Solar planning
Can a sun tracker help with solar planning?
Before you ask for a quote, it helps to know whether the roof sees enough sun and what shades it. A sun tracker answers the second question well, and SunCast’s Solar Info gives a first estimate for the first.
By SunCast team Last updated: October 14, 2026
Short answer
Yes, for the first pass. In SunCast, tap the building on the map to see Solar Info’s estimate of roof area, panel capacity, annual sunshine and energy output. Then check what shades the panel area on the 3D map and with the AR Sun Tracker across the seasons. Take the results to a qualified installer; they do not replace a roof survey, engineering design or permitting.
Where a sun tracker fits
Small roof features matter most when the sun is low. In Sydney, where panels usually face north, a 1 m chimney casts a 1.6 m noon shadow on 21 June, when the sun is 32.7° high, and about 3 m at 09:00 and 15:00. On 21 December, with the noon sun at 79.6°, the same chimney’s shadow is about 0.2 m (calculated with SunCast’s sun calculator). A roof that looks clear in summer can lose part of its best winter hours.
A sun tracker shows that kind of recurring shade from chimneys, dormers, trees, ridges and nearby buildings. It also helps you compare roof planes and decide which areas deserve a closer look.
Solar Info provides a building-level estimate of roof potential, panel capacity, annual sunshine and energy output. Structural checks, electrical design, incentives, permits and the final layout still need solar-specific tools and qualified professionals.
Preparing for a solar quote in SunCast
1. Open Solar Info for the building
Tap the mapped building to see its roof area, potential panel capacity, annual sunshine and estimated energy output. Note the figures for the installer.
2. Pick the roof plane
Decide which plane, or which part of the garden for a ground mount, would hold panels. Its direction and nearby shade matter more than the building as a whole.
3. Check shade from buildings and terrain
On the 3D map, step through a winter day and a summer day and note when neighbouring buildings or the terrain cast shadows over the panel area.
4. Check trees and roof features in AR
From the garden or street, point the AR Sun Tracker at the roof and set a winter date. Note the hours when the path passes behind a tree, chimney or dormer.
5. Bring the notes to a professional
Give the installer the Solar Info figures and your list of shaded hours so the survey can start from them.
How SunCast can help
SunCast covers early solar potential and shade checks before formal design begins.
| SunCast feature | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Solar Info | Select a mapped building to view roof solar potential, panel capacity, annual sunshine and estimated energy output. |
| AR Sun Tracker | The sun’s path for any date over the camera view of the roof or ground area. |
| Shadow map | Shadows from terrain and mapped buildings throughout the day. |
| Season review | Compare different months before assuming a roof is clear all year. |
| Solar position values | Azimuth and elevation explain the light direction behind the visual preview. |
Solar planning mistakes
Confusing an estimate with a production model
Solar Info gives an early building-level estimate. A final system design uses a professional production model.
Ignoring roof condition
Sun exposure is one part of solar planning. Roof age, structure, wiring and access also matter.
Checking one month
Solar decisions need a winter check, especially at latitudes where the winter sun is low.
Limits
SunCast supports early solar planning with building-level estimates and shade checks. It is not a substitute for engineering review, final electrical design or permitting.
Check it in SunCast
Getting ready for a solar quote? Check the roof’s Solar Info and its winter shade in SunCast, then take the notes to your installer.
Frequently asked questions
Can SunCast tell me how many solar panels I need?
Solar Info gives a panel-capacity estimate for a mapped building, alongside annual sunshine and estimated energy output. Final panel selection, layout, electrical design and permitting need solar-specific design tools and professional input.
What should I check before calling a solar installer?
Check the roof direction, obvious shade sources, the winter and summer sun path, and the hours when shadows cross the likely panel area.
Can a sun tracker replace a solar survey?
No. A professional solar survey covers roof condition, measurements, electrical details, regulations and production modelling.
