What Array Design Options Do I Have?

Can I use "Bing" or another map image provider in the SolarNexus array layout tool?

No. The SolarNexus auto-layout tool is currently limited to Google Maps and Nearmap imagery. See Using Nearmap High Resolution Imagery for more information.  Before using Nearmap imagery, account administrators must purchase credits as described here: Purchasing and Managing Nearmap Imagery Credits.

What do I do if there is no building on satellite image? / How to design for new construction?

In cases where there is no satellite or Nearmap imagery available, SolarNexus allows you to upload custom imagery.  This is especially useful in the case of new construction when you have access to the roof plan drawing.

Users are responsible for preparing the custom image to import into SolarNexus.  This is an important step in the process. See video below for instructions:

Images must be 15 MB and be in JPG or GIF format.  Before importing, you must rotate the image so that true north is facing up.

To import the custom image, go to the Site Definition screen, then select "Upload Imagery" from the Site Imagery picklist.  Next choose the file and save.  After the file is imported in SolarNexus, you must specify the scale by tracing over a line of known length, then entering in the length in feet and inches, as shown in the "Importing Custom Imagery" video found here: Drawing Array Areas and Generating Array Layouts

After setting the drawing axis, you can create array areas just as you would if using Google or Nearmap imagery.  Auto-generated PV arrays will scale the modules and array areas correctly.  This image shows modules populated on an array drawn using imported custom imagery.

How can I use a third party design tool with SolarNexus? (e.g. PV Complete, Aurora, Helioscope)?

You can use a third party design tool along with SolarNexus. The main question is if you will use SolarNexus to price, analyze, and propose the solution, or not.

Create Design in Another Tool, Use SolarNexus to Price, Analyze, and Propose. Once you have created your PV system design using another tool, you should export/generate/copy an image of the design that you can upload to SolarNexus for use in your proposal.

Create a solution in SolarNexus. At the bottom of the solution dialog, you will see an upload image control. Upload the image you've created for your design. if you are using a SolarNexus built proposal template, the proposal for this solution will automatically use that uploaded image.

Now add a PV system to your solution. If this is your first solution and you have not drawn any array areas using the map imagery, you will be asked if you want to draw array areas or not. Say "no." After specifying your PV module, you will be on the Define Arrays screen. Manually input the name, azimuth, tilt, and quantity of modules for each array you've defined and click save.

Add inverters / optimizers as needed, then complete the Price, Analysis, and generate your proposal.

Use Third Party Tool for Price, Analyze, and Propose. If you use a third party tool to price, analyze, and propose, we recommend using the SolarNexus Project Pro edition which leaves out the solution pricing and analysis features. You still enter the key PV system definition information into SolarNexus for tracking. Use the same steps above for adding a solution, but you don't have to upload an image file. Manually input the arrays and inverter/optimizer equipment.