User Guide

Everything you need to know about using SunTrace3D to analyze solar potential, simulate shadows, and estimate energy yield for any location worldwide.

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Video Tutorials

3D Solar Simulation Software Demo

SunTrace3D for Homeowners

SunTrace3D for Garden & Landscape

1

Getting Started

SunTrace3D is a browser-based 3D solar analysis tool. No installation, plugins, or sign-up is required to get started. Simply open the viewer and explore.

1

Open the Viewer

Click 'Open Viewer' from the home page. The default demo location (Pula, Croatia) loads automatically with a photorealistic 3D model.

2

Search a Location

Use the search bar in the header to find any address worldwide. The 3D model updates instantly when you select a new location.

3

Explore Shadows

Use the time slider at the bottom to see how shadows change throughout the day. Pick any date with the date picker.

SunTrace3D viewer overview showing 3D city model with shadows
The SunTrace3D viewer showing the 3D city model of Pula, Croatia with real-time shadow simulation
4

Shadow Simulation

SunTrace3D calculates accurate sun positions using the SunCalc library, which computes solar altitude and azimuth based on your location's latitude, longitude, date, and time. Shadows are cast in real-time using physically-based rendering.

Time Slider

Use the horizontal slider at the bottom of the viewer to scrub through 24 hours. Watch shadows sweep across buildings as the sun moves across the sky.

Date Picker

Select any date in the header to see how shadows change with the seasons. Compare summer solstice (longest day) with winter solstice (shortest day).

Time Animation

Press the play button (or Space key) to animate the sun across the sky. Adjust the speed (15x–120x) and pick any month to compare seasonal shadow patterns. The animation loops through a full day automatically.

Sun animation controls showing play/pause button and time slider
Sun animation in progress — shadows sweep across the scene as time advances automatically

Understanding shadows

Shadow length and direction depend on the sun's altitude (height above the horizon) and azimuth (compass bearing). In the Northern Hemisphere, shadows point north at solar noon. Shadows are longest at sunrise and sunset, and shortest at solar noon. In winter, shadows are longer because the sun stays lower in the sky.

Shadow simulation showing building shadows at different times of day
Real-time shadow simulation — scrub through the day to see how shadows change across buildings
5

Sun Path Visualization

The sun path arc shows the complete trajectory of the sun across the sky for the selected date. A yellow/orange arc traces the sun's position from sunrise to sunset, with the current sun position highlighted.

What the sun path shows

Sun position marker
The bright yellow circle shows the current sun position in the sky
Sun arc
The curved line traces the sun's path from sunrise (east) to sunset (west)
Center marker
Blue pin marks the center of your selected location
Shadow direction
The directional light casts shadows opposite to the sun position
Sun path arc visualization across the sky
The sun path arc shows the complete trajectory of the sun for the selected date
6

Solar Panel Placement

Place virtual solar panels on any rooftop in the 3D model. SunTrace3D calculates irradiance based on panel tilt, azimuth, and shading from surrounding buildings.

How to place solar panels

  1. 1
    Activate panel mode
    Click the solar panel button in the toolbar (bottom-left). This activates the panel placement mode.
  2. 2
    Click on a rooftop
    Click anywhere on a rooftop surface. A virtual solar panel appears at the clicked location.
  3. 3
    Rotate and reposition
    Click a placed panel to select it. Drag it to move to a new roof position. Use the rotation ring or [ ] keys to rotate the panel ±15°.
  4. 4
    Adjust tilt angle
    With a panel selected, use the tilt slider in the sidebar to adjust the inclination angle (-45° to +45° from the roof surface). The panel lifts automatically to avoid clipping through the roof.
  5. 5
    Check orientation quality
    The sidebar shows the panel's surface angle, effective tilt, azimuth, and a star rating for direction quality (e.g. 'S · All-day ★★★★★' for south-facing).
  6. 6
    View energy estimates
    The solar dashboard automatically calculates annual energy yield based on your panel configuration and location. Energy updates in real-time as you adjust tilt and orientation.

Orientation Quality Rating

SunTrace3D rates each panel's orientation on a 5-star scale based on azimuth angle relative to your latitude. South-facing panels (in the northern hemisphere) receive the highest rating. The badge also shows the best sun exposure time — all-day, morning, or afternoon.

Virtual solar panels placed on a rooftop with energy calculations
Place virtual solar panels on rooftops and see real-time energy yield calculations
Panel tilt slider adjusting the inclination angle of a placed solar panel
Adjust the panel tilt angle with the sidebar slider — the panel lifts to prevent roof clipping

Rectangle Array Placement

For larger installations, use Rectangle placement mode to fill an entire roof area with a grid of panels in one drag — much faster than placing panels one by one.

How to place a panel array

  1. 1
    Enter Rectangle mode
    While in Place Panels mode, press R on the keyboard or select 'Rectangle' from the placement dropdown in the toolbar.
  2. 2
    Place a seed panel
    Click on a rooftop surface to place a single panel. This panel becomes the starting point for your grid and is automatically selected.
  3. 3
    Drag to create a grid
    Drag the '+' handle that appears above the selected panel. A live ghost preview shows the grid layout with cyan cells for valid positions and red cells for invalid ones.
  4. 4
    Review and release
    A floating label shows the panel count and total peak power (kWp) in real-time. Release the mouse to commit the array. All placed panels become a group that can be tilted, rotated, or deleted together.

