Residential and Commercial Solar PV Design in helioscope

Name: Residential and Commercial Solar PV Design in helioscope
Rating: 1.0 (1 reviews)

HelioScope, Solar PV Design. Optimization and performance modeling for residential and commercial solar systems.

Created byJason Morales

Last updated 2/2026

English

What you'll learn

How to create project in helioscope (Project creation page, Project profile, Condition Set, Set Azimuth, Changing racking type, Changing Tilt )
Changing Landscape or portrait layout of panels
Row Spacing, Module Spacing, Frame Spacing, Setback and Alignment
How to Create Keepouts/Obstacle on Building and Shadow analysis
Create straight line keep outs, Create Obstacle like trees, Keep out panels from shade, Calculate shading and Creating parapets walls obstruction
Electrical Part of Helioscope (System Design and Component Selection) like Selecting modules and inverters
Different types of PV system Orientation such Creating Flush mounted roof design, Creating ground mounted design (fixed tilt and single axis orientation)
SLD (SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM) of the helioscope such Navigating the design single line diagram of helioscope
How to generate reports from helioscope and project layout from helioscope

Course content

6 sections • 7 lectures • 1h 37m total length

Introduction2:02
Welcome to Residential and Commercial Solar PV Design in HelioScope — a practical, hands-on course designed to teach you how to professionally design and simulate real-world solar PV systems using one of the most powerful tools in the industry.
In this course, you’ll learn how to use HelioScope, a specialized solar design platform used by engineers and solar professionals worldwide. Starting from scratch, you’ll build complete residential and commercial PV system designs by tracing rooftops, selecting solar modules, and defining key layout parameters such as tilt, azimuth, and racking configuration.
You’ll also explore advanced features like shade modeling, where you’ll learn how to account for trees, buildings, and obstructions using height-based keepouts and intelligent algorithms that estimate energy losses and automatically remove underperforming modules.
On the electrical side, you’ll master inverter configuration and stringing, allowing HelioScope to generate optimized wiring layouts while ensuring proper voltage limits, system efficiency, and code-compliant designs.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to generate professional-grade performance reports and bankable energy simulations, comparable to industry-standard tools like PVsyst — giving you the confidence to work on real projects, whether for clients, employers, or your own solar business.
This course is fully practical, project-based, and designed to take you from beginner to job-ready solar designer.

Register for a HelioScope Account3:16
Step 1 – Visit the HelioScope Website
Open your web browser and go to:
https://www.helioscope.com
Click on “Start Free Trial” or “Sign Up”.
Step 2 – Create Your Account
Fill in the registration form with:
Full name
Work email address
Company name (you can use “Freelancer” or “Student” if applicable)
Country
Password
Then click Create Account.
Step 3 – Verify Your Email
Check your email inbox for a verification message from HelioScope.
Click the verification link to activate your account.

5. How to Create Keepouts/Obstacle on Building and Shadow analysis15:45
Identify areas on a building where keep-outs are required due to physical obstructions or shading risks.
Create straight-line keep-outs to accurately exclude restricted roof areas from panel placement.
Model obstacles such as trees, nearby structures, and rooftop equipment within the design environment.
Apply keep-outs to prevent solar panels from being placed in shaded or obstructed zones.
Perform shadow and shading analysis to evaluate the impact of obstructions on system performance.
Calculate shading losses and understand how shadows affect energy production throughout the year.
Create and configure parapet wall obstructions and assess their shading impact on the array.
Optimize panel layout by balancing maximum usable roof space with minimal shading losses.

Requirements

This course is designed to be beginner-friendly, while still valuable for engineers, designers, and solar professionals. Required Knowledge & Skills No advanced technical background is required. However, learners will benefit from: Basic understanding of electricity (voltage, current, power – very basic level) Basic computer skills (using a web browser, downloading files, navigating software) Willingness to learn solar concepts from the ground up Recommended (But Not Required) These are helpful but not mandatory: Background in engineering, architecture, construction, or renewable energy Experience in solar sales, installation, or project development Familiarity with basic electrical diagrams (SLD, wiring diagrams) Tools & Equipment Needed A computer or laptop (Windows or Mac) Stable internet connection A free or trial HelioScope account (you’ll be guided on how to set this up) PDF viewer (for handouts and templates) No Barriers for Beginners You do not need: Prior solar design experience Engineering degree Expensive software or paid licenses Field installation experience Everything will be explained step-by-step, starting from fundamentals up to real-world residential and commercial PV design workflows. Ideal For: Complete beginners interested in solar energy Engineers and designers wanting to add HelioScope to their skillset Solar installers transitioning into design roles Freelancers looking to offer solar design services Professionals (like you, coming from a commercial solar background) who want a structured, practical workflow This positioning is perfect for Udemy because it: Lowers the barrier for entry Attracts a large audience Still sounds professional and career-focused

Description

Helioscope stands as a robust software solution widely employed within the solar energy sector for the design, examination, and enhancement of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This tool empowers solar experts to construct precise 3D models of potential solar installations, utilizing aerial images, shading analysis, and topographical data. These meticulously crafted models serve the purpose of estimating energy output, evaluating economic feasibility, and refining the design of the proposed solar system.

An eminent feature of Helioscope lies in its advanced shading analysis capabilities, allowing users to pinpoint potential shading obstructions that might compromise the efficiency of a solar PV system. Furthermore, it incorporates an extensive database encompassing specifications for solar panels and inverters, aiding users in the selection of optimal components tailored to specific project requirements.

Beyond its design and analysis functionalities, Helioscope boasts project management tools facilitating users in monitoring the entire lifecycle of a solar PV installation, from inception to completion. These tools encompass scheduling, task management, and progress tracking, providing a comprehensive suite for effective project oversight.

In essence, Helioscope emerges as an exceptionally versatile and potent software tool that has transformed the landscape of solar energy design and management. Through its inclusive set of design, analysis, and management tools, Helioscope has empowered users to develop more precise and efficient solar installations, playing a pivotal role in expediting the global adoption of solar energy.

Who this course is for:

Electrical Engineers, Design Engineers, PV designer, Entrepreneur, Consultant, Engineers, Architect
Complete beginners interested in solar energy Engineers and designers wanting to add HelioScope to their skillset Solar installers transitioning into design roles Freelancers looking to offer solar design services Professionals (like you, coming from a commercial solar background) who want a structured, practical workflow

Residential and Commercial Solar PV Design in helioscope

What you'll learn

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Course content

Introduction1 lecture • 2min

Step-by-Step: How to Register for a HelioScope Account1 lecture • 3min

Project creation page, Condition Set, Set Azimuth, Changing racking type, Tilt.2 lectures • 27min

Create straight line, circle keep outs, Obstacle like trees, parapet wall.1 lecture • 16min

Electrical Part of Helioscope1 lecture • 27min

Different types of PV system Orientation1 lecture • 23min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: