This guide will walk you through creating a new drawing for Solargraf Classic.

Follow the steps in this guide to create a new project using Solargraf, then proceed to the following steps:

Step 1: Add surfaces to your drawing

• On the right side of the page, you'll see the Tools bar. Start by selecting the Draw Surfaces option, which should be selected by default.
• Use the Draw Surfaces tool to outline the area you plan on installing modules on.
• Make sure to close the surface by linking the last line drawn to the first point you added to the drawing.
• Do this by using your mouse to click on the outer points of the area.

Keep in mind that the bottom of the drawing page is south-facing.

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• Once you've outlined the area, the Options tab will appear on the right side of the page. Before making modifications to the settings, you'll want to adjust the pitch. You can do this by using the Auto Pitch feature.
  
  If you do not want to use the Auto Pitch feature, you can skip the next step.

Step 2: (Optional) Use the Auto-Pitch feature

• On the Options tab, scroll down and select Done to return to the Tools tab.

Before proceeding with the next steps, you can add more surfaces to the drawing by repeating Step 3. It's recommended you add all surfaces to the drawing before using the Auto Pitch function.

• Click the Auto Pitch button.

  This option may not be available depending on the location of the project in which case the Auto Pitch button will be disabled and you can skip this step. It will also be the case if you've uploaded your own imagery.

The system will calculate the pitch, optimal tilt angle, and the mounting type for all surfaces.

• The surfaces are numbered according to the order in which they were drawn.

• For Flush Roof mounts, the Panel Angle is set equal to the Roof Pitch.

• For Flat Roof and Ground mounts, the Panel Angle is set equal to the optimal tilt, which is approximated as the latitude of the location.

• Finally, click Confirm to return to the Tools tab.

You do not have to use the computed Panel Angle for your design. You will have the option to manually change this under the Options tab for each surface.

Step 3: (Optional) Generate a Shading Analysis

• This step is also optional and can be used to approximate shading for the given area using a heat map from Google Sunroof.

• Click the Shading Analysis button.

  • This option may not be available depending on the project location, in which case the Shading Analysis button will be disabled and you can skip this step.

• Once the shading analysis is completed, you will be directed to a page where you can move the heat map to ensure it is positioned over the satellite imagery, as well as adjust its opacity.

• Click Confirm once you've adjusted the image.

• The system will then display a graph of the monthly solar access for all surfaces drawn. The computed shading percentage is automatically added under the Options tab for each surface.

• Click Okay to return to the Tools tab.

Step 4: Enter the design settings for each surface

• Use your mouse to click inside the surface you would like to edit. This will open the Options tab on the right of the page.

• Under the Options tab, you will find information on the total number of panels added to this surface, the azimuth angle, the total array size and the estimated bill offset.

  • The bill offset is calculated using the estimated solar panel production and the total estimated annual consumption.

  • The production value is determined via PVWatts and varies according to the settings entered in the Options tab.

  • The consumption value is determined based on the previously entered utility information.

• If you used the Auto Pitch feature, you will be able to see the value returned as well as have the option to manually change the Panel Angle.

  • If you've changed the Panel angle and would like to set it back to the Roof Pitch, click on Set to Roof Pitch.

• Select the Surface Panel you would like to use. If you don't see the module you'd like to use, scroll down to the list and select Add New Panel.

Selecting Add New Panel will direct you to a new page. Before selecting Add New Panel, save your project by clicking Done, then Save.

• Enter the remaining settings for the selected surface. Select the correct Mounting type, Orientation, and panel Offset.

• Use the Next Baseline option to change the azimuth of the panels. This will set the azimuth in the direction of the selected line.

• If you used the Shading Analysis feature, you will be able to find the computed shading value under Shading (%). You also have the option to manually enter this value.

• Enter the correct offsets for this surface. You can enter an offset corresponding to each line of the surface drawn. Each line is identified by its length.

• Finally, select the correct Roof Material and click Done.

Step 5: Use the Panel Tool to edit your design

• Use the Panel Tool to delete, add or move one or more panels.
• You can select a panel by clicking on it, and you can select more than one panel at a time. To deselect a panel, simply click on it again.
• You can also click and drag your mouse over a group of modules to select all modules in that area.
• Once selected, you can delete one or more panels by clicking Delete selected under the Tools tab, or clicking the delete button on your keyboard.
• To move one or more selected panels, simply click and drag them.
• Add panels to your drawing by clicking inside the surface. To add a rotated panel, click Rotate Panel before adding it to your drawing.
• Use the Undo and Redo buttons to return to a previous state of your drawing.
• Use the Clear All button to reset your entire drawing.

Step 6: Save your drawing

• Once you're satisfied with the panel layout in your drawing, as well as confirmed that you've applied the correct offset, materials, mounting type and orientation, click Save.

• You will then be prompted to navigate to the proposal or project page. Select either option to make changes to the rest of the project settings.

• Click Return to Drawing if you need to make further changes to your drawing.