Adjusting Panel Spacing

After placing a panel array, select any panel in the group. A 'Gap between panels' slider appears in the sidebar, allowing you to adjust spacing from 0 to 10 cm. The default gap is 2 cm.

Eraser Mode

Press E to toggle Eraser mode. Click on any placed panel to remove it individually. Press E again to return to the previous placement mode.

Rectangle array placement showing a grid of solar panels
Drag to create a rectangular array of solar panels — the live preview shows panel count and total peak power
7

Shadow Analysis

SunTrace3D automatically analyzes shading from surrounding buildings for every solar panel you place. The system simulates approximately 154 sun positions throughout the year to calculate how much each panel is blocked by nearby geometry.

How shadow analysis works

  1. 1
    Automatic detection
    Shadow analysis begins automatically when you place or move a panel. A spinning indicator shows while the calculation runs.
  2. 2
    Annual sun sampling
    The system simulates sun positions every 15 days throughout the year, sampling every 2 hours during daylight hours — approximately 154 positions in total.
  3. 3
    3D raycasting
    For each sun position, a ray is cast from the panel toward the sun. If a building or other geometry blocks the ray, that time slot is counted as shaded.
  4. 4
    Weighted calculation
    Higher sun positions contribute more weight because the sun delivers more energy at steeper angles. Midday shading therefore impacts the result more than dawn or dusk shading.

How shading affects energy yield

The shading loss percentage is applied as a direct multiplier to the energy yield: a panel with 25% shading loss produces 25% less energy than an identical unshaded panel. Monthly estimates also reflect this — winter months may show higher losses when the sun is lower and more easily blocked by buildings.

Shading indicators

0–10% — Minimal shading, excellent placement
10–30% — Moderate shading, consider repositioning
>30% — Heavy shading, significantly reduced yield
Shadow analysis showing per-panel shading loss percentages
Shadow analysis showing per-panel shading loss from surrounding buildings
8

Energy Yield Analysis

SunTrace3D estimates annual energy yield using the PVGIS (Photovoltaic Geographical Information System) database maintained by the European Commission. PVGIS provides satellite-based solar irradiance data for locations worldwide.

What's calculated

  • Annual energy yield in kWh
  • Peak power output in kW
  • Specific yield (kWh/kWp)
  • Monthly energy production breakdown
  • Shading loss factor
  • System losses (inverter, wiring)

Input parameters

  • Panel tilt angle (0° – 90°)
  • Panel azimuth (compass direction)
  • Total panel area (m²)
  • Panel efficiency (typically 18-22%)
  • Location coordinates (automatic)
  • Local solar irradiance data (PVGIS)

About PVGIS data

PVGIS uses satellite imagery and meteorological data to provide solar irradiance values averaged over many years. The data accounts for typical weather patterns, cloud cover, and atmospheric conditions. System losses of 14% are applied by default to account for inverter efficiency, wiring losses, and temperature effects.

Energy yield dashboard showing annual kWh estimates and monthly breakdown
The energy yield dashboard shows annual production estimates and monthly breakdown charts
33

Solar Wizard

The Solar Wizard automatically detects roof surfaces and places an optimized solar panel layout with a single click. It analyzes shading across the year, avoids obstructed areas, and positions panels for maximum energy production — or to match your specific goal.

How to Use

  1. 1
    Open the Wizard
    Switch to Place mode, then click 'Solar Wizard' in the placement dropdown or press W. The wizard requires a paid plan (Personal or higher).
  2. 2
    Choose Your Goal
    Select from four optimization strategies: Maximize Energy fills the roof, Cover My Bill matches your monthly usage, Best ROI optimizes payback period, and Go Green maximizes environmental impact.
  3. 3
    Click a Roof Surface
    Click anywhere on a roof. The wizard automatically detects the surface boundary and scans the area — you'll see golden cells appear as the detection progresses.
  4. 4
    Watch the Placement
    Panels are placed one by one with a cinematic animation. The wizard selects positions with the lowest shading and groups them together for a clean, professional layout.
  5. 5
    Review & Keep
    Review the estimated annual yield, CO₂ offset, and bill coverage. Click 'Keep Layout' to accept or 'Start Over' to try a different roof or goal. The shading analyzer will automatically refine estimates after placement.

Optimization Goals

Maximize Energy

Places as many panels as possible on the detected surface for maximum annual energy generation.

Cover My Bill

Enter your monthly electricity usage in kWh, and the wizard places just enough panels to offset it.

Best ROI

Focuses on the least-shaded positions for the fastest return on investment.

Go Green

Maximizes the number of panels to achieve the highest CO₂ offset and environmental impact.

After the wizard places panels, you can still manually adjust individual panels — drag them, rotate with [ and ] keys, or delete with the eraser tool.

34

Ground Mount Arrays

Ground mount arrays let you design solar installations on open terrain rather than rooftops. Draw a boundary polygon on the ground, configure tilt, azimuth, and row spacing, then instantly preview the panel layout before committing.

How to Use

  1. 1
    Select Ground Mount mode
    Click the Ground Mount tool (G) in the toolbar to enter drawing mode. The Ground Mount configuration panel opens in the sidebar.
  2. 2
    Draw the boundary
    Click on the ground to place polygon vertices defining the array area. Close the shape by clicking near the first point — a yellow indicator appears within 3 meters.
  3. 3
    Configure array parameters
    Adjust tilt angle, azimuth, GCR (ground coverage ratio), panel orientation (landscape/portrait), and intra-row gap using the sidebar sliders. The row pitch updates in real time.
  4. 4
    Confirm placement
    Review the preview layout showing valid (cyan) and invalid (red) panel positions within your boundary. Click Confirm to place the array.
  5. 5
    Manage arrays
    View array details in the sidebar including panel count, peak power, tilt, azimuth, GCR, and row pitch. Use the Redraw button to reshape an array with preserved settings, or delete it entirely.

Ground mount arrays require a Pro plan or higher. Pro allows up to 2 arrays with 20 panels total. Business and Enterprise plans include unlimited ground mount arrays.

9

SD & HD Quality Modes

SunTrace3D offers two quality levels for 3D models. The quality badge in the viewer toolbar shows the current mode.

SD

Standard Detail

Available on the free tier. Models load instantly via Google 3D Tiles streaming with moderate geometric and texture detail (LOD4, errorTarget=24). Perfect for quick shadow studies and solar analysis.

Free tier — no account needed to try

HD

High Definition

Available on the Pro tier. Photorealistic models with maximum texture and geometric detail (LOD6, errorTarget=6). Individual building features, vegetation, and street-level detail are clearly visible.

Pro subscription — €9/month

Side-by-side comparison of SD and HD model quality
SD vs HD quality comparison — HD models show significantly more texture and geometric detail
10

Compass & Orientation

The compass overlay in the viewer shows true north orientation relative to your current camera angle. This is essential for understanding shadow directions and optimal solar panel orientation.

Reading the compass

  • The compass rotates as you orbit the 3D model, always pointing toward true north
  • In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing panels receive the most sunlight
  • Use the compass to verify panel azimuth when placing solar panels
Compass overlay showing north direction in the 3D viewer
The compass overlay rotates with the camera to always indicate true north
11

Building Placement

Build mode lets you place procedural buildings into the 3D scene. These buildings cast and receive shadows just like real-world models, making it easy to study how a proposed development would affect sunlight on surrounding properties.

How to place buildings

  1. 1
    Activate Build mode
    Click the Build button in the toolbar or press B. The sidebar opens automatically with the Building Configurator.
  2. 2
    Choose a building type
    Select from five types: House, Apartment, Commercial, Townhouse, or Warehouse. Each type loads sensible default dimensions and roof style.
  3. 3
    Adjust dimensions and style
    Fine-tune floors (1–20), floor height (2.5–4m), width (4–50m), and depth (4–50m). Choose a roof type and pick wall and roof colors from the swatch palettes.
  4. 4
    Click the ground to place
    Click anywhere on the ground in the 3D scene. The building appears at the clicked location using your current configurator settings.
  5. 5
    Select and adjust
    Click a placed building to select it. When selected you can rotate it, adjust the vertical offset, apply new settings, or delete it using the sidebar controls.

Building Types

House

2 floors, 10 × 8 m, gable roof at 35°. Compact residential building.

Apartment

5 floors, 20 × 12 m, flat roof. Multi-story residential block.

Commercial

3 floors, 25 × 15 m, flat roof. Office or retail building.

Townhouse

3 floors, 6 × 12 m, gable roof at 40°. Narrow and deep.

Warehouse

1 floor, 30 × 20 m, flat roof. Wide, low industrial building.

Roof Types

Flat
No pitch, flat top with parapet
Gable
Classic two-slope "A" shape
Hip
Four slopes, all sides descend from ridge
Mansard
Steep lower slope with shallow upper section

Shadow analysis with buildings

Placed buildings participate fully in the shadow simulation. Scrub the time slider to see how a proposed building would cast shadows on neighbouring rooftops, gardens, or solar panels throughout the day and across seasons.

Build mode showing the building configurator sidebar and a placed building in the 3D scene
Build mode — configure building type, dimensions, roof, and colors, then click to place in the scene
12

Scene Objects & Landscaping

Build mode includes a Scene Objects panel for adding trees, fences, pergolas, and obstacles (chimneys, poles, cylinders) to the 3D scene. These objects cast and receive shadows, letting you study how landscaping and rooftop features affect solar panel performance.

How to place scene objects

  1. 1
    Enter Build mode
    Click the Build button in the toolbar or press B. The sidebar shows category tabs at the top: Buildings, Trees, Fences, Pergolas, and Obstacles.
  2. 2
    Choose a category and style
    Click a category tab, then select a shape or style. Trees offer round, oval, conifer, palm, and columnar shapes. Fences include wood, brick, concrete, and hedge. Pergolas come in flat, louvered, and awning styles. Obstacles include box, cylinder, chimney, and pole shapes.
  3. 3
    Adjust dimensions and color
    Use the sliders to set height, width, depth, or canopy diameter. Pick a color from the swatch palette. Trees can be set as deciduous (seasonal leaf loss) or evergreen.
  4. 4
    Click to place
    Click on the ground or on a building surface to place the object. Once placed, click to select it, then drag to reposition, use [ ] to rotate, or press Delete to remove.

Object Categories

Trees

Deciduous and evergreen trees with configurable height, canopy size, and trunk height. Five shapes: round, oval, conifer, palm, columnar.

Obstacles

Rooftop obstacles like chimneys, vents, and poles. Four shapes: box, cylinder, chimney, pole. Place on buildings to study shading impact.

Fences

Perimeter fences and walls with adjustable length, height, and thickness. Styles: wood, brick, concrete, hedge.

Pergolas

Shade structures with width, depth, and tilt controls. Three styles: flat, louvered, and awning.

Shadow interaction

All scene objects participate in the shadow simulation. Trees and fences cast realistic shadows that affect solar panels — the shadow analysis automatically accounts for these obstructions when calculating shading loss.

Building attachment

Objects placed on a building surface automatically attach to that building. When you rotate or move the building, attached objects move with it. Drag an object off the building to detach it.

13

Bulldozer Tool

The Bulldozer tool lets you flatten terrain in the 3D scene by defining clearing zones. Google 3D Tiles often include trees, bushes, and uneven ground — use the Bulldozer to remove these before placing solar panels or buildings for accurate shadow analysis.

How to use the Bulldozer

  1. 1
    Activate the Bulldozer
    Click the Shovel icon in the left sidebar toolbar. The button turns red when bulldozing mode is active.
  2. 2
    Choose a zone shape
    Select Circle or Rectangle in the configurator. Set the dimensions — radius for circles, or width, depth, and rotation for rectangles. Adjust the height to control how much terrain is flattened.
  3. 3
    Click to place a clearing zone
    Click anywhere on the ground in the 3D scene. A semi-transparent zone appears showing the area that will be cleared.
  4. 4
    Manage zones
    Click a placed zone to select it and adjust its size or shape. Toggle individual zones on/off with the power button, or use the global Show/Hide and Enable/Disable All controls.

Circle Zone

A circular clearing area defined by radius (5–50 m). Best for clearing individual trees or small obstructed areas.

Rectangle Zone

A rectangular clearing area with configurable width (5–80 m), depth (5–80 m), and rotation. Ideal for preparing building sites or large panel array areas.

When to use the Bulldozer

Photorealistic 3D Tiles often include vegetation and terrain features that interfere with shadow analysis and panel placement. Use the Bulldozer to clear these areas and create a clean surface for accurate solar studies.

Bulldozer tool clearing vegetation from the 3D scene
The Bulldozer tool with clearing zones — the sidebar shows shape selection, dimension controls, and zone management
14

Sunlight Heatmap

The Sunlight Heatmap displays a color-coded ground grid showing how many hours of direct sunlight each area receives. Use it to identify the sunniest and shadiest spots on your property — perfect for planning solar panel placement or garden beds.

How to use the heatmap

  1. 1
    Open the Heatmap panel
    Click the grid icon in the left sidebar to open the Sunlight Heatmap panel. Set the width and depth of the analysis area (10–20 m free, up to 100 m for Pro).
  2. 2
    Show the heatmap
    Click 'Show Heatmap'. The system computes sunlight hours using SunCalc for every grid cell and renders the color-coded overlay on the ground.
  3. 3
    Adjust month and opacity
    Select a specific month or 'Year' for the annual average. Adjust opacity and rotation to fine-tune the visualization. The heatmap recalculates when you change the month.

Color scale

Purple — full shade, fewer than 1 hour of direct sun
Blue — partial shade, approximately 3 hours of direct sun
Green — moderate sunlight, approximately 6 hours of direct sun
Yellow — full sun, 8+ hours of direct sunlight

Larger heatmaps on paid plans

Free accounts can create heatmaps up to 20 × 20 meters. Personal subscribers can extend the heatmap to 100 × 100 meters. Business subscribers can analyze areas up to 1000 × 1000 meters for large commercial sites, solar farms, or agricultural land.

Sunlight heatmap overlay showing sun hours across the ground plane
Sunlight heatmap showing color-coded direct sun hours — yellow areas receive the most sunlight, purple areas are heavily shaded
15

Garden Planner

The Garden Planner helps you design garden beds using a database of 50+ plants, each with documented sunlight requirements. Combined with the Sunlight Heatmap, it automatically checks whether your chosen plants will thrive in the available light conditions.

How to plan a garden

  1. 1
    Enable the heatmap
    Turn on the Sunlight Heatmap first (see previous section) so the system has sunlight data for your property.
  2. 2
    Open the Garden panel
    Click the flower icon in the sidebar to open the Garden Planner panel. Browse the plant catalog organized by category: vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers, and shrubs.
  3. 3
    Select a plant and bed shape
    Click a plant to select it. Choose a bed shape — rectangle, circle, or L-shape — and adjust the width, depth, and raised bed height using the sliders.
  4. 4
    Place and check compatibility
    Click on the ground to place the garden bed. The system cross-references the bed's location with heatmap data and shows a compatibility indicator: ideal (green), acceptable (yellow), or not suitable (red).

