Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Skelion in SketchUp 2020
Understanding Skelion and Its Requirements
Skelion is a powerful plugin for SketchUp that focuses on solar energy design. To use Skelion effectively, you must have SketchUp Make or Pro versions from 2017 onward installed on your computer. Make sure your software is updated before proceeding with the installation of Skelion.
Preparing for Installation
Download Skelion Plugin: Begin by downloading the Skelion plugin from a reliable source. Ensure the file is saved in a location that is easy to access, as you’ll need it during the installation process.
- Launch SketchUp: Open SketchUp 2020. It’s essential to have the application running before you attempt to install the plugin.
Installing Skelion in SketchUp
Open the Extension Manager: Click on the ‘Extensions’ menu located in the top navigation bar, then select ‘Extension Manager’ from the dropdown. This opens the Extension Manager window.
Install Extension: In the Extension Manager, look for the ‘Install Extension’ button. Clicking this will prompt an Open dialog window to appear.
Locate the Skelion File: In the dialog window, navigate to the folder where you saved the Skelion plugin file. This file should be in a compressed format (.rbz). Select the file and click ‘Open’ to begin the installation.
Confirmation Prompt: If a warning appears stating that you should only install extensions from trusted sources, proceed by clicking ‘Yes.’ This confirms that you trust the Skelion plugin and want to continue with the installation.
- Complete Installation: After confirming, SketchUp will install the Skelion plugin. Once the process is complete, you should see Skelion listed among your active extensions.
Using Skelion for the First Time
Set Your Geo-Location: To start working with Skelion, you need to set a reference location. Click on ‘File,’ navigate to ‘Geo-location,’ and select ‘Add Location.’ You will then be prompted to choose a location from the Google Earth interface.
Select and Import Location: In the Google Earth window, navigate to your desired area, outline the region you want to import, and click ‘Grab.’ This imports geographical data into your SketchUp model.
- Access the Skelion Toolbar: Once you have set up your location, locate the Skelion toolbar within SketchUp. You can now begin using its various solar panel functionalities and insights for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cost of Skelion?
The Skelion plugin may have different pricing models. It often comes with a trial version, after which users may need to purchase a license for full functionality. Always check the official website for the latest pricing and licensing information.
2. Is it possible to use Skelion without an internet connection?
Once installed, Skelion can be used offline. However, certain features, such as geographical data updates, may require internet access.
3. Can Skelion be used on other versions of SketchUp?
Skelion is compatible with SketchUp Make and Pro versions from 2017 onward. It is essential to verify compatibility with your specific version of SketchUp before installation.
