# SunTrace3D

> Free browser-based 3D solar analysis tool. Simulate shadows, place solar panels, calculate energy yield, and analyze sunlight for any location on Earth. No installation or sign-up required. Works on desktop and mobile. Available in 18 languages.

SunTrace3D uses photorealistic 3D city models (Google 3D Tiles) combined with satellite irradiance data from the European Commission (PVGIS) to provide accurate shadow analysis and solar energy calculations. Professional-grade tools that competing products charge EUR 2,000-10,000/year for -- starting free.

## Quick Start

- [Open the 3D Viewer](https://suntrace3d.com/viewer): Free interactive 3D viewer -- loads instantly for any location worldwide. Search any address.
- [View a specific location](https://suntrace3d.com/viewer?lat=48.8566&lng=2.3522&q=Paris): Add lat/lng coordinates to the URL to jump to any location (example: Paris).
- [User Guide](https://suntrace3d.com/docs): Complete documentation with 49 feature sections.
- [API Documentation](https://suntrace3d.com/docs/api): REST API for 3D model generation and solar calculations.

## How to Use

1. Open [suntrace3d.com/viewer](https://suntrace3d.com/viewer)
2. Type your address in the search bar -- a 3D model of your building loads
3. Drag the time slider at the bottom to watch shadows move throughout the day
4. Change the date to see how shadows differ in summer vs winter
5. Click the solar panel button (or press P) and click on your roof to place panels
6. The system instantly shows: annual energy yield (kWh), shading loss per panel, installation cost estimate, payback period

### Share a Specific Location

Use this URL format: `https://suntrace3d.com/viewer?lat=LATITUDE&lng=LONGITUDE`

Examples:
- Paris: `https://suntrace3d.com/viewer?lat=48.8566&lng=2.3522`
- New York: `https://suntrace3d.com/viewer?lat=40.7128&lng=-74.0060`
- Tokyo: `https://suntrace3d.com/viewer?lat=35.6762&lng=139.6503`
- Sydney: `https://suntrace3d.com/viewer?lat=-33.8688&lng=151.2093`

### Keyboard Shortcuts

- N: Navigate mode (pan/rotate/zoom)
- P: Place solar panels
- B: Build mode (add custom buildings)
- W: Open Solar Panel Wizard (Pro)
- R: Rectangle placement tool
- E: Eraser tool
- G: Ground mount mode (Pro)
- 2 / 3: Plan mode (top-down orthographic 2D) / back to 3D
- Ctrl+Z: Undo last action
- Ctrl+Y: Redo last undone action
- Shift+Click: Multi-select panels or scene objects
- Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V: Copy and paste selected items
- Delete: Remove selected item(s)

## Core Features (Free -- No Account Required)

- [Shadow Simulation](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#4-shadow-simulation): Scrub through 24 hours on any date to watch shadows sweep across buildings. Accurate sun positions based on latitude, longitude, date, and time.
- [Solar Panel Placement](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#6-solar-panel-placement): Place virtual solar panels on any rooftop. Adjust tilt, azimuth, area, and efficiency. Up to 6 panels on the free tier.
- [Energy Yield Analysis](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#8-energy-yield-analysis): Annual kWh estimates using PVGIS satellite data. Monthly breakdown, peak power, specific yield, and per-panel shading loss factor.
- [Sun Path Visualization](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#5-sun-path-visualization): See the sun's complete trajectory arc for any date at any location.
- [Shadow Analysis](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#7-shadow-analysis): Per-panel shadow analysis using 154 annual sun positions. See exactly which panels get shaded and when.
- [Building Configurator](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#11-building-placement-build-mode): Place custom buildings with configurable dimensions and roof types to study shadow impact of proposed construction.
- [Scene Objects & Landscaping](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#12-scene-objects--landscaping): Add trees, fences, pergolas, obstacles, and event infrastructure. All cast and receive accurate shadows.
- [Sunlight Heatmap](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#14-sunlight-heatmap): Color-coded visualization of daily sun hours across ground areas.
- [Garden Planner](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#15-garden-planner): 50+ plants with sun-compatibility analysis based on actual heatmap data.
- [Measurement Tool](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#21-measurement-tool): Measure distances and heights in the 3D scene.
- [Climate Data](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#16-climate-data): Local temperature, precipitation, and sun hours for the selected location.
- [Installation Cost Calculator](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#17-installation-cost--get-quote): Regional pricing, payback period, government incentives, and ROI analysis.
- [PDF Site Report](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#19-site-report): Generate a professional PDF with 3D views, system specs, energy analysis, financial breakdown, and shadow diagrams.
- [Compass & Orientation](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#10-compass--orientation): Interactive compass overlay showing true north and building orientation.
- [Plan Mode](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#plan-mode): True top-down orthographic 2D view with a scale bar, project north rotation (view only) and contours sampled from the loaded 3D model.

## Pro Features (EUR 9/month)

- [HD 3D Models](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#9-sd--hd-quality-modes): Photorealistic high-definition models with maximum geometric and texture detail.
- [Solar Panel Wizard](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#33-solar-wizard): Automated panel placement -- click a roof and the AI detects the surface boundary, estimates shading, and places an optimized layout. Goals: maximize energy, cover your bill, best ROI, or go green.
- [Ground Mount Placement](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#ground-mount): Draw ground-mounted solar array boundary polygons and generate optimized panel layouts with configurable tilt, azimuth, and ground coverage ratio.
- [Engineering Tools](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#module-inverter-catalog): Full PV design suite -- module & inverter catalog (CEC-certified), automatic string planning with 3D color-coded panels, single-line diagrams, cable sizing, self-consumption analysis, battery storage simulation, energy system dashboard with real-time power flows, bill of materials (CSV export), and PVsyst-compatible data export. 3D-placeable inverter, battery, and meter objects with wiring visualization and savings counter.
- [Weather Forecast](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#weather-forecast): 7-day weather-driven output forecast -- what the system will actually produce this week, from the real hourly forecast rather than long-term averages. Models cloud, cell heating with wind cooling, soiling between rain events, snow cover and inverter clipping, and compares each day against the 22-year seasonal normal for that exact location. Includes anomaly alerts (snow on the array, multi-day slumps, heat derate, storm wind, free rain cleaning) and day-by-day advice on when to run flexible loads. 14 days on Business, 16 on Enterprise. Optional email alerts when the week ahead is materially above or below normal, led by a 3D render of your own roof. One-minute demo video: https://youtu.be/qxIGLmt2Dx8
- [Weekly Forecast by Email and Notification](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#weekly-digest): The same forecast delivered once a week without opening the app -- by email, by browser/mobile push notification, or both. Email: the week against the seasonal normal, a bar per day, best and weakest day, the best window for flexible loads, up to four actions. Notification: the week's verdict and the best day (with a picture of the week on Chrome; iPhone/iPad need SunTrace3D added to the Home Screen first). Sent at an hour learned from the reader's own activity in their time zone, never at night; backs off to monthly after 4 ignored sends and pauses after 7. Available to every account with a real location -- subscribers get their own saved system, free accounts a reference rooftop at the same place. Settings under Account -> Preferences. One-minute demo (vertical): https://www.youtube.com/shorts/naRCWKGY_zg
- [Right-to-Light Compliance](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#27-right-to-light-compliance): Shadow studies for planning permission. BRE 209 guidelines, EU Directive compliance.
- [Urban Heat Analysis](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#28-urban-heat-analysis): Thermal comfort analysis for urban areas. Heat island assessment.
- [Film & Photography Tools](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#29-film--photography-tools): Golden hour calculator, sun position for any date/time, natural light simulation for location scouting.
- [3D Model Import](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#26-importing-3d-models): Upload GLB/GLTF files to add custom 3D buildings and structures.
- [Save Projects](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#25-project-management): Save and restore complete scenes including panels, buildings, objects, and camera views.
- Up to 20 solar panels, 20 scene objects, 15 custom buildings

## Business Features (EUR 99/month)

- [Partner API](https://suntrace3d.com/docs/api): REST API for programmatic 3D model generation and solar energy calculations.
- [Embeddable Viewer](https://suntrace3d.com/docs/api#embeddable-viewer): Embed an interactive 3D solar viewer on your website via iframe.
- [Lead Capture](https://suntrace3d.com/solutions/installers): Capture customer leads from embedded viewers for solar installation businesses.
- Unlimited solar panels, scene objects, and custom buildings
- Commercial use rights

## Site Planning (Business -- EUR 99/month)

Feasibility studies for land and development, solved live on real 3D terrain. In the app this is the "Site Planning" vertical; it is unrelated to the solar PDF "Site Report".

