SolarEdge Workflow
Import existing SolarEdge system designs from PDFs and continue working with them in AutoCAD using Branch's automation tools.
Found a bug?
Use the Report Bug button in the Branch toolbar to submit issues directly to our team. For SolarEdge import issues, please attach the PDF file you're trying to import so we can diagnose the problem.
Overview
If you have a SolarEdge design created in the SolarEdge Designer tool, you can import the PDF output directly into Branch. This workflow is useful when:
- You need to create construction documents from a SolarEdge proposal
- You want to validate or modify an existing SolarEdge design
- You're converting a SolarEdge design to use different equipment
What gets imported
Branch extracts panel layouts, string assignments, inverter information, and optimizer placements from SolarEdge PDFs. The design is recreated as AutoCAD entities.
Step 1: Export from SolarEdge Designer
Before importing into Branch, you need to export your design from SolarEdge Designer. Follow these steps:
- Log in to SolarEdge Designer at designer.solaredge.com
- Open your completed project (ensure PV Module Arrangement and Electrical Design are finished)
- Navigate to the Summary & Report tab
- Select the Project Layout page (not Project Summary)
- Click Generate Report at the top of the screen
- In the report configuration, ensure System Layout section is included
- Download the PDF to your local machine
Alternative: DXF Export (layout only)
SolarEdge Designer also offers a Download DXF button in the Project Layout page. This gives you panel geometry in AutoCAD format—useful if you only need the layout. However, you'll need to delete SolarEdge's stringing notation (which is often cluttered and not useful for construction documents) and re-string with Branch using PANELGROUPCREATE → SOLVE.
PDF requirements
The PDF must contain the system layout page with panel positions and string assignments. Proposal-only PDFs or financial summaries without layout diagrams cannot be imported. Some export features may require a SolarEdge Designer subscription upgrade.
Step 2: Import the PDF
Use the SolarEdge import command to bring the design into AutoCAD.
Command: IMPORTSOLAREDGEPDFThe import process:
- Prompts you to select the SolarEdge PDF file
- Parses the PDF to extract panel positions and string data
- Creates panel entities in AutoCAD at the correct positions
- Recreates string assignments and optimizer placements
- Sets up inverter information based on the SolarEdge design
Scale and positioning
Imported panels are placed at their relative positions. You may need to scale or move the imported geometry to match your base drawing (site plan, roof outline, etc.).
Step 3: Review the Import
After importing, review the design to ensure everything was captured correctly:
Check panel count
Verify the number of imported panels matches the SolarEdge design. UseSTRINGDATAto see a summary.
Verify string assignments
Strings should be color-coded and match the original SolarEdge configuration. Check that optimizer placements are correct.
Confirm inverter setup
The SolarEdge inverter model should be imported. Verify MPPT assignments match the original design.
Step 4: Modify or Continue Design
Once imported, you can use all of Branch's tools to modify or extend the design:
Add more panels
Draw additional panels and use PANELGROUPCREATEto incorporate them.
Re-solve strings
Use SOLVE to regenerate string layouts with Branch's optimization.
Resize strings for SolarEdge
Use STRINGSIZER to verify or adjust string lengths. When a SolarEdge inverter is selected, the String Sizer automatically shows an Optimizer Configuration card and calculates power-constrained string ranges instead of traditional Voc math.
Generate homeruns
Use HOMERUNS to create cable routing from strings to inverter.
Common Use Cases
Creating Construction Documents
Import the SolarEdge design, add title block and notes, then use Branch to automate stringing, routing, and circuit length export.
Value Engineering
Import the proposal design, then use Branch to optimize cable routing for reduced material costs while maintaining the same layout.
Equipment Substitution
Import the design, then reconfigure for different inverter or module specs. Run STRINGSIZER to recalculate string lengths for the new hardware — if you switch to a SolarEdge inverter, the optimizer configuration is picked up automatically.
Troubleshooting
Import fails or shows errors?
Ensure the PDF contains a system layout page (not just proposal summary). Try re-exporting from SolarEdge Designer with all layout options enabled.
Panel count doesn't match?
Some complex layouts may not import perfectly. Use ADDPANELto manually add missing panels.
Scale seems wrong?
PDFs don't always contain accurate scale information. Use AutoCAD's SCALE command to adjust the imported geometry to match your site plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SolarEdge PDF formats can Branch import?
Branch imports PDFs exported from SolarEdge Designer's Summary & Report tab that contain the Project Layout with panel positions and string assignments. When generating your report, ensure the "System Layout" section is included. Proposal-only PDFs, financial summaries, or reports without the visual layout diagram cannot be imported.
Should I use PDF import or DXF export from SolarEdge?
PDF import (IMPORTSOLAREDGEPDF) is recommended—it extracts panel positions and converts SolarEdge's stringing into clean, usable data for Branch. DXF export gives you raw geometry, but SolarEdge's stringing notation is cluttered and not suitable for construction documents. If you use DXF, you'll need to manually delete all the stringing lines and re-string from scratch with PANELGROUPCREATE → SOLVE.
Does Branch support SolarEdge HD-Wave inverters?
Yes. Branch's hardware database includes 22 SolarEdge models — HD-Wave single-phase, three-phase, and higher-capacity units. When you select a SolarEdge inverter in the String Sizer, the Optimizer Configuration card appears automatically — no extra setup needed. Results show power-constrained string ranges based on optimizer limits instead of traditional Voc math.
Can I modify the imported design?
After importing, you have full access to all Branch tools. Add panels, re-solve strings, generate homeruns, and export circuit lengths. The imported design becomes native AutoCAD geometry.
How accurate is the PDF import?
Branch extracts panel positions, string assignments, and optimizer placements from the PDF layout. Panel counts typically match exactly. You may need to scale the imported geometry to match your site plan's units.
Why import from SolarEdge Designer instead of designing directly in Branch?
Many installers use SolarEdge Designer for proposals and sales, then need construction documents in AutoCAD. SolarEdge's stringing graphics are designed for sales presentations, not construction documents—they're cluttered and don't include the detail needed for installation. Branch's import extracts the useful layout data and replaces the stringing with clean, construction-ready documentation.
Continue Your Design
After importing, follow the standard workflow for your project type: