Roof Survey and 3D Modeling for PV Design
Photogrammetry based 3D drone roof survey and measurement that is clear, fast, and accurate
We turn high resolution imagery from a single drone roof survey flight into a measurable 3D model using photogrammetry. Area, slope, and obstacles are computed in one flow and in real time. This drone roof survey approach removes the need for ladders and repeat site visits, and speeds up decision making and proposals as part of your roof survey process.
Problems
Shading and obstacles are not quantified
Chimneys, parapets, HVAC units, and nearby trees cast shadows that change by hour and season. If their combined effect with roof slope and azimuth is not modeled, energy yield predictions drift.
Access and safety constraints reduce data quality
Working at height, slippery surfaces, and fragile cladding can make zones unreachable. Slopes and dimensions for critical surfaces remain incomplete, which delays quoting and approvals.
Re measurement and schedule slips
Paper notes and photo based workflows create inconsistent measurements. Roof slope, obstacles, and footprint are recalculated again and again, which pushes back both proposal and installation planning.
End to end flow from roof slope and orientation data to PV placement; 3D modeling and visualization completed within 24 hours
With drone roof survey photogrammetry, the slope and azimuth of every surface are measured with high accuracy. Parapets, chimneys, and other obstacles are tagged in the automatic 3D model. Roof slope data flows directly into PV layout. Row spacing, edge safety offsets, and gaps are computed. Shading is simulated by hour and season. The result is a bankable energy estimate, bill of materials, and installation plan, exported in one flow with PVsyst and PVSOL compatible outputs.
3D digital twin in 24 hours
Drone data is processed with photogrammetry following a comprehensive drone roof survey. Roof slope and obstacles are computed in a single pass and the model is ready within 24 hours.
True to scale, measurable 3D geometry
The mesh derived from orthophoto and point cloud is matched to real scale. Areas, slopes, and edge lengths are measured one to one, so takeoff and layout data becomes reliable.
PV module layout and string predesign
Using surface based roof slope and azimuth, the module grid is generated automatically. Row spacing, edge safety margins, walkways, and equipment offsets are calculated. Time and season dependent shading scenarios are evaluated. Results feed string predesign and array balancing, then transfer to PVsyst and PVSOL projects.
Start by selecting the mounting type. Gable Roof is for pitched roofs. Flat Roof is for level roofs. This choice adjusts substructure rules to the roof slope and geometry.
For pitched roofs the panel type is fixed to the single appropriate mounting. For flat roofs you can choose Tilted or East West. The Angle field appears only for flat roofs and sets the tilt relative to the roof plane. On pitched roofs the panel angle is automatically matched to the true roof slope of that surface.
The module library includes 50 manufacturers and more than 6100 PV modules. Dimensions, frame, clamp zones, and electrical parameters flow directly into layout, string predesign, and quantity takeoff. Orientation Type sets the module direction to Portrait or Landscape and aligns it with the ridge direction. Padding (mm) defines inter panel spacing. Typical values are 500 to 1000 mm on flat roofs for walkways, and 10 to 40 mm on pitched roofs for thermal expansion. Because these values are visible on the plan, edge to edge fitting errors are avoided. For example, a 4 cm gap across 20 modules adds up to 19 x 4 cm of extra length.
F.A.Q
Rendera creates georeferenced 3D roof models that allow precise calculation of slope, azimuth, surface area, and complex geometries. When GPS-enabled drone imagery is used, accuracy is typically within a few centimeters. Non-georeferenced inputs such as phone images are also supported, but they provide only relative measurements without a guaranteed scale.
Yes. The generated models provide a detailed digital twin of the roof that can be used to document conditions, identify repair areas, and prepare material takeoffs. This reduces the need for physical site visits and improves safety for inspection teams.
Rendera is focused on geometric and spatial accuracy. It does not perform structural or thermal simulations, but its exported datasets are compatible with engineering tools that can carry out these analyses.
Rendera supports any aerial platform capable of capturing high-resolution imagery. For engineering-grade outputs, drones equipped with RTK or PPK GPS modules, as well as LiDAR payloads, are recommended.
Yes, the data provided by Rendera contains the essential technical information required for PV system installation:
Roof slope and orientation (azimuth)
Usable area and metrics
Obstacle detection (chimney, parapet, air conditioning units, etc.)
Shading analysis (hourly and seasonal)
3D model and orthophoto
PVsyst/PVSOL compatible outputs
This data is sufficient for installation companies to perform system design, panel placement, inverter selection, and cost calculation. Professional companies like Lion Solar Solutions use these technical documentations to prepare customized quotes and initiate the installation process. This ensures a seamless and reliable process from measurement to installation.