- [Overview](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#site-planning): Draw a parcel, set constraints, choose what to build, and see units, FAR, floor area, parking, cost and a zoning check update with every change. Organised as deals > schemes > sites; duplicate a scheme to compare alternatives.
- [Guided Start](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#site-guided-start): Four questions (site, zoning district, typology and floors, yield) ending on a solved scheme.
- [Parcel & Setbacks](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#site-parcel-setbacks): Draw the parcel or take it from the model. Edges are auto-labelled front/side/rear from real OpenStreetMap streets, each with its own setback and a per-edge override.
- [Regions](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#site-regions): Building areas, easements, open space and infill; pin and link regions.
- [Typologies & Unit Mix](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#site-typologies): Six typologies -- double-loaded bar, residential over podium, garden walk-up, wrap around parking, industrial big box, data centre. Unit mix with share, area and rent; cost rates feed a pro forma (yield on cost).
- [Parking & Circulation](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#site-parking-circulation): Surface, structured or below-grade parking at 90/60/45 degrees with ADA stalls; drives enter from the frontage through curb cuts, reserve their ground before parking is packed, and report any bay they cannot reach.
- [Zoning & Results](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#site-zoning-results): Tabulation, quantity takeoff with indicative costs, a zoning checker with generic district presets (R-1, R-3, mixed use, C-2, I-2, data centre campus), and an errors list.
- [Options, Data Layers & Export](https://suntrace3d.com/docs#site-options-export): Generate up to 60 options (floors, setbacks, stall angle) ranked by an objective; free FEMA flood (USA only) and OpenStreetMap utilities/wetlands layers; 3D massing; DXF, SVG and CSV export.
- Direct link: `https://suntrace3d.com/viewer?lat=38.889&lng=-77.026&vertical=site`

What it does NOT do: it never changes the design to satisfy zoning or parking (it reports failures instead); zoning presets are generic North American archetypes, not a municipality's code, and zoning is not looked up automatically; there is no split 2D/3D view; circulation is a spine with branches, so very large sites may leave bays unreached; industrial parking demand is not modelled; Site Planning is not available through AI agent sessions.

## CRM Platform (Business -- EUR 99/month)

- [CRM for Solar Installers](https://suntrace3d.com/crm/installers): Territory-based lead generation for solar installation companies. Draw service areas, auto-detect rooftops, score every building for solar potential, run outreach campaigns.
- [CRM for Real Estate](https://suntrace3d.com/crm/real-estate): Property solar scoring for real estate professionals. Evaluate sun exposure and solar potential across neighborhoods.
- Territory Drawing: Draw polygon boundaries on an interactive map to define your service area
- Automatic Roof Detection: Detects every building using satellite-derived footprint data, filters sheds/garages, classifies residential vs commercial
- Solar Scoring: Per-building estimates -- roof area, panel count, kWp capacity, annual kWh yield, solar grade (A-F), estimated deal value
- Pipeline Management: 10-stage journey from Identified to Installed with drag-and-drop stage progression
- Campaign Engine: Generate personalized print and email materials from real 3D models of each prospect's building
- QR Response Tracking: Each mailer includes a unique QR code linking to the prospect's building in the 3D viewer -- scans are tracked and auto-advance the prospect's journey stage
- Physical Mail: Export print-ready CSV for Stannp mail-merge, with delivery tracking per piece
- Territory Dashboard: Funnel visualization, total installable potential (kWp/MWh), activity feed with 30-second polling
- Free Playground: Anyone can try the CRM -- draw a small region and preview detected rooftops with real solar scores (3 prospects shown, no account required)

## AI Agent Integration

AI agents (chatbots, virtual assistants, MCP tools) can guide users through solar panel analysis by creating sessions via the API. No API key required.

