Course Overview

This course provides a clear and practical introduction to solar shading analysis within IESVE. Designed for users already confident in creating building geometry, it shows how site context, neighbouring structures, and shading strategies influence solar exposure and building performance.

Through step‑by‑step lessons, you’ll learn how to generate shading and solar exposure images. You’ll also learn to run solar calculations to apply the results directly within your dynamic simulation workflows. The course explores different ways to model shading devices: either as geometry or constructions and how to compare design scenarios, to quantify performance impacts and support better-informed design decisions for occupant comfort, energy efficiency, and compliance outcomes.

By the end of the course, you’ll understand how optimised shading strategies deliver measurable improvements across multiple performance metrics, strengthening the role of solar analysis within integrated VE workflows.

What You'll Learn

This course is certified for 1 CPD hour, with optional bonus learning videos at the end. It covers the following key concepts, tools and workflows.

  • How to generate solar shading, solar energy and solar exposure images

  • How to run and interpret SunCast solar shading calculations

  • How to incorporate solar shading into dynamic simulations to evaluate impacts across multiple performance metrics

  • Techniques for modelling different shading devices and control profiles

  • How to compare shading strategies and simulation scenarios

Course curriculum

    1. Overview

    2. The Basics of SunCast

    3. Test: The Basics of SunCast

    4. Model: The Basics of SunCast

    1. Solar Shading Images: Part 1

    2. Solar Shading Images: Part 2

    3. Test: Solar Shading Images

    4. Resources: Solar Shading Images

    1. External Solar Analysis

    2. Test: External Solar Analysis

    1. Link to SunCast in ApacheSim

    2. Test: Link to SunCast in ApacheSim

    3. FAQ: What effect does SunCast link have during Apache simulations?

    1. Impact of Solar Shading on Simulation Results Part 1

    2. Impact of Solar Shading on Simulation Results Part 2

    3. Test: Impact of Solar Shading on Simulation Results

    4. Model: Impact of Solar Shading on Simulation Results

    1. Additional Demo: Using IESVE to model Shading Devices in a Dynamic Thermal Simulation

    2. Notes: Using IESVE to model Shading Devices in a Dynamic Thermal Simulation

    3. Additional Demo: Using IESVE to perform Shading and Solar Insolation Analyses

    4. Notes: Using IESVE to perform Shading and Solar Insolation Analyses

    5. Additional Demo: Using the IESVE to model Shading Devices in a Dynamic Thermal Simulation Specific to the Asian Market

    6. Notes: Using the IESVE to model Shading Devices in a Dynamic Thermal Simulation Specific to the Asian Market

About this course

  • Free
  • 23 lessons
  • 4 hours of video content

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long do I have access to the course?
    Add your contYou will have access to this course for 3 months from the date you enrol, giving you plenty of time to complete the training at your own pace. If you would like to continue access after this period, you can simply re-enrol - your course progress and certificate will still be availableent here.
  • Will I recieve a certificate?
    Yes – an IES certificate of completion will be available once you have finished the course.
  • Any other questions
    If you have any further questions, please contact the IES Training team at [email protected]