Create a roof system

Before you start

Have the project address or an image, drawing, or PDF of the site available. When using an uploaded underlay, make sure you know one real-world reference dimension and the north direction.

Create the project

1. Open Virto.MAX and select Create new project.
2. Choose a starting point:
   
   Google Maps to start from satellite imagery.
   
   Image or document to upload a PNG, JPG, or PDF.
   
   Whiteboard to start from a blank canvas.
   
   
3. Enter the project details and confirm the location.
4. When using an uploaded underlay, set the scale with two reference points and define the north direction.

Model the building

1. Draw the building outline by selecting one of the action keys in the toolbar: rectangle or polygon.
2. Indicate the surface type in the side panel. For a roof the following types can be chosen: flat, shed, open gable, or hip.

Good to know: For a roof-parallel system, the module plane follows the roof slope. Correct roof geometry is therefore essential for realistic 3D views, shading, and export results.

1. Enter the roof details that apply to the selected roof type.
1. List all roof types + details that can be chosen + explanation
2. Add obstacles such as skylights, HVAC units, vents, or access zones. Use automatic recognition when several similar obstacles are visible.

Good to know: You can create multiple buildings and surfaces in one project

Create the PV layout

1. Continue to Module Layout and select the roof face on which you want to work.
2. Choose a module and mounting-system configuration.
1. Show how the filters work and how favorites are shown
2. Link to an article explaining how to create a new module or MS
3. Define module orientation, spacing, tilt, pitch, and azimuth alignment.
1. Explain manual vs preset mode
2. Explain all input parameters
4. Use Autofill to fill the available area or Free size to draw a specific layout zone.
5. Review the result and move, duplicate, or remove modules where needed. Use Add modules to continue the layout with the same or a new configuration.
6. Adjust thermal breaks to improve access, field distribution, roof loading, and presentation quality.
1. Briefly describe how to + Link to specific article for more information

Analyse and configure the system

1. Run a shadow simulation to identify (and remove) shaded modules or areas.
2. Review the yield settings and expected monthly production.
1. Briefly describe how to + Link to specific article for more information
3. Add an inverter configuration based on the required DC/AC ratio.
1. Briefly describe how to + Link to specific article for more information
4. Size & place a battery based on the preferred battery operating mode
1. Briefly describe how to + Link to specific article for more information
5. Add consumption and financial inputs when they are relevant to the project decision.
1. Briefly describe how to + Link to specific article for more information

Finish the project

1. Review the project overview and check totals by roof face and for the full project.
2. Generate a branded report and publish an interactive 3D link to engage with your stakeholders.
1. Briefly describe how to + Link to specific article for more information
3. Use Export project to continue in Virto.CAD or PVsyst when detailed engineering or advanced yield analysis is required.