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How to Meet a Target Number of Different Modules in One Site
How to Meet a Target Number of Different Modules in One Site

How to generate a layout with a set number of certain modules

Kayla Treese avatar
Written by Kayla Treese
Updated over 4 months ago

Intro

This help article will guide you through the process of meeting a target number of two different module types within one site. This involves some mathematical calculations and a bit of trial and error. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Gather Your Tracker Configurations

  1. Determine the number of modules you have available. For this example, let's say you have:

    • 10,000 of Module Type A

    • 6,000 of Module Type B

  2. Create these modules in your catalog. This process will work if the modules are in different bin classes as well. For this example, we're using:

    • Generic Module A which is 450 Watts

    • Generic Module B which is 550 Watts

  3. Configure your trackers. This example uses 5-string trackers, but any configuration that suits your project is acceptable. In this example we have:

    • Generic Tracker A

    • Generic Tracker B

Step 2: Set Target DC for Modules

  1. Identify the target DC for both module types:

    • Module Type A: 10,000 X .450= 4500, so Target DC is 4.5 MW (4,500 kW)

    • Module Type B: 6,000 X .550= 3300, so Target DC is 3.3 MW (3,300 kW)

  2. Start by drawing a large sub area over your site and inputting the target DC for the module type that has the larger amount requested (Module Type A).

    • This will give you an idea of how much space is required for the 10,000 Type A modules.

  3. If most of the site is occupied, you’ll need to create smaller subareas for the Type B modules. If there is a lot of extra space, reduce the size of the sub area until the trackers are in the desired part of the site.

Step 3: Create Sub Areas for Both Module Types

  1. Return to the selected area menu and either:

    • Select "Unallocated Sub Area," or

    • Create a second sub area.

  2. Set the target DC for Module Type B (3.3 MW or 3300 kW).

Step 4: Adjust Roads and Finalize Layout

  1. Before generating the layout, ensure your roads are correctly placed:

    • If sub area 1 has a road you want to keep, select the road, then press "Tab" and "T".

    • Anchor points will become visible on the roads. Click on an anchor point and use the red arrow on the gizmo to drag the road straight on the selected axis.

    • Adjust the road as needed using the gizmo.

2. Once the roads are correctly positioned, go to the roads menu and select "Existing"

  • At the bottom of the menu, choose "Select Roads from List" or "Select Roads from Scene."

3. Generate the second subarea, ensuring it takes the existing road into consideration.

4. Now you can adjust the sub areas around to find the optimal way to break up and layout your project.

Conclusion

Once you’ve generated the sub areas, you’ll have distinct areas with different module and tracker types within the original boundary. Both areas will meet the DC target, allowing you to use all the modules you’ve procured effectively. By following these steps, you can efficiently manage the space on your site to meet your project goals.

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