Solesca adds 3D terrain modeling to latest design software
Solesca’s updated solar design software integrates 3D terrain modeling to improve early-stage project evaluation and reduce costly surprises during ground-mounted and rooftop installations.
Solesca, a commercial and community solar design service, has released version 2 of its software, introducing terrain variability and slope modeling for ground-mounted and rooftop solar projects. The update aims to address costly early-stage decisions by providing developers with clearer site assessments before committing resources. According to CEO Sam Schierloh, terrain is a major source of unexpected expenses, and the new tool helps mitigate those risks by offering detailed terrain data upfront.
Traditionally, terrain analysis for solar projects has relied on AutoCAD, a process that often requires extensive experience and delays early evaluations. Solesca v2 shifts this workflow to the beginning of the project, allowing developers to assess terrain impacts on layout during initial site assessments. This enables quicker identification of viable projects and avoids capital expenditure on unsuitable sites.
The new terrain tracking feature is available as an add-on for all Solesca users, with the software now live for immediate use. The company states that this integration streamlines the design process by eliminating the need for separate terrain modeling tools. Developers can now evaluate multiple layout options while accounting for slope and elevation constraints in real time.
Solesca emphasizes that the update reduces the time and cost associated with project planning by providing actionable terrain data early in the process. The software’s integration of terrain modeling is designed to improve accuracy and efficiency, particularly for ground-mounted systems where slope and variability play critical roles in feasibility.