Overview
The dynamic shading feature in PVX.AI automatically calculates rack spacing based on north-south slopes. It performs shadow analysis for a specific date and time range to create an optimized layout.
Prerequisites
At least one rack type and one PV area must be defined.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Configure shading settings
Go to Settings > Layout. Enter the date (e.g., December 21), start and end times (e.g., 10:00-14:00). Set the minimum shadow distance (e.g., 3.5 m) and maximum shadow distance (e.g., 5 m).
2. Start Build Layout
Select rack types, set alignment direction, and choose your PV area. Configure 3D surface usage and slope limits.
3. Activate the dynamic shading feature
In the layout parameters, enable Dynamic Shading. Enter the horizontal rack spacing (e.g., 0.25 m). PVX.AI will automatically calculate row spacing based on terrain slope.
4. Review the results
In the generated layout, you can see the shadow effect of each rack. Check the shadow factor that panels cast on each other within the specified time intervals.
Tips & Recommendations
- Dynamic spacing provides more efficient layouts on sloped terrain compared to fixed distance.
- On north-facing slopes, rack spacing increases automatically; maximum shadow distance limits this expansion.
- On south-facing slopes, rack spacing decreases; minimum shadow distance protects service access.
- Test different date/time combinations to find the optimal setting for your project.