The Keepout Area and Obstruction feature allows users to define areas where solar panels should not be placed — such as trees, vents, chimneys, air-conditioning units, parapets, and other structures that cast shadows or physically prevent installation.
These obstructions enhance shading accuracy and provide a more realistic 3D visualisation of site conditions.
What You Can Create
You can now create and manage multiple obstruction types directly on the Map Design page under the Shading section.
Available obstruction shapes include:
🌳 Tree – define canopy diameter and height.
⬛ Rectangle – specify width, length, and height.
◻️ Square – equal width and length, with adjustable height.
⚪ Circle – define diameter and height (useful for poles, vents, etc.).
✏️ Free Draw (Polygon) – draw irregular keepout zones for complex structures or shaded areas.
Obstruction Settings
Each obstruction type can be customised with the following parameters:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | Defines how tall the obstruction is, used to calculate shading. |
| Diameter | Available for circular shapes. |
| Width / Length | Used for rectangular and square shapes. |
| Setback | Default spacing of 200 mm to maintain distance from panel edges or roof boundaries. |
Keepout Areas
When an area on the roof surface have an obstructions added it is marked as a Keepout, SolarPlus automatically:
Disables surface grid placement for that zone (no panels can be added).
Prevents overlapping or stacking of other panel groups.
Updates the 3D shading analysis to reflect obstruction height and placement.
Obstructions are purely geometric objects — they do not have grid or electrical properties. Their function is to visually and functionally block areas from module layout and shading calculations.
How It Works
Obstructions can be dragged, resized, rotated, or reshaped in real time.
Edits automatically sync between 2D and 3D views for visual consistency.
Obstructions are stored persistently, so they remain in your design when you reload or share the quote.
Integration with the grid ensures affected cells are marked as unavailable for solar placement.
Tip
Use the Free Draw polygon tool for complex shading zones (e.g., nearby trees or partial roof obstructions).
This allows for the most accurate shading simulation in combination with the Annual Solar Exposure Heatmap and Auto Shade Analysis.
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