3D Layout in Eturnity Expert: Overview and Getting Started

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

→ Article: Basic Mode: Fast 2D Planning for Simple Projects

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)

→ Article: Pro Mode: Professional 3D Planning for Realistic Customer Presentations

Decision Guide: Which Mode for Which Situation?

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 and Pro 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

→ Article: Drawing and Adjusting Roof Areas to Scale

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

→ Article: Placing Panels Flexibly: Techniques and Best Practices

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:
  1. Optimal map material (even more important for complex roofs!)
  2. Symmetrical drawing with snap functions
  3. 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:

1. Not drawn symmetrically: Check your floor plan, use snap functions
2. 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:

Video Training Center – 3D Panel Layout (Module 3)

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.