AutoCAD Electrical & Solar Design Study Plan
This 4-week study plan is designed to help you learn the basics of AutoCAD Electrical and Solar Design using free tools.
It includes daily study topics, video tutorials, hands-on exercises, and open-source or trial tools to build real-world skills.
Week 1 - Master the CAD Interface & Drafting Basics
Goal: Understand how to draw, modify, and organize objects in 2D CAD.
Tools:
- NanoCAD Free (https://nanocad.com/products/nanoCAD/download/)
- OR AutoCAD Web (https://web.autocad.com/)
Learn:
- Interface navigation, layers, line types
- Draw tools: Line, circle, arc, polyline
- Modify tools: Move, copy, trim, offset
- Object snap (OSNAP), grid, scale
Watch:
- NanoCAD Beginner Tutorial (YouTube, 30 min)
- AutoCAD 2D Basics Tutorial (YouTube, 1 hr)
Practice:
- Draw a simple floor plan or panel layout.
- Use layers to organize different parts (e.g., wires, symbols).
Week 2 - Learn Electrical Drafting Concepts
Goal: Create basic electrical circuits and use real-world electrical symbols.
Learn:
- What is an electrical schematic?
- Electrical symbols: resistors, switches, breakers, wires
- How to organize circuits and labels
Watch:
- AutoCAD Electrical Symbols & Schematic Tutorial (YouTube, 35 min)
- Create Electrical Drawing in AutoCAD (YouTube, 20 min)
Resources:
- Download DWG symbols from:
- https://www.cadblocksfree.com/en/electrical.html
- https://www.mepcontent.eu
Practice:
- Create a simple home electrical circuit diagram.
- Label wires and components using layers.
Week 3 - Solar PV System Layout Design
AutoCAD Electrical & Solar Design Study Plan
Goal: Design a basic solar layout using online tools, and combine with CAD.
Tools:
- PV*SOL Online (https://pvsol-online.valentin-software.com)
- HelioScope (https://www.helioscope.com)
Learn:
- Solar panel arrangement (rooftop or ground)
- Inverter placement
- DC/AC wiring layout
Watch:
- HelioScope Beginner Tutorial (YouTube, 12 min)
- Solar Design & Layout Basics (YouTube, 25 min)
Practice:
- Create a solar array layout using your rooftop or example layout.
- Export wiring layout and trace it in NanoCAD.
Week 4 - Combine Everything: Wiring + PV Design + Drafting
Goal: Integrate your skills - create a basic solar electrical diagram with layout.
Learn:
- Title blocks, legends, wire tags
- Layout + schematic connection
- Professional drawing practices
Watch:
- Electrical Plan Full Example in AutoCAD (YouTube, 45 min)
Final Project:
- Draw:
1. PV panel layout (from HelioScope or PV*SOL)
2. Basic single-line wiring diagram
3. Inverter + breaker + connection to grid
- Add title block and export as PDF.