Plant Categories

Vegetables

Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, carrots, and more — with sun and harvest time data

Herbs

Basil, rosemary, thyme, mint, and more — each with ideal sun zone

Fruits

Strawberries, blueberries, and orchard fruits with season data

Flowers

Sunflowers, lavender, roses, and more for ornamental beds

Shrubs

Hedges and bushes with shade tolerance info

Automatic compatibility checking

Ideal — the bed receives enough sunlight for this plant to thrive
Acceptable — the plant may grow but could struggle with borderline sun hours
Not suitable — the bed does not receive enough sunlight for this plant
Garden planner showing plant selection and sun compatibility for a garden bed
Garden Planner with plant selector, bed shape options, and sunlight compatibility indicator
16

Climate Data

The Climate Data panel appears in the Solar Analysis sidebar whenever you have solar panels placed. It shows location-specific climate metrics that directly affect solar panel performance — cloud cover losses, ambient temperature, and heat-related efficiency losses.

Cloud Loss

The percentage of solar energy lost to cloud cover at your location, derived from satellite-measured clear-sky index data. Higher values mean more clouds and less available sunlight.

Average Temperature

The annual average air temperature at your location in °C. This baseline is used to estimate panel cell temperature and thermal efficiency losses.

Heat Loss

Estimated efficiency loss due to high panel temperatures. Solar panels lose approximately 0.29% efficiency for each degree above 25°C cell temperature.

Monthly Cloudiness

A sparkline chart showing the clear-sky index for each month (January to December). Green bars indicate clear months with high solar yield; blue bars indicate cloudy months.

Data source

Climate data comes from NASA POWER (CERES SYN1deg + MERRA-2), providing a 22-year global climatology. The data automatically adjusts energy yield estimates for realistic local weather conditions.

Climate data panel showing cloud loss, temperature, and heat loss metrics
Climate data panel showing cloud loss, average temperature, heat loss, and monthly cloudiness sparkline
17

Installation Cost & Get Quote

When you place solar panels, SunTrace3D automatically estimates the installation cost, annual electricity savings, and payback period based on regional pricing data.

Cost Breakdown

The Installation Cost section in the sidebar shows a detailed breakdown including panel cost, installation labor, and inverter/balance-of-system costs. Prices are adjusted to your region and displayed in your selected currency.

Annual Savings & Payback

Based on the estimated annual energy yield and local electricity prices, SunTrace3D calculates your annual savings and the number of years until the system pays for itself.

Government Incentives

Where available, the calculator shows estimated government subsidies, tax credits, or feed-in tariffs that reduce your effective cost and shorten the payback period.

Request a Quote

Click 'Get Quote' to submit your solar analysis to local installers. The form pre-fills with your system specs, location, and estimated costs for a personalized proposal.

Installation cost breakdown showing panel costs, annual savings, and payback period
Installation cost breakdown showing panel costs, annual savings, and payback period estimate
18

Solar Impact

The Solar Impact section visualizes the environmental benefits of your solar panel system. It appears in the sidebar whenever you have panels placed in the scene.

CO₂ Offset

See how many kilograms of CO₂ your system would avoid annually. This is calculated from your estimated energy yield and regional grid emission factors.

Appliances Powered

A visual grid of 9 common household items shows which appliances your system can power — from light bulbs and laptops to refrigerators, air conditioning, and electric vehicles. Powered items light up in green.

Shading & Orientation Ratings

Green — no shading detected, excellent sun exposure
Amber — moderate shading (10–30%), consider repositioning panels
Red — heavy shading (over 30%), panels may underperform
Solar impact dashboard showing CO₂ offset, powered appliances, and system ratings
Solar impact dashboard showing CO₂ offset, powered appliances, and system ratings
19

Site Report

Generate a professional PDF site report summarizing your entire solar analysis. The report includes 3D views, system specifications, energy yield estimates, financial analysis, and environmental impact — ready to share with clients or installers.

How to generate a site report

  1. 1
    Place solar panels
    Set up your solar panel installation in the 3D viewer. The report button appears once you have panels placed with energy yield results.
  2. 2
    Click 'Site Report'
    Click the blue Site Report button at the bottom of the viewer. Sign in if prompted — a free account is required.
  3. 3
    Fill in details
    Optionally enter your company name, client name, upload a company logo, and add notes. You can also adjust the total investment amount.
  4. 4
    Generate and download
    Click 'Generate PDF Report'. The system captures 3D views of your scene, builds the report, and offers a PDF download.

What's in the report

  • 3D perspective and top-down views of the solar installation
  • System summary: panel count, peak power, annual yield, orientation, shading loss
  • Detailed system specs: panel type, efficiency, dimensions, tilt, azimuth
  • Monthly energy production chart
  • Financial analysis: cost breakdown, payback period, government incentives
  • Household appliances the system can power
  • Custom branding with company logo and installer details

Custom branding

Upload your company logo and enter your company name to create branded reports. The logo appears in the report header alongside the SunTrace3D branding — perfect for solar installers sending proposals to clients.

20

Keyboard Shortcuts

Speed up your workflow with keyboard shortcuts. These work whenever the viewer is focused and no text input field is active.

