What is 3D Layout?
3D layout is the heart of project planning in Eturnity Expert. Here you create the visual and technical foundation of every PV project:
Model roof geometry – From simple gable roofs to complex dormers
Place panels – Optimal coverage of available roof areas
Create 3D visualization – Realistic representation for customer presentations
Establish technical basis – Foundation for profitability calculation and string design
Why is 3D layout so important? The quality of your layout directly influences:
The accuracy of the panel count and thus the system power
The persuasiveness of your offer to the customer
The efficiency of your sales process (faster planning = more offers)
The Two Modes: Basic vs. Pro
Eturnity Expert offers two different approaches to 3D layout. The choice of the right mode depends on your project and your experience.
Basic Mode: Fast 2D Planning
Ideal for:
New users who want to achieve quick initial results
Simple projects with only one covered roof area
Quick preliminary offers without on-site visit
Situations where no 3D model is needed for the customer
Advantages:
Learning curve of only 5 minutes
Planning in 2 minutes per project
Very intuitive and straightforward
Simple 2-step process
Limitations:
No 3D representation
Less suitable for multiple roof areas
No shading analysis
Not for complex roofs
Pro Mode: Professional 3D Planning
Ideal for:
Professional customer presentations with 3D visualization
Projects with multiple roof areas
Complex roof geometries (dormers, offsets, hipped roofs)
Final offers after on-site visit
When shading analysis is required
Advantages:
Realistic 3D model for impressive customer presentations
Automatic modeling of the entire building
Shading analysis and sunpath simulation
Suitable for all roof types
Import of floor plans and 3D models possible
Learning effort:
15-20 minutes training time
3-10 minutes planning per project (after training)
Decision Guide: Which Mode for Which Situation?
Situation | Recommended Mode | Reason |
Simple gable roof, one roof area | Basic Mode | Sufficient for simple geometries |
Multiple roof areas | Pro Mode | Whole-building modeling is more efficient |
Complex roof with dormers | Pro Mode | Basic Mode cannot represent this |
Shading analysis desired | Pro Mode | Only available in Pro Mode |
Time pressure, minimal requirements | Basic Mode | Fastest solution |
High-quality customer project | Pro Mode | Best presentation, higher closing rate |
The Most Important Techniques and When You Need Them
Depending on your project, you'll need different techniques. Here's your guide:
For All Projects (Basics)
Select map material
Crucial for the quality of your planning
Orthophotos without distortion enable even more precise models
Germany: BKG Orthophotos
Switzerland: SwissTopo
Austria: Basemap.at
Place panels
Double-click for complete coverage (fastest method)
Draw individual panel fields for partial coverage
Consider obstacles
→ Included in:Basic Mode article andPro Mode article
After On-Site Visit (Frequently Needed)
Draw roof areas to scale
When: You have taken precise measurements from the customer
Method 1 (recommended): Move tool for quick adjustment of existing plans
Method 2: Calculator for projected lengths when redrawing according to exact measurements
Time required: 1-2 minutes adjustment vs. 10 minutes redrawing
For Optimal Panel Coverage (Advanced)
Place panels flexibly
When: You want to optimize panel coverage and get the maximum out of every roof area
Techniques:
Trim panel fields for clean edges
Copy panel fields for symmetrical areas
Adjust panel offset for triangular areas (5-10% more panels possible!)
Expand/reduce panel fields
Split panel fields
Time required: 2-5 minutes of optimization can yield several more panels
For Complex Buildings (Advanced)
Model complex roofs and dormers
When: The building has dormers, roof offsets, or complex roof shapes
Key concept: Understand and correctly apply split roof edges
3 critical success factors:
Optimal map material (even more important for complex roofs!)
Symmetrical drawing with snap functions
Mark split roof edges correctly
Time required: 10-15 minutes depending on complexity
→ Article:Modeling Complex Roofs and Dormers
Common Challenges and Where to Find Help
"I'm new and don't know where to start"
→ Start with the Basic Mode article. In 5 minutes you can plan your first project. When you want more, upgrade to Pro Mode.
"My 3D model looks crooked or wrong"
→ Two common causes:
Not drawn symmetrically: Check your floor plan, use snap functions
Forgot split roof edges: For dormers or offsets, certain edges must be marked as "split" → Complex Roofs article
"I can't get enough panels on the roof"
→ Read the "Placing Panels Flexibly" article. Especially the "Adjust panel offset" technique can enable 5-10% more panels, particularly on triangular areas.
"The preliminary offer had 30 panels, after the on-site visit only 25 fit"
→ This happens when the measurements from the satellite image differ. Use the "Roof Areas to Scale" article to incorporate precise measurements. Avoid excessive expectations in the preliminary offer.
"Planning takes too long for me"
→ Optimize your workflow:
Preliminary offers: Basic Mode instead of Pro Mode (3 min. instead of 10 min.)
Learn keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl+C/V for copy, Shift for temporary tools
Obstacles first: Drawing before panel coverage saves time
Use double-click: Fastest method for initial coverage
"Customer wants to see the 3D model, but I planned in Basic Mode"
→ You can switch to Pro Mode at any time. Your previous work is not lost. Simply switch modes and model the building in Pro Mode (only takes 5-10 minutes).
Video Training Center
All techniques are also explained visually in the Video Training Center. Especially helpful if you prefer watching over reading:
The Video Training Center contains:
Step-by-step video instructions
Practical examples
Visual demonstration of all tools
Tips and tricks from experienced planners
All Articles at a Glance
Beginner Level
Basic Mode: Fast 2D Planning for Simple Projects
Your entry into PV planning. Learn the 2-step process for quick preliminary offers.Pro Mode: Professional 3D Planning for Realistic Customer Presentations
Create impressive 3D models. The 5-step process for professional offers.
Advanced
Drawing and Adjusting Roof Areas to Scale
Implement precise measurements from the on-site visit. Two proven methods for maximum accuracy.Placing Panels Flexibly: Techniques and Best Practices
Optimize your panel coverage. 7 techniques to get the maximum out of every roof area.Modeling Complex Roofs and Dormers
Master demanding geometries. Understand and use the concept of split roof edges.