- **Create a session**: `POST https://suntrace3d.com/api/mcp-sessions` with location and wizard goal
- **Send the viewer URL** from the response to the user
- **Or construct a URL directly**: `https://suntrace3d.com/viewer?lat=48.8566&lng=2.3522&wizard=maximize_energy`

Full integration guide: [LLM Agent Integration Guide](https://suntrace3d.com/llms-agent.txt)

## Industry Solutions

- [Homeowners](https://suntrace3d.com/solutions/homeowners): Check if your roof gets enough sun for solar panels. Free solar roof analysis with energy yield and cost estimates.
- [Solar Installers](https://suntrace3d.com/solutions/installers): Remote site assessment, proposal generation, embeddable solar calculator for your website, lead capture.
- [Architects](https://suntrace3d.com/solutions/architects): Shadow study tool for planning permission. Sun path diagrams, right-to-light assessment, BRE 209 compliance.
- [Property Developers](https://suntrace3d.com/solutions/developers): Pre-construction solar feasibility and shadow impact studies for new developments.
- [Site Planning](https://suntrace3d.com/solutions/site-planning): Site feasibility and test-fit software: parcel yield, typologies, parking and circulation, zoning check, takeoff and DXF export on real 3D terrain.
- [Energy Consultants](https://suntrace3d.com/solutions/energy-consultants): Professional solar analysis API, feasibility report generation, bulk calculations.
- [Real Estate](https://suntrace3d.com/solutions/real-estate): Property solar potential and sun exposure analysis for listings. Solar premium valuation.
- [Garden & Landscape](https://suntrace3d.com/solutions/garden-landscape): Shade mapping, sun hours calculator, 50+ plant compatibility planning based on actual sunlight data.
- [Urban Planners](https://suntrace3d.com/solutions/urban-planners): Overshadowing assessment, pedestrian shadow comfort, BRE 209 compliance for developments.
- [Film & Photography](https://suntrace3d.com/solutions/film-photography): Golden hour calculator, location scouting, natural light direction planning for any date and time.
- [Agriculture](https://suntrace3d.com/solutions/agriculture): Crop sunlight analysis, greenhouse light planning, growing season solar assessment.
- [Live Events](https://suntrace3d.com/solutions/live-events): Event shade planning, stage sun position, tent and canopy placement for outdoor venues.

## Pricing

- **Free (Homeowner)**: 3D viewer, shadow simulation, up to 6 solar panels, energy yield estimates, garden planner, sunlight heatmap, PDF site reports, climate data, measurement tool. No sign-up required.
- **Pro (Personal) -- EUR 9/month**: Everything in Free plus HD models, Solar Panel Wizard, ground mount, engineering tools (module/inverter catalog, string planning, cable sizing, self-consumption, battery simulation, BOM, SLD), 20 panels, 7-day weather forecast, right-to-light compliance, urban heat analysis, film & photography tools, 3D model import, save projects.
- **Business (Professional) -- EUR 99/month**: Everything in Pro plus REST API, embeddable viewer, lead capture, CRM, Site Planning (parcel yield, typologies, parking, zoning check, DXF export), 14-day weather forecast, commercial use rights, unlimited panels and objects.
- **Enterprise -- Contact sales**: Custom API quotas, SSO, 16-day weather forecast, dedicated support, SLA.

## Technical Details

- Works in any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari) with WebGL support
- No plugins, downloads, or installation required
- 3D models powered by Google 3D Tiles (photorealistic)
- Solar data from PVGIS (European Commission satellite irradiance database)
- Seasonal baselines from NASA POWER (22-year climatology)
- Hourly weather forecasts from Open-Meteo, used under CC BY 4.0
- Covers every location on Earth
- Available in 18 languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Polish, Czech, Croatian, Hungarian, Greek, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, Russian, Romanian
- Supports 29 currencies for cost calculations

## Documentation

- [LLM Product Overview](https://suntrace3d.com/llms.txt): This file
- [LLM Agent Integration Guide](https://suntrace3d.com/llms-agent.txt): How AI agents can integrate with SunTrace3D to create solar analysis sessions
- [LLM Documentation (full)](https://suntrace3d.com/llms-full.txt): Complete user guide + API reference + agent integration in a single file
- [API Reference (Markdown)](https://suntrace3d.com/docs/api-reference.md): Full API documentation including Partner API
- [User Guide (Markdown)](https://suntrace3d.com/docs/user-guide.md): Complete user guide (including Site Planning, sections 54-62)
- [Interactive API Docs](https://suntrace3d.com/docs/api): Interactive API documentation with code examples