| What is the Electric Definition article about? | It explains the workflow for defining the electrical layout of a PV project in HELIOS 3D, including electrical structures, device hierarchies, string definitions, device areas, cable trenches, layout zones, selection sets, and manual electrical adjustments. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Where is the Electric Definition topic located? | It is part of the vertical menu workflow under Overview of Commands > Vertical Menu > Electric > Electric – Definition. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What is the main purpose of the Electric Definition page? | Its purpose is to prepare the electrical structure before placing strings, devices, cables, and evaluating electrical quantities. The page covers the first sub-tab of the Electricity tab, which is used to define an electrical layout and display results by predefined categories. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How is the Electricity tab structured? | The Electricity tab is divided into two sub-tabs. The first sub-tab is used for defining the electrical layout and displaying category-based results, while the second sub-tab displays the final electrical structure. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What is the recommended workflow on the Electric Definition page? | The page provides numbered points that can be followed in order. Their order follows the default workflow for defining the electrical layout. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What prerequisites should exist before using the Electric Definition commands? | The project should already contain a valid PV layout with fields, arrays, and array definitions. Electrical components such as inverters, transformers, combiner boxes, and related articles should be available in the database or created during the workflow where supported. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does the New button do? | It creates a new electrical element in the Structure list based on the selected entry. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does the Copy button do in the Structure list? | It copies the selected element in the Structure list and opens a renaming dialog so the copied element can receive a new name. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does the Rename button do? | It renames the selected element in the Structure list and opens a dialog where the new name can be entered. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does the Delete button do? | It deletes the selected element from the Structure list permanently. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check before deleting an electrical structure element? | Check that the correct element is selected and that it is no longer needed. The page states that deletion removes the selected element permanently, but it does not describe an undo or recovery workflow. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does the Parts List button do? | It opens the dialog for creating parts lists containing information about electrical components used in the selected surface, area, or field. The resulting data can be found on the Evaluation tab in the HELIOS 3D Palette. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Add to Selection Set do? | It adds selected arrays by default, or modules, to the selected selection set. First select a selection set, click the button, and then select one or more geometries in the drawing. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Remove from Selection Set do? | It removes selected arrays by default, or modules, from the selected selection set. First select the selection set, click the button, and then select one or more geometries in the drawing to remove. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Rest to New Selection Set do? | It adds all unassigned arrays to a new selection set. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Generate Selection Sets Automatically per Trench Side do? | It generates selection sets for each cable trench side of a field, using the trench-side-specific settings. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Auto gen. Selection Sets do? | It generates selection sets for any field selected in the structure tree under 4 – Layout Zones. All racks are assigned to selection sets based on cable trench connection and trench side. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What is the Device Hierarchy used for? | The Device Hierarchy defines the logical electrical path from the module side toward the grid and adds physical database components to that hierarchy. It should be configured before device areas, cable trenches, layout zones, and string placement are completed. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| In which direction does the logical hierarchy run? | The logical hierarchy always runs from the module to the grid. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What must be completed before proceeding to Device Areas? | A complete and valid device hierarchy must be established before moving to 2 – Device Areas. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Which predefined hierarchy is used for string inverters? | The predefined string inverter hierarchy is Module → String → String Inverter → Transformer → Grid. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Which hierarchy is used for central inverters? | The central inverter hierarchy is Module → String → Combiner Box → Central Inverter → Transformer → Grid. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Can a combiner box be inserted into the hierarchy? | Yes. A combiner box can be inserted above the selected base element, excluding cable entries. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What are device collections in the hierarchy? | The displayed logical hierarchy entries are device collections. One or more physical components from the database can be added to each collection. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Where should physical electrical components be predefined? | Physical electrical devices should preferably be predefined in Component Management of the HELIOS 3D database application. However, any component except the grid can also be created directly in this interface. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Why can a grid not be created directly as a component? | A grid is not a physical component but an abstract device, so it is defined by a choice-list record instead of being created as a database article in this interface. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Why should the string definition be created last? | The string definition requires a physical inverter or physical combiner box to be attached, so it should be created after the relevant target devices have been added. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How is the module collection handled? | The module collection is an exception because HELIOS 3D automatically inserts the module used from the array definition. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How do I add an entry to a device collection? | First select the corresponding collection, such as T – Transformer, and then click the add button. The entry is initially marked as invalid Article until an article from the database is assigned. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does invalid Article mean? | It means that an entry was created but no database article has been assigned yet. Assign a matching component from the database to complete the entry. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What happens if I create a new database article from the hierarchy? | The common dialogs open with the corresponding component type pre-set based on the master data. This does not work for grid connections because grids are abstract choice-list records. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Copy do for a string definition? | It creates a modifiable copy of the selected string definition. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Edit do for a string definition? | It opens the dialog for modifying the selected string definition. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Delete do for a hierarchy entry? | It deletes the selected entry. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Move Entry do? | It moves the selected entry one position up or down. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What is the # column in the AC part used for? | The # column manually defines the number of individual cables used between two devices because this information is currently not read from the cable data. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
How does the # column affect cable length in parts lists? | A value of 3 between transformer and grid multiplies the distance between the devices by 3 for the cable length in parts lists. If only one cable with three phases is used, the value should be 1. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What is a string definition? | A string definition describes how modules are grouped into strings and how those strings are represented on PV tables. It includes string length, module row and column settings, voltage checks, and optional control values. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Can string definitions be saved for reuse? | Yes. A string design can be saved as a profile for reuse by clicking the Save option at the top of the string definition window. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Which string definition parameters are mandatory? | The article states that the common string parameters are mandatory. These include values such as name, module rows/columns, and string length. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does the string definition Name define? | It defines the name of the string definition profile. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What do Module Rows/Columns define in a string definition? | They define the number of module rows and columns for the default string. This should ideally match the PV table being used. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does String Length define? | It defines the exact string length for generating predefined strings. Manually drawn strings are marked as deviations if their length does not match this value. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Align Whole String Image do? | It aligns the entire string definition relative to the target device position. This avoids individual alignment of strings on the same table when devices are connected on different sides of the table. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Are optional control values mandatory for string design? | No. Optional control values can help users design a valid electrical layout, but they are not mandatory and can be ignored if desired. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Vmax (Voc at Tmin) define? | It defines the maximum voltage per module and determines the maximum string length. The minimum ambient temperature is defined on the Electric module’s Settings page. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
How is Vmax (Voc at Tmin) calculated? | The formula is Vmax = Voc * (1.0 + (Tmin – 25.0°) * (TempCoeff_Voc * 0.01)). Voc and the Voc temperature coefficient come from the module specifications. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
Can Vmax be filled automatically? | Yes. It can either be entered manually or retrieved automatically by selecting a module with the button next to the input field. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Vsum(STC) / Vsum(Tmin) show? | It displays the calculated string voltages for the configured standard string length under Standard Test Conditions and at the minimum ambient temperature. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Where do ambient temperature and system voltage values come from? | They come from the Settings page of the Electrical module and are used for string configuration. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How can strings be defined? | Strings can be defined using standard designs displayed on the modules or customized individually by clicking. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How are predefined strings applied? | Predefined strings must be applied manually by clicking the first module. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
How does Draw Manually work for strings? | It starts a mode for manually drawing a string. The drawing is completed by right-clicking or pressing Enter. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What string editing commands are available in the string definition dialog? | The article mentions commands for mirroring strings, adding or removing Y-connectors, deleting a string, resetting all strings, profile management, and display scaling. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What changed in the string generator in version 2025.0.1.4? | The string generator now displays a preview in the mouse direction based on the number of modules set per string. The string can be completed automatically with the TAB key. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What changed for manual strings in version 2025.0.1.3? | Manual string behavior was improved so strings can be deleted individually without removing all strings from a table or group of tables, making manual designs more intuitive and reducing the need for multiple undo steps. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Are manually drawn strings limited to linear strings? | The article first states that drawing strings on PV tables is limited to linear strings and mentions leapfrog strings as a possible future option. Later, it states that custom leapfrog strings are now possible. This should be checked editorially because the page contains version-dependent wording. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Are custom leapfrog strings supported? | Yes, the article states that it is now possible to define a leapfrog string freely like custom strings with linear design. It also states that module connection order is simplified for display because the exact connection order is currently unused by functions or outputs. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Why is the connection order of leapfrog strings simplified? | The article states that exact module connection order is not used by any function or output, so an exact representation is not required yet. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What are Device Areas used for? | Device areas define where electrical devices such as central inverters, transformers, and grid connections may be placed. They are designated zones for automated placement of grid connections and electrical devices and can be defined with polylines. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Which devices are typically not included in device areas? | String inverters and combiner boxes are typically placed at the string or along the cable trench, so they are generally not included in this device-area context. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What happens if a device area is not connected to the grid? | Each device area must be connected to the grid. If it is not connected, it is highlighted in red. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How can a device area be connected to the grid? | The grid connection can be established through cable trenches by linking any device area without a direct grid connection to the specific grid device area. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How are devices assigned to a device area? | Select the corresponding entries from the device hierarchy and set a quantity limit for each device in the device area. A value of 0 means no limit. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What are cable trenches used for? | Cable trenches define possible routing paths for electrical cables. They can be manually created or automatically generated, and their connection state is important for completing an electrical layout up to the grid. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Can trench depth be specified? | Yes. The article states that a depth can be specified for each trench and that this depth is considered when calculating cable lengths. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What are Row Internal Trenches? | Row internal trenches are created when a gap occurs within a row, such as due to exclusion zones or maximum-slope exceedance, and the gap is larger than the Min. Length of Row Trenches value defined for the selection set. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What are Row to Row Trenches? | Row-to-row trenches connect different rows without requiring a connection to a main trench or device area. Cables can enter the trench from one row and exit at an array in another row. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What are regular cable trenches? | Regular cable trenches are standard trench polylines that can be connected to device areas and used for routing cables toward target devices and grid connection areas. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Not connected mean for a regular cable trench? | It is indicated by an empty circle and means that no connection to any registered device area was found, so no cables can be placed into that trench. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Connected to a device area mean for a regular cable trench? | It is indicated by a filled circle. The trench is connected to a device area, but that area either has no grid assigned or no outgoing trench connected to the grid connection area. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Fully connected up to the grid connection mean? | It is indicated by an arrow and means that the trench is properly connected to a device area with grid assignment and complete outgoing connection to the grid area. Only in this state is an electrical layout possible. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| When does HELIOS 3D automatically insert row cable trenches? | HELIOS 3D automatically inserts row cable trenches when a gap within a table row exceeds the Min. Length of Row Trenches value. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What happens for row gaps smaller than Min. Length of Row Trenches? | For smaller gaps, cables run through the air between neighboring tables. Cable length is then calculated based on table distance and table rotation. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How is cable length calculated through a row internal trench? | The length is calculated as cable duct to soil + trench depth + trench length + trench depth + soil to cable duct. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Where are row internal trenches listed? | They are listed under Row Internal Trenches with the corresponding field name and row number for easier identification. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Can manually inserted row trenches be used? | Yes. If direct connection through the automatic row trench is not possible, a regular cable trench can be inserted manually into the rows, and HELIOS 3D can then use it for cable routing. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Do row-to-row trenches need a connection to a default cable trench? | No. They do not require a connection to a default cable trench linked to device areas, but at least one of the connected rows must be linked to a regular trench. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What can row-to-row trenches be used for besides row connection? | They can provide a connection for strings between PV tables from different rows, for example when cross-row strings need to reach inverters near a main trench. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How can cable trench connection issues be solved? | Remove cables for all affected selection sets or fields, disconnect trenches by moving an endpoint away, reconnect trenches with the correct object snap, and then use Rewire to refill missing cable runs on the trench. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Does solving trench connection issues change string-to-device assignments? | No. The article states that this procedure never changes string-to-target-device assignments or device positions. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Can trenches containing cables be changed directly? | No. Trenches that already contain cables cannot be changed anymore. Use Remove cables first if the trench geometry or connection must be modified. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What does the new selection set generator/editor show? | It provides feedback on selected arrays, modules, resulting number of strings with the specified length, remaining modules, required target devices, and utilization of the last device. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Array count / Module count show? | It shows the number of selected arrays and modules in the selection set generator/editor. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What do hatch color and transparency control? | They set the color and temporary transparency for the current selection. The final selection set uses the transparency set in the electric settings. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does String length do in the selection set generator/editor? | It sets the standard string length used to calculate the number of full strings and remaining modules for the current selection. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What do Number full strings / Remaining modules show? | They show how many full strings fit according to the standard string length and how many modules remain without completing another string. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What are layout zones and selection sets used for? | They divide fields into electrically manageable groups. Selection sets assign arrays, trenches, device areas, string definitions, and placement options and are required before automatic or manual string placement can be performed. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What must be configured for a field before generating selection sets? | Select a device hierarchy and default string definition, then add all cable trenches and device areas needed for the selected field. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Which cable trenches should be added to the field list? | Only cable trenches should be added where array rows need to connect directly, such as DC cables or output cables from combiner boxes or string inverters to the first device area. Help trenches or trenches only between device areas should not be included. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Which device areas should be added to the field list? | The list should include device areas that receive target devices for strings in the field, up to the grid connection that serves as the endpoint of the electrical layout. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How can selection sets be generated? | They can be generated manually or with automatic options: rest to new selection set, per trench side, or per cable trench. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does {All Free} mean? | {All Free} is displayed until all arrays are assigned to a valid selection set. It cannot be used to perform an electrical layout. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Auto# mean for selection sets? | Auto# is the identifier for automatically generated selection sets. They can be identified in the drawing by their colors in the Visible/Color column, and all related tables are marked with matching hatches. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does the Info column show for fields? | For fields, it shows the number of assigned arrays versus total arrays and the installed peak power. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does the Info column show for selection sets? | For selection sets, it shows the number of contained arrays and the power after subtracting cable losses. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Visible/Color do? | It assigns a display color for a selection set and controls whether the selection set markings are shown or hidden. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does the Strings column do? | It shows or hides the module strings on the arrays. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Which string states can be displayed? | The string state can be Empty, Incomplete, Complete, Rewire Needed, or Problem. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does System voltage / String voltage at Tmin show? | It shows the system voltage from the electric system settings and the actual string voltage at minimum ambient temperature based on the current selection and configuration. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Number of connectable strings do? | It sets the number of inputs for the standard target device to extrapolate the required number of devices and the utilization of the last device. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Does the required-device calculation consider balancing? | No. The article states that possible balancing of string connections is disregarded in this calculation. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What can be changed before placing strings for a selection set? | You can select a different device hierarchy and string definition, change the number of colors used for string display, and hook or unhook cable trenches and device areas. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Place do for a selection set? | It starts string placement using the selected device hierarchy, string definition, color settings, cable trenches, and device areas for the selection set. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What is displayed after automatic string placement? | After placement is completed, only hatches are displayed as the result. Actual cables and connections can be displayed on other Electric module tabs. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Reset do for a selection set? | It resets or deletes the string placement for the selected selection set, clearing the string layout so the user can restart or adjust the placement. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Rewire do? | It recalculates wiring after combiner boxes or inverters have been moved in the drawing, adjusting cable routing to match the new device positions. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Remove cables do? | It removes cables between electrical endpoints such as module strings, combiner boxes, inverters, transformers, and the grid connection while keeping assignments between objects. This allows cable trenches to be modified and then restored with Rewire. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Link do for selection sets? | When multiple selection sets are selected, Link treats them as a single set. Settings applied to one linked selection set are applied to all linked selection sets simultaneously. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How can linked selection sets be unlinked? | The article states that electrical placement must first be reset before the link can be broken. The wording on the page is slightly incomplete, so this should be checked editorially. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What do the placement direction arrows control? | They define the orientation and sequence of wiring and numbering for cables and devices. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How can target devices be placed? | Target devices can be placed at the optimal array to minimize input cable lengths, or optimization can be restricted to only the first arrays from the cable trench. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Row Trenches from define? | It defines the distance above which cables may no longer be routed through the air between neighboring arrays. If the table gap exceeds this value, HELIOS 3D automatically creates a row trench. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Y-connectors at string or at device do? | If Y- or multi-connectors are defined in the string definition, this option places the connectors either at the end of the string on the array or at the input of the target device. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Every module row connects to a different target device do? | It makes strings from different module rows connect to different target devices. Strings spanning across two module rows are not supported by this function. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Lowest module row connects to a different target device do? | It connects the first or lowest module row to a different target device to reduce shading-related losses. Strings from all other module rows connect to the same target device. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Can string definitions be assigned per array definition in a selection set? | Yes. The String Definition option allows changing the assignment of the string definition for any array used in the selection set. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How are cable trenches and device areas assigned to a selection set? | Add or remove entries from the field node first. For a selected selection set, individual entries can only be checked or unchecked to determine which ones will be used. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Which cable trenches should be hooked for a selection set? | A cable trench should only be hooked if strings need to be directly connected to it. Trenches only used between device areas should not be selected because they can cause issues, especially if they run partly in parallel. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How should device areas be handled in a selection set? | All device areas can remain hooked if target devices may be placed in all of them. For complex scenarios, check states can be changed to route certain string inverters or other components to specific transformer stations or device areas. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What happens if device-area assignment is ambiguous? | If there is no clear and unambiguous assignment between electrical devices and device areas, placement is canceled. