This guide walks you through measuring your roof with Areaplane's Google Maps calculator, estimating how many panels will fit, sizing a system in kilowatts, and understanding whether battery storage like a Tesla Powerwall makes sense for your home. Draw your roof area below to get a quick layout estimate — and open Photonik Pro for full multi-roof designs with accurate solar generation figures. Proper solar panel placement drives how much energy your system produces and how strong the business case is. Provide roof size, obstructions and panel size to estimate fit. For install-ready plans and structural checks, purchase a printable plan or consult a. They work by using satellite imagery to measure your roof's shape and orientation. That chimney, those skylights, the roof vents –. In the design and installation of photovoltaic systems, calculating rooftop solar panel dimensions is a critical factor that determines the success of a project. Tip: Gross area = Net module area × Layout factor (accounts for.