Solar Planner Guide
Everything you need to design a safe solar system. Step-by-step instructions for every feature.
Adding Components
Open the Component Palette
The palette is on the left side of the planner. It shows categories: Solar Panels, Controllers, Inverters, Batteries, Busbars, Fuses & Breakers, Switches, Shunts, DC Loads, AC Loads, and more.
Browse by Category
Click a category to see available brands and models. Each component shows real specifications from manufacturer data sheets — wattage, voltage range, current ratings, etc.
Drag onto the Canvas
Click and drag any component from the palette onto the canvas. Position it wherever you like. Components snap to a fine grid for clean alignment.
Select a Specific Product
Drill down into a brand to see individual models. Drag a specific model onto the canvas and it comes pre-loaded with that product's real specs — Voc, Isc, max current, voltage range, etc.
Move and Arrange
Click and drag any placed component to reposition it. The planner works best when you arrange components in a logical flow: panels → controller → battery → inverter → loads, left to right.
Connecting Components
Understanding Handles
Each component has connection handles (small circles) on its edges. Handles on the left are inputs (targets), handles on the right are outputs (sources). The color tells you the polarity: red = DC+, grey = DC−, blue = AC neutral, brown = AC live, yellow = data.
Making a Connection
Click a source handle (output, right side) and drag to a target handle (input, left side) on another component. A wire is created between them. You'll be prompted to enter the distance in meters or feet (depending on your unit settings).
Polarity Rules
Connections must be polarity-matched — DC+ only connects to DC+, DC− to DC−, AC live to AC live, AC neutral to AC neutral. The planner prevents incompatible connections automatically.
Wire Sizing Happens Automatically
When you enter the distance, the planner calculates the appropriate wire gauge based on current (amps), system voltage, distance, and the allowed voltage drop for that connection type. You'll see the recommended wire gauge when you hover over the wire.
Data Cables
Monitoring devices (shunts, battery monitors) use data connections shown as yellow dashed lines. These don't require wire sizing — they represent communication cables between devices.
Routing Wires with Waypoints
Adding a Waypoint
Double-click any wire to add a waypoint (a small diamond-shaped junction). This breaks the wire into segments that you can route independently.
Repositioning Waypoints
Click and drag a waypoint to move it. The wire segments on either side update in real time. Use waypoints to route wires around components, along walls, or follow the actual cable path in your installation.
Removing a Waypoint
Double-click a waypoint to remove it. The wire returns to a direct path between the two components.
Why Use Waypoints?
Waypoints serve two purposes: (1) they let you accurately represent the actual cable route, which gives more accurate distance measurements for wire sizing, and (2) they keep the diagram clean and readable by avoiding wires crossing over components.
Understanding Wire Colors & Safety
Wire Colors on the Canvas
Each wire is color-coded by type: Red = DC positive, Grey = DC negative, Blue = AC neutral, Brown = AC live, Green = ground, Yellow dashed = data cable. This matches standard solar wiring conventions.
Safety Status: Green
A green status means the wire is safely sized — the voltage drop is well within limits and the wire can handle the current with a safety margin. This is what you want.
Safety Status: Amber
Amber means the wire is marginal — close to the limit. It works but there's little safety margin. Consider upsizing the wire, especially for long runs.
Safety Status: Red
Red means the wire is overloaded — the voltage drop exceeds the allowed percentage or the current exceeds the wire's rating. This is unsafe. You need a thicker wire or a shorter run.
Checking Wire Details
Click any wire to see its properties panel: wire gauge, voltage drop (in volts and percentage), distance, connection type, and safety status. You can update the distance if your installation changes.
Configuring Your System
System Voltage
Set your system voltage (12V, 24V, or 48V) from the toolbar at the top. This affects all wire sizing calculations. Most small systems (RVs, boats, small cabins) use 12V. Larger systems use 24V or 48V for better efficiency and thinner wires.
Unit System
Switch between metric (meters, mm²) and imperial (feet, AWG) units from the toolbar. This changes how distances and wire gauges are displayed throughout the planner.
Component Properties
Click any component to see its full property panel on the right. This shows specs, lets you change the product model, and displays connection details.
System Overview
Click 'Overview' in the toolbar to see a dashboard of your entire system: total solar wattage, battery capacity, inverter output, and a list of all wire connections with their safety status.
Saving, Sharing & Exporting
Auto-Save
If you're logged in, your design auto-saves 3 seconds after any change. Free accounts can save up to 2 designs. Pro accounts get unlimited saves.
Sharing a Design
Click the Share button on any saved design to generate a unique link. Anyone with the link can view your design in read-only mode. You can optionally set an expiry date for the link.
Exporting to PDF or PNG
Click Export in the toolbar to download your design as a PDF or PNG image. This is useful for keeping records, sharing with your installer, or posting online.
Starting from a Template
Browse pre-made templates for common setups (12V camper, off-grid cabin, RV). Load a template and customize it — change components, adjust distances, add circuits.