OpenSolar Lite is a simplified version of the OpenSolar platform, making it even easier to create solar designs and proposals using high resolution Nearmap imagery.
Nearmap on OpenSolar Lite is only available to Nearmap customers in Australia.
Key features
OpenSolar Lite allows you to create a solar design and produce a proposal, similar to the Solar tool in MapBrowser Classic. Some key features of OpenSolar Lite are described below.
Design features
You can select panel models to add to your system design, and adjust the slope and azimuth via the Design pane. You can also view panel characteristics and create custom panels. OpenSolar Lite also lets you view the annual output and savings and edit the system efficiency and electricity price as you go.
Create solar jobs
OpenSolar Lite allows you to generate a report detailing the efficiency and cost of your system. You can then download the report so it's easy to share with clients.
New Features
In addition to the existing features listed above, Nearmap on OpenSolar Lite provides the ability to:
- Visually adjust azimuth on the map
- Manage different panel groups
- View each solar job and output without needing to re-generate the report.
For more information about OpenSolar Lite, refer to the article What is Nearmap on OpenSolar Lite?.
Getting started with OpenSolar Lite
Existing Nearmap on OpenSolar users
There will be no changes to your experience. You can continue using OpenSolar.
Existing Nearmap on OpenSolar users wanting to try OpenSolar Lite
Getting started is easy if you already use the OpenSolar tool.
- Log in to Nearmap. You will be taken to your OpenSolar home page.
- Click the gear icon in the top-right cornet and select Settings.
- In the User Settings section, click Switch to OpenSolar Lite. For detailed instructions, see How to transition to Nearmap on OpenSolar Lite?.
New OpenSolar users
If you are transitioning from the MapBrowser Classic Solar tool, getting started with OpenSolar Lite is easy.
- Go to Nearmap on OpenSolar.
- Follow the instructions to log in and get started.
Your OpenSolar account will be in OpenSolar Lite mode, ready for you to start creating designs. Further information is available in the OpenSolar help center.
Frequently asked questions
Question | Answer |
|---|
| Do I have to use Nearmap on OpenSolar? | MapBrowser Classic, and therefore the Nearmap Solar tool have reached their end of life. If you need to create solar designs as part of your work, you may use the OpenSolar tool to do so. For solar professionals, the combination of the MapBrowser and OpenSolar provide a much richer set of tools to view, assess, plan and design your systems. |
| What are some of the differences between OpenSolar and OpenSolar Lite? | OpenSolar is a full solar system design application, where you can design every aspect of the system. You will be able to design the system more accurately and create more compelling proposals. OpenSolar Lite is a simplified version that does not require any organization configuration - for example logo and company name. It does not allow inverter configuration such as selecting a model, viewing the string voltages, adding optimizers, or adjusting stringing, and adding a battery. OpenSolar Lite does not have customizable report templates or interactive proposals. |
| Should I use OpenSolar Lite or OpenSolar? | If you are transitioning from the Nearmap Solar tool in MapBrowser Classic, OpenSolar Lite is the best option for you as it provides the same ease of use as the Nearmap Solar tool. OpenSolar is a more full-featured solar design application. You will be able to design the system more accurately and create more compelling proposals. |
| Which Nearmap content do I have access to in OpenSolar? | In Nearmap on OpenSolar you have access to the following Nearmap content: - Vertical (top-down) imagery
- Oblique (Nearmap Oblique subscription only)
- Nearmap 3D (Nearmap Oblique subscription only)
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| I have already created some projects with Nearmap on OpenSolar. Will I lose those projects if I switch to OpenSolar Lite? | OpenSolar Lite is just another mode of using the OpenSolar platform, independent of MapBrowser Classic. You will be able to create both OpenSolar and OpenSolar Lite projects at the same time. All your existing OpenSolar projects will be available in OpenSolar Lite. |
| When MapBrowser Classic is no longer available, w ill I be able to access my historic solar jobs created with the Solar tool? | Yes, you can use MyAccount to view the documents you have created for every single solar job. For more information about this feature, see this article. |
| Will I be able to edit my historic reports created in MapBrowser Classic, and adjust the panels or efficiency settings in OpenSolar Lite? | OpenSolar Lite is a system that's different from the Nearmap Solar tool. Your historic solar jobs will not be available in OpenSolar Lite. |
| I recreated a design from MapBrowser Classic in OpenSolar Lite. The output numbers are very different. Why? | MapBrowser Classic used a simple solar output calculation. OpenSolar Lite uses a more advanced calculation engine (PVWatts or SAM), which makes the OpenSolar calculations more accurate. This is the reason for the difference in the output numbers. |
The Nearmap Solar tool in MapBrowser Classic is deeply ingrained in my organization. Can I get an extension to allow my business to transition to the new workflow? | The Nearmap Solar tool is planned to be switched off on April 3, 2023. If you require assistance transitioning to OpenSolar Lite, please contact your Nearmap account manager or let us know via support@nearmap.com. |
| Can I still use MapBrowser Classic? | Your Nearmap subscription will still allow access to view and measure Nearmap content in MapBrowser. Please note that MapBrowser Classic will be available until April 3 2023. After that date, you will be switched over to the new MapBrowser interface. |