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What are Manual Electric functions used for? | They are used to adjust or complete the electrical layout after automatic placement, or to manually insert strings and devices. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does the Manual Electric On/Off switch do? | It temporarily disables sections of the HELIOS 3D Palette while connection editing mode is active. It must be switched off again after changes are completed. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How are unconnected strings displayed in Manual Electric? | In string mode, unconnected strings are shown in red, while connected strings use the color of their corresponding string inverter or combiner box. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How are incomplete strings displayed? | The article shows incomplete strings in yellow. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Create String do in Manual Electric? | It assigns a string to a table with available free modules. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Delete String do in Manual Electric? | It removes existing strings. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What does the String List do? | It displays all strings defined in the device hierarchy so they can be applied to a group of tables selected with the mouse. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How does the Manual String Tool work? | It lets the user select a table or group of tables and manually draw strings in the table layout. Blue circles mark free modules available for string assignment. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How is a manually drawn string completed? | Select blue circles to draw the string, then press Enter or right-click to complete it. If more free modules are available, manual drawing continues; otherwise, the mode ends automatically. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Can automatic string placement overwrite existing strings? | Yes. The automatic string placement function overwrites existing strings, so users can either create all strings manually or auto-generate strings and then adjust the result afterward. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Can devices be finalized automatically after manual string creation? | Yes. Once all tables in the selection set have strings, HELIOS 3D can automatically finalize the electrical layout by adding combiner boxes, inverters, and other hierarchy devices using the automatic placement algorithm. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Can strings be reassigned by drag and drop? | Yes. Strings can be reassigned to inputs by drag and drop. The target input is highlighted in bold when recognized. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Are placement rules applied during drag-and-drop reassignment? | Yes. Predefined placement rules are applied. If strings from different module rows need to connect to the same MPPT, a rule may need to be temporarily suspended with the command shown in the article. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Can higher-level connections be reassigned by drag and drop? | Yes. Drag and drop is also available for higher levels, such as inverter-to-transformer or transformer-to-grid assignment. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How are devices inserted manually? | First select the corresponding hierarchy level. Devices can then be selected in the drawing, inserted from the device hierarchy list, replaced, deleted, or connected depending on the selected command. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Can alternative components be added while Manual Electric mode is active? | No. To add alternative components to the device hierarchy, manual electrical mode must be temporarily switched off. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How can strings be connected to a string inverter manually? | Use the connect/disconnect function. Strings can be assigned to the target device preselected in the tree list, or the user can select a target device in the drawing and confirm with Enter or right-click. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does the manual Rewire command do? | It recalculates cable routing after manual connection or device changes. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Place strings towards cable trench do? | It opens a dialog for generating strings to groups of arrays targeting a selectable trench. Strings are generated from the outer arrays of a row toward the cable trench, using all modules independently from table units. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Can strings created toward a cable trench cross tables of different sizes? | Yes. The article states that the same string can cross tables of different sizes without leaving gaps. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Place up to cable trench do? | It tries to include tables that intersect with the cable trench and inserts strings if they fit. Tables that no longer fit around the cable trench are left out. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Draw linear strings on arrays do? | It allows users to select a table or group of tables and manually draw linear strings inside the table layout. Blue circles appear on free modules. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Draw Leapfrog strings on arrays do? | It allows users to draw leapfrog strings freely on selected arrays, similarly to linear custom strings. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How can automatic connection of intermediate modules be controlled in leapfrog strings? | Hold Ctrl while clicking the next module if the modules between the last selection and the next module should not be added automatically to the string. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Plus at start / Plus at end control? | It controls whether the plus/minus polarity marker is created at the first selected module or at the last selected module. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Fill Module rows: Yes do? | It allows the user to draw the lowest string for the array and have the other module rows completed automatically. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Swap polarity do? | It swaps the plus and minus poles of a string. The article states that this function is currently only usable for strings that are not connected to a target device, such as a string inverter. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Mirror string do? | It mirrors a string across its center axis. At the time described on the page, strings are disconnected from their target device during this process. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Assign string to trench do? | It assigns a string individually to a trench other than the default trench selected by the algorithm. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How can a manual string-to-trench assignment be undone? | Use the undo/default assignment function so HELIOS 3D again uses the default algorithm to detect the target trench for the string. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if a selection set cannot be used for electrical layout? | Check whether all arrays are assigned to a valid selection set. The {All Free} entry cannot be used for performing an electrical layout. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if placement is canceled because of device areas? | Check whether there is a clear and unambiguous assignment between hooked device areas and the electrical devices. Ambiguous device-area assignments cancel placement. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if no cables can be placed in a trench? | Check the trench connection state. A trench marked as not connected has no connection to any registered device area, so cables cannot be placed into it. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if electrical layout is not possible despite a connected trench? | Check whether the trench is fully connected up to the grid connection. A trench connected only to a device area is not sufficient if that area lacks grid assignment or outgoing connection to the grid area. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if trench geometry must be changed after cables exist? | Use Remove cables first, because trenches that already contain cables cannot be changed. Then modify or reconnect the trench and run Rewire. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if row trench cable lengths seem too long or too short? | Check trench depth, trench length, and the transition from cable duct to soil and back. The article gives the formula cable duct to soil + trench depth + trench length + trench depth + soil to cable duct. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if strings are marked as deviations? | Check whether manually drawn string length matches the configured String Length. Manually drawn strings are marked as deviations if their length does not match the specified value. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if string voltage is too high? | Check Vmax, Vsum(STC) / Vsum(Tmin), the system voltage, the minimum ambient temperature from Electric Settings, module Voc, temperature coefficient, and configured string length. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if target device quantities seem wrong? | Check the string length, selected arrays/modules, number of target-device inputs, and whether remaining modules exist. The selection set generator/editor shows full strings, remaining modules, required devices, and utilization of the last device. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if selection set hatches or colors are confusing? | Check the Visible/Color column and the selection set hatch color settings. Automatically generated Auto# sets can be identified by their color hatching in the drawing. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What should I check if string state shows Rewire Needed? | Check whether devices were moved or cable routing changed, then run Rewire to recalculate wiring and cable routing. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if manual changes do not behave as expected? | Check whether Manual Electric mode is still switched on, whether the correct selection set, hierarchy level, string, target device, and trench are selected, and whether Rewire is required after changes. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if strings cannot be connected to a target device? | Check whether the target device has unused inputs available. If no inputs are free, existing connections may need to be disconnected before new strings can be connected. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if swap polarity is not available? | Check whether the string is connected to a target device. The article states that Swap polarity is currently only usable for strings not connected to a target device. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if mirroring a string disconnects it? | This is expected according to the article: when a string is mirrored, it is disconnected from its target device at the time described on the page. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if strings should use a trench different from the algorithm’s default? | Use Assign string to trench to assign a specific string to another trench. Use the undo/default function to return to algorithm-based trench detection. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Does the article describe all Electric Settings values? | No. It references values from the Settings page, such as minimum ambient temperature and system voltage, but the detailed Electric Settings topic is separate. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Does the article describe final electrical structure results in detail? | Not fully. It states that the second sub-tab displays the final electrical structure, but detailed structure-tab behavior belongs to the separate Electrical Structure Tab article. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Does the article describe all database fields for electrical components? | No. It references electrical components from the database and notes where they can be created, but the detailed required database entries are covered in the Needed Database Entries article. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Does the article describe all SLD behavior? | No. The article is about electrical definition and manual/automatic layout preparation. Single-line diagram behavior is handled in the SLD Description topic. |
| How does Electric Definition relate to Needed Database Entries? | Needed Database Entries explains the electrical component data required for inverters, transformers, combiner boxes, cables, and grids, while Electric Definition uses those records in device hierarchies, selection sets, device areas, and electrical placement. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How does Electric Definition relate to Electric Settings? | Electric Definition uses values from Electric Settings, such as minimum ambient temperature and system voltage, for string voltage configuration and validation. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How does Electric Definition relate to Electrical Structure Tab? | Electric Definition prepares and places the electrical layout, while the Electrical Structure Tab displays the final electrical structure. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How does Electric Definition relate to Manual Electric? | The page includes Manual Electric functions for adjusting or completing the electrical layout after automatic placement or for creating strings and device assignments manually. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How does Electric Definition relate to cable trenches? | Cable trenches provide routing paths for cables, determine whether the electrical layout can connect to device areas and grid, and influence cable lengths through trench depth, row trenches, and row-to-row trench routing. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How does Electric Definition relate to selection sets? | Selection sets divide fields into electrically manageable groups and are required for automatic or manual string placement. They define which arrays, trenches, device areas, device hierarchy, string definitions, and placement options are used. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How does Electric Definition relate to device areas? | Device areas define where devices such as central inverters, transformers, and grid connections can be placed. They must be connected to the grid and assigned unambiguously for successful placement. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What is the main takeaway from the Electric Definition article? | Electric Definition is the central setup page for HELIOS 3D electrical layout creation. It defines the device hierarchy, string definitions, device areas, cable trenches, layout zones, selection sets, automatic string placement, manual electrical editing, and the routing logic needed before reviewing the final electrical structure. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