Mode & Time

  • NSwitch to Navigate mode
  • PSwitch to Place Panels mode
  • BSwitch to Build mode
  • SpacePlay / pause time animation
  • ← →Skip time back / forward 15 min

Build Mode (selected building)

  • [ ]Rotate selected building ±15°
  • DeleteRemove selected building
  • ↑ ↓Raise / lower building ±0.5 m

Panel Mode (selected panel)

  • [ ]Rotate selected panel ±15°
  • DeleteRemove selected panel
  • RToggle Rectangle placement mode
  • EToggle Eraser mode

Tip

On mobile and touch devices, all building controls (rotation, vertical offset, delete) are available as sliders and buttons in the sidebar when a building is selected.

21

Measurement Tool

Measure real-world distances directly in the 3D scene. The measurement tool calculates the straight-line distance between any two points you click.

How to measure distances

  1. 1
    Activate measurement mode
    Click the ruler button in the sidebar toolbar (or press M). Your cursor changes to a crosshair.
  2. 2
    Place the first point
    Click anywhere on the 3D scene to set the starting point. A cyan marker appears.
  3. 3
    Place the second point
    Click a second location. A line connects the two points with the distance displayed in meters.
  4. 4
    Add more measurements
    Keep clicking to add additional measurements. Click on any measurement to select it, then press Delete to remove it.

Measurement tips

  • Measurements work on terrain, buildings, and rooftops
  • Press Escape to cancel a pending measurement point
  • Use the Clear button to remove all measurements at once
Distance measurement between two points in the 3D scene
Distance measurement between two points in the 3D scene — the cyan line shows the measured distance in meters
22

Points of Interest

Toggle Points of Interest (POI) to discover nearby amenities and landmarks overlaid on the 3D map. POI markers show restaurants, schools, shops, healthcare, and other categories.

How to use Points of Interest

  1. 1
    Toggle POI on
    Click the map pin button in the toolbar to enable POI markers. Nearby locations load automatically based on your current map center.
  2. 2
    Browse markers
    Markers appear at real-world positions in the 3D scene. Zoom in to see names and details; zoom out and they simplify to compact icons.
  3. 3
    Click to highlight
    Click any POI marker to highlight it and see more details. Click again to deselect.

Available categories

Education, Healthcare, Shopping, Transport, Recreation, Dining, and Services — covering schools, hospitals, supermarkets, bus stops, parks, restaurants, and more.

Points of Interest overlaid on the 3D scene showing nearby amenities
Points of Interest overlaid on the 3D scene showing nearby amenities with category icons
23

Explore Directory

The Explore page lets you browse all available 3D solar models organized by country and city. Discover locations worldwide that already have generated models ready to view.

Interactive Map

An interactive world map shows markers for every available model. Click any marker to jump directly to that location in the 3D viewer.

Country & City Directory

Browse a searchable grid of countries, each showing the number of available models and cities covered. Click a country to see its cities, then click a city to open its model.

Search & Filter

Use the search bar to quickly find a specific country or city by name.

The Explore page showing the interactive world map and country directory
The Explore page showing the interactive world map and country directory grid
24

Account & Subscription

SunTrace3D works without an account for basic shadow simulation and solar analysis. Create a free account to save your work, upgrade to Pro for HD models and unlimited tools, or choose Business for unlimited everything and commercial use.

Account features

Free account

  • SD quality models
  • Full shadow simulation
  • Up to 8 solar panels
  • Up to 5 scene objects
  • Up to 3 custom buildings

Pro (€9/mo)

  • HD photorealistic models
  • Unlimited panels, objects & buildings
  • Save projects & import 3D models
  • Compliance reports & photo export
  • No watermark on reports

Business (€99/mo)

  • Unlimited panels, ground mounts & heatmaps
  • Real estate scoring & PDF reports
  • Embeddable viewer & lead capture
  • API access (500 models/mo)

Enterprise (custom)

  • White-label branding
  • Custom CRM integrations
  • Dedicated support & SLA
  • Custom API volume

Managing your subscription

Subscriptions are managed through Stripe. Click the user menu in the viewer header to access your account settings and subscription portal. You can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel at any time.

25

Project Management

Save your complete analysis setup — including location, solar panels, buildings, quality mode, and date/time — as a named project. Load it later to pick up exactly where you left off.

How to save and load projects

  1. 1
    Sign in
    Create an account or sign in. Projects are stored server-side and tied to your account.
  2. 2
    Open the sidebar
    Click the sun icon in the top-right corner of the viewer. Scroll down to the Projects section at the bottom of the sidebar.
  3. 3
    Save current scene
    Click "Save current scene", enter a project name, and press Save. The entire scene state is captured.
  4. 4
    Load a project
    Click a saved project in the list to restore it. Location, model, panels, buildings, and time settings are all restored automatically.

What's saved in a project

  • Location (latitude, longitude, and name)
  • Quality mode (SD or HD)
  • All solar panels with tilt, azimuth, and position
  • All placed buildings with type, dimensions, position, and rotation
  • All scene objects (trees, fences, pergolas, obstacles)
  • Selected date and time of day
  • Imported 3D models (position, rotation, and scale preserved)
Project manager section in the sidebar showing save and load controls
The project manager in the sidebar — sign in to save and load complete scene setups
26

Importing 3D Models

Import custom 3D models into your scene to accurately represent existing structures, machinery, or any object that affects shading on your solar panels.

