09/02/2026
Case Study | Solar Site Layout Planning (AutoCAD)
This is a ground-mounted solar site layout that I designed in AutoCAD during the planning stage of a PV project.
Before placing a single module, the focus was on understanding the site constraints — property boundaries, fence lines, existing trees, and internal access requirements. These factors define how much land is actually usable, not just how much land is available.
Module rows were then arranged based on tilt and azimuth, keeping uniform spacing to control inter-row shading and to make installation practical on site.
Special attention was given to access roads and inverter locations. Proper access is critical for construction and long-term maintenance, and inverter placement directly impacts DC cable length, voltage drop, and overall system efficiency.
Shading risks from nearby objects were identified early so they don’t become performance issues after commissioning.
This kind of layout work may look like simple drafting, but it plays a major role in:
• Energy yield
• Electrical losses
• Ease of construction
• Long-term O&M
A solar plant performs well when engineering decisions are made early, not corrected later on site.
