise inputs and spatial calculations.

Key Parameters

Panel Dimensions: Length × width (mm)
Tilt Angle: Typically 5°–30°
Azimuth: Direction relative to true north
Setbacks: Defined by AHJ Compliance
Shading Values: % annual loss from Shadow Analysis

Spatial Calculations

Module Coverage Area: Array Area = Panel Area × Panel Count‍
Inter-Row Spacing (Ground Mount): Calculated using sun angle data from the Sun Angle Calculator
Performance Estimates: Derived from irradiance, shading losses, and derate factors used in generation modeling tools.

ractical Guidance

For Designers

Begin every project with accurate site geometry.
Compare multiple layouts using Solar Layout Optimization.
Run Shadow Analysis early to avoid redesigns later.
Ensure fire access and safety setbacks remain compliant.

For Installers

Use exported Virtual Array Layouts as on-site placement references.
Confirm mounting structure alignment with the mounting structure design.
Accurate layouts reduce site-change orders.

For Sales Teams

Use clean array visuals in Solar Proposals to improve close rates.
Pair layouts with financial tools like the Solar ROI Calculator or Battery Size Calculator.

For EPCs & Developers

Compare layout variants to maximize land-use efficiency.
Align electrical routing early to avoid trenching overruns.
Use layout data for scheduling and procurement planning.

Real-World Examples

Residential (Roof-Mounted)

A 7 kW rooftop system is designed using a Virtual Array Layout that avoids skylights, applies fire setbacks, and optimizes orientation—resulting in higher production and a cleaner proposal.

Commercial (Flat Roof)

A school rooftop layout balances HVAC obstructions with row spacing adjustments, reducing self-shading and improving long-term performance projections.

Utility-Scale (Ground Mount)

A 5 MW site uses terrain-aware layouts and shading simulations to identify the highest-yield configuration with minimal land disturbance.