How to import a 3D model

  1. 1
    Switch to Build mode
    Press B or click the Build button in the toolbar to enter Build mode.
  2. 2
    Open the Import tab
    Click the Import tab (upload icon) in the Build panel sidebar.
  3. 3
    Upload your GLB file
    Drag and drop a .glb file onto the upload area, or click to browse. Maximum file size is 50 MB.
  4. 4
    Position the model
    The model appears at the scene origin. Use the Move, Rotate, and Scale buttons in the panel to switch gizmo modes, then drag the handles in the 3D view to position it precisely.
  5. 5
    Fine-tune with numbers
    Enter exact values in the Position (m), Rotation (°), and Scale fields for precise placement.

File requirements

Only .glb (binary glTF) files are supported. Maximum 50 MB per file. Models are stored securely in the cloud and load automatically when you reopen a saved project.

Transform gizmos

  • Move — drag the coloured arrows to reposition along X, Y, or Z axis
  • Rotate — drag the rings to spin the model around each axis
  • Scale — drag the handles to resize uniformly or per-axis

3D model import is a Pro feature. Upgrade to Pro to unlock custom model placement.

27

Right-to-Light Compliance

The Right-to-Light panel helps architects and urban planners assess whether a proposed development meets daylight access standards. Based on BRE 209 (Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight), it analyzes how much skylight and sunlight reaches neighboring windows.

How to run a compliance check

  1. 1
    Switch to the Compliance vertical
    Select 'Right-to-Light' from the industry dropdown in the top-left corner of the viewer.
  2. 2
    Add windows to analyze
    Click on building facades to place window markers. Each window is checked against BRE 209 vertical sky component (VSC) and annual probable sunlight hours (APSH) thresholds.
  3. 3
    Review compliance indicators
    Windows are color-coded: green (passes), amber (marginal), red (fails). The sidebar shows detailed metrics for each window.
  4. 4
    Generate a compliance report
    Export a PDF report with window-by-window analysis, compliance status, and 3D visualizations for planning submissions.

Vertical Sky Component (VSC)

VSC measures the amount of visible sky from a window point. BRE 209 recommends a minimum of 27% VSC for adequate daylight. Windows below this threshold are flagged.

Annual Probable Sunlight Hours (APSH)

APSH measures the percentage of annual sunlight hours a window receives compared to an unobstructed location. BRE 209 recommends at least 25% annual and 5% winter APSH.

Best practice

Run compliance checks early in the design process. Small changes to building height, setback, or orientation can significantly improve daylight access to neighboring properties.

Right-to-light compliance panel showing window analysis with VSC and APSH indicators
Right-to-light compliance panel showing window analysis with VSC and APSH indicators
28

Urban Heat Analysis

The Urban Heat panel maps thermal exposure across urban areas. It analyzes how shade coverage, surface materials, and building geometry affect surface temperatures and pedestrian thermal comfort.

How to analyze urban heat

  1. 1
    Switch to the Thermal vertical
    Select 'Urban Heat' from the industry dropdown in the viewer toolbar.
  2. 2
    Enable the thermal overlay
    Toggle the heat map overlay to see color-coded surface temperature estimates across the scene, based on shade coverage and material albedo.
  3. 3
    Analyze pedestrian corridors
    Mark pedestrian paths to see shade coverage along walking routes. The panel shows the percentage of each corridor that is shaded during peak heat hours.

Material Albedo

Different surfaces absorb and reflect heat differently. The material palette lets you assign albedo values (reflectivity) to roofs, pavements, and green spaces to model their thermal impact.

Thermal Comfort Zones

The heat map identifies areas of thermal stress based on combined sun exposure, shade coverage, and wind exposure. Red zones indicate areas where pedestrians may experience heat discomfort during summer.

Mitigation strategies

Use the scene objects tool to add trees and shade structures, then re-run the thermal analysis to see their cooling effect. Even small increases in shade coverage can significantly reduce surface temperatures.

Urban heat analysis showing surface temperature overlay and pedestrian corridor shade coverage
Urban heat analysis showing surface temperature overlay and pedestrian corridor shade coverage
29

Film & Photography Tools

The Film & Photography panel provides tools for planning shoots around natural light. Calculate golden hour and blue hour times, preview camera angles through virtual lenses, and bookmark lighting setups for location scouting.

How to plan a shoot

  1. 1
    Switch to the Camera vertical
    Select 'Film & Photo' from the industry dropdown in the viewer toolbar.
  2. 2
    Check golden hour times
    The sidebar shows exact golden hour and blue hour start/end times for the current date and location. Use the date picker to plan for future shoot dates.
  3. 3
    Place a virtual camera
    Click the camera placement button and click in the scene to position a virtual camera. Choose a focal length (24mm–200mm) to preview the frame.
  4. 4
    Bookmark your setup
    Save camera positions and lighting conditions as bookmarks. Jump between scouted viewpoints when comparing angles or planning multi-camera setups.

Lens Simulation

The virtual camera previews the field of view for common focal lengths: 24mm (wide), 35mm (street), 50mm (standard), 85mm (portrait), and 200mm (telephoto). The preview updates in real-time as you reposition the camera.

Moon Position

For night scene planning, the moon tracker shows moonrise, moonset, and current position. Useful for planning moonlit exterior shots or understanding ambient light conditions after sunset.

