Overview

Learn how to create a PV layout with blocks created from Block Creation


Table of Contents


PV Layout with Blocks

Prior to running a PV layout with blocks, a block has to be created

  1. Go to Layout in the icons bar on the left
  2. Choose the region(s) for the PV layout in Choose one or more regions for this layout operation
  3. Select the block in Select the tables/blocks to be used
  4. For Mode of module alignment and Depth of layout algorithm can be left alone
  5. Specify Azimuth or Skew if angles of the blocks in PV layout.  If not used, leave defaults of 180 degrees for Azimuth (due south) and Skew to 0 degrees.
  6. Specify the Start Point for the PV layout
  7. [Optional] Set a Target System Size.  If trying to maximize the region, leave input blank.
  8. Next, the spacing inputs should be the same as the spacing in the block.  Depending on the type of tables used in the block, the type of spacing (Gap, Pitch, GCR) will change between North-South Spacing (ground mount fixed tilt) and East-West Spacing (trackers).  
  9. Pick the inverter to be used for the PV layout and then specify a Target DC/AC Ratio.
  10. [Optional] For additional layout configuration, press the toggle to enable and show the inputs for spacing. For both additional spacings, you can choose between type by either row/column or distance. Keep in mind that additional spacing is based on the spacing of the blocks not the tables. For example, if the additional east-west spacing is set to every 10 rows, additional spacing will be applied after 10 blocks in the east-west direction. Not after 10 tracker tables in the east-west direction.
  11. Press Apply button to begin the run


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PV Layout with different size blocks

Different size blocks in the same PV layout run can only happen if the blocks are using the same tables as its base and one side of the blocks are the same length. 

A successful example: 

  • A block with 4 tracker tables in one row and then a block with 5 of the same tracker tables in one row since both blocks are 1 tracker table row high.  Both must have the same spacing.

An unsuccessful example: 

  • A block with 6 tracker tables wide and 2 tracker tables high (total of 12 tracker tables) and a block with 5 trackers tables in one row as no sides of the same length
  1. Go to Layout in the icons bar on the left
  2. Choose the region(s) for the PV layout in Choose one or more regions for this layout operation
  3. Select the first block in Select the tables/blocks to be used.  
  4. After the first block is selected, click the drop-down menu and select the second block.  Now, two blocks will be in the Select the tables/blocks to be used input. NOTE: PV layout will prioritize placing the larger block first and then fill in the smaller ones afterwards.
  5. For Mode of module alignment and Depth of layout algorithm can be left alone
  6. Specify Azimuth or Skew if angles of the blocks in PV layout.  If not used, leave defaults of 180 degrees for Azimuth (due south) and Skew to 0 degrees.
  7. Specify the Start Point for the PV layout
  8. [Optional] Set a Target System Size.  If trying to maximize the region, leave input blank.
  9. Next, the spacing inputs should be the same as the spacing in the block.  Depending on the type of tables used in the block, the type of spacing (Gap, Pitch, GCR) will change between North-South Spacing (ground mount fixed tilt) and East-West Spacing (trackers).  
  10. Pick the inverter to be used for the PV layout and then specify a Target DC/AC Ratio.
  11. [Optional] For additional layout configuration, press the toggle to enable and show the inputs for spacing. For both additional spacings, you can choose between type by either row/column or distance. Keep in mind that additional spacing is based on the spacing of the blocks not the tables. For example, if the additional east-west spacing is set to every 10 rows, additional spacing will be applied after 10 blocks in the east-west direction.  Not after 10 tracker tables in the east-west direction.
  12. Press Apply button to begin the run

FAQ

Can I run different size blocks blocks of different sizes?

Yes, as long as one side of the blocks are the same length


How do I create PV layout using a block and then fill the rest of the site with individual tracker tables?

PV layout can only run with only tracker tables or blocks, not both.  However, a workaround is to create a block that is based on one tracker table.  This can be done in block creation by setting the Row and Column values to '1'.  


Is there a way to see information about the block before I run a PV layout?

Yes, select a block in the dropdown of Select the tables/block to be used input.  Then click on the block name to bring up the block information.  It is also possible to view the block by pressing the View button in the block information window.


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Troubleshooting

'All tables must be the same type' message appears when trying to selecting a block.

SunDAT can only run either blocks or tables, not both.  To fill out a region with single tables, create a block based around a single table.


Spacing between the tracker tables and the blocks are different

Double check that the spacing is the same same as the block created.  


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See also

Single-axis Tracker Layout

Fixed Tilt Ground Layout

Block creation



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