Solectio
design, compare and share rooftop solar configurations
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What is Solectio?
Solectio is a web-based tool designed to help users design, compare, and share rooftop solar configurations. The tool allows homeowners, solar installers, and DIY solar enthusiasts to compare multiple solar panels for their rooftop and generate a monthly energy production report based on their input location. It uses PVGIS (Photovoltaic Geographical Information System) for all energy calculations, ensuring accurate estimates based on real solar irradiance data.
Key features include the ability to access a static catalog of approximately 10,000 solar panels with full technical specifications, compare panels side-by-side, design rectangular rooftop solar layouts, and generate shareable energy production reports. The tool supports uploading solar panel PDF datasheets or parsing URLs containing panel details (though this demo instance restricts to the static catalog to manage LLM inference costs). Users can input their location to get location-specific monthly energy production estimates.
Solectio is ideal for homeowners planning rooftop solar installations, solar installers looking to quickly compare panel options for clients, and anyone researching solar panel options before purchasing. The tool helps users make informed decisions by providing data-driven energy production estimates and facilitating panel comparisons before investing in solar equipment.
Solectio pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
The demo instance of Solectio appears to be free to use. The tool is presented as a demo with access to a static catalog of ~10,000 solar panels. The developer mentions LLM inference costs as the reason for restricting PDF uploads and URL parsing in this demo version. No paid tiers or subscription plans are mentioned on the website.
Solectio pros
- Uses PVGIS for accurate solar irradiance calculations
- Access to catalog of ~10,000 solar panels
- Generates monthly energy production reports
- Location-based energy estimates
- Side-by-side solar panel comparison
- Supports PDF datasheet uploads
- Can parse panel details from URLs
- Shareable configuration reports
- Free to use (demo instance)
- User-friendly interface for rooftop design
- Quick layout visualization for rectangular roofs
- Technical specifications from manufacturer datasheets
- No installation required - web-based tool
- Helps estimate ROI before purchasing
- Good for comparing multiple panel brands
Solectio cons
- Only supports rectangular rooftop shapes
- Demo instance limited to static catalog only
- PDF upload feature restricted in demo
- URL parsing restricted in demo instance
- No curved or irregular roof support
- LLM inference costs limit full features
- No battery storage configuration
- No inverter selection features
- No shading analysis beyond PVGIS defaults
- Cannot export CAD files
- No 3D visualization
- Limited to rooftop (not ground-mount)
- No electrical string design
- No professional certification
Frequently asked questions about Solectio
What is Solectio?
Solectio is a web-based tool for designing, comparing, and sharing rooftop solar configurations. It lets you compare multiple solar panels for your rooftop and generates a monthly energy production report based on your input location.
How does Solectio calculate energy production?
All calculations in Solectio are done using PVGIS (Photovoltaic Geographical Information System), which provides accurate solar irradiance data based on your geographic location.
What rooftop shapes does Solectio support?
Currently, Solectio only supports rectangular rooftop shapes. Support for other roof shapes may be added in future updates.
How many solar panels are in the catalog?
The demo instance of Solectio provides access to a static catalog of approximately 10,000 solar panels with their technical specifications.
Can I upload my own solar panel datasheet?
Yes, Solectio supports uploading solar panel PDF datasheets. However, in this demo instance, that feature is restricted to manage LLM inference costs, and only the static catalog is accessible.
Can I parse panel details from a URL?
Solectio can parse panel details from URLs containing datasheet information, but this feature is restricted in the demo instance to control LLM inference costs.
Is Solectio free to use?
Yes, the demo instance of Solectio is free to use with access to the static catalog of ~10,000 solar panels and all core functionality for rectangular rooftop design.
Who should use Solectio?
Solectio is ideal for homeowners planning rooftop solar installations, solar installers comparing panel options for clients, and anyone researching solar panels before making a purchase decision.
Can I share my solar configuration?
Yes, Solectio allows you to share your solar configurations and energy production reports with others, making it easy to discuss options with family members, installers, or friends.
What data do I need to get started?
To get started with Solectio, you need to input your location (for energy calculations), your rooftop dimensions (must be rectangular), and select solar panels from the catalog to compare and design your configuration.