Location scouting workflow

Search your location, set the date to your planned shoot day, scrub through the time slider to find the best lighting window, place your camera, and save the bookmark. On shoot day, reload the project to reference your planned angles.

Film & photography panel showing golden hour timing, camera placement, and lens preview
Film & photography panel showing golden hour timing, camera placement, and lens preview
30

Real Estate Analysis

The Real Estate panel provides tools for showcasing property sunlight exposure. Analyze window views, calculate balcony sun hours, and generate solar scores that quantify a property's energy potential for buyers.

How to analyze a property

  1. 1
    Switch to the Real Estate vertical
    Select 'Real Estate' from the industry dropdown in the viewer toolbar.
  2. 2
    Run a window view analysis
    Click on windows to preview the view from inside. The panel shows what residents will see, including surrounding buildings, vegetation, and sky exposure.
  3. 3
    Calculate balcony sun hours
    Mark balcony positions to see how many hours of direct sunlight they receive across different seasons. Great for marketing south-facing apartments.
  4. 4
    Generate a property sun score
    The solar score summarizes total sun exposure, shade risk, energy potential, and environmental benefits in a single shareable metric for property listings.

Window View Preview

The view-from-window feature renders what residents will actually see from each window. This helps buyers understand sight lines, privacy, and natural light before visiting the property.

Balcony Calculator

The balcony calculator shows monthly direct sunlight hours for any outdoor space. Summer vs. winter comparison helps buyers understand seasonal sun exposure for balconies, terraces, and patios.

Listing enhancement

Include the property's solar score and sunlight metrics in your listing description. Properties with quantified sun exposure data generate more interest and can justify higher asking prices.

Real estate analysis panel showing window view preview, balcony sun hours, and property solar score
Real estate analysis panel showing window view preview, balcony sun hours, and property solar score
31

Agriculture & Crop Planning

The Agriculture panel provides tools for planning crop placement and greenhouse positioning based on actual sunlight data. Map sun exposure across your land, check crop suitability, and model light levels inside greenhouses.

How to plan your farm layout

  1. 1
    Switch to the Agriculture vertical
    Select 'Agriculture' from the industry dropdown in the viewer toolbar.
  2. 2
    Enable the sunlight heatmap
    Toggle the heatmap to see color-coded sun exposure across your land. Use the monthly view to track seasonal changes from planting through harvest.
  3. 3
    Check crop suitability
    Open the crop selector and choose a crop type. The suitability map highlights which areas of your property match the crop's sunlight and climate requirements.
  4. 4
    Configure greenhouses
    Place greenhouses in the scene, set glass transmission (30–95%), and see realistic interior light levels on the heatmap. Position them for maximum growing-season sunlight.

Slope & Aspect Analysis

The terrain analysis shows slope angle and aspect direction across your property. South-facing slopes receive more sunlight, while steep north-facing slopes may be unsuitable for sun-loving crops.

Crop Suitability System

Select a crop from the database (50+ species) to see a color-coded suitability map. Green zones have ideal sunlight and climate conditions, amber zones are acceptable, and red zones are unsuitable for that crop.

Seasonal planning

Use the monthly heatmap to compare spring vs. summer sun exposure. Areas that get full sun in July may be partially shaded in April when you're starting seedlings — plan your layout around growing-season sunlight, not just midsummer.

Agriculture panel showing crop suitability map, greenhouse configuration, and seasonal heatmap
Agriculture panel showing crop suitability map, greenhouse configuration, and seasonal heatmap
32

Live Events & Outdoor Hospitality

The Live Events vertical helps event planners, festival producers, and venue managers design outdoor event layouts with accurate sun and shade simulation. Position stages, seating, tents, and production equipment in 3D, then scrub through the timeline to see exactly where shadows fall during every hour of the event.

How to plan an event layout

  1. 1
    Switch to the Live Events vertical
    Select 'Live Events' from the industry dropdown in the viewer toolbar, or visit the live events landing page and click 'Try it now.'
  2. 2
    Enter Build mode
    Click Build, then select the Events tab. Choose from 8 asset types: Pop-up Tent, Stage, Chair, Dining Table, Speaker Stack, LED Wall, Lighting Truss, or Barrier.
  3. 3
    Place and configure assets
    Adjust width, depth, and height with sliders. Pick a color from the swatch palette (white, black, wood, gold, red). Click on the ground or on another object to place.
  4. 4
    Stack objects
    Place speakers on a stage or lights on a truss. Stacked objects automatically move and rotate with their parent when repositioned.
  5. 5
    Check shadows throughout the day
    Use the time slider to scrub through the event day. Add timeline bookmarks at key moments (ceremony start, reception, golden hour) for quick comparison.

8 Event Asset Types

Pop-up tents, stages, chairs, dining tables, speaker stacks, LED walls, lighting trusses, and barriers — each with adjustable dimensions and color palette.

Shadow Planning for Events

Identify guest comfort issues, stage glare risk, and screen washout before the event day. Use timeline bookmarks to save key moments for quick reference.

Object stacking

Speakers placed on a stage, lights hung from a truss, or any object placed on another object will automatically move and rotate together. Delete the parent to remove all attached children.

Building an integration?

Check out the API documentation for generating models programmatically and embedding 3D views on your website.

API Documentation

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