Rexplorer API

The Rexplorer API provides 3D building data for nearly all buildings in Germany. The models are compact and optimized for use in PV*SOL®. The roof surfaces are textured with orthophotos to allow for the inclusion of dormers and other roof structures in the planning process.

Sample building models from the Rexplorer API

Rexplorer offers high-quality 3D building models for nearly every building in Germany via the PV*SOL® premium interface. Available starting with version 2026 R5.

  • You must be logged in to register.
  • The first 10 locations are free
  • After that, you can switch to the paid plan (which offers unlimited access)
  • For each location query, you will receive all buildings within a 100-meter radius.

Learn more about Rexplorer and the 3D building models for PV*SOL® here: https://pvsol.rexplorer.ee/

Terms of use

By using the Rexplorer API, you agree to Rexplorer’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. For more information, click here

Terms of Use: https://rexplorer.ee/terms/

Privacy Policy: https://rexplorer.ee/privacy/

Overview of the Process

This section briefly explains the steps involved in a typical planning process using data from the Rexplorer API.

You’ll need your own API key for the Rexplorer API. You can create one quickly and easily—see below. Since the email address used in PV*SOL® is also used for Rexplorer, you must be logged in to PV*SOL® to register.

  1. A new 3D project is started
  2. The “Map section” mode is selected
  3. If you do not yet have an API key for Rexplorer, please follow the registration steps described below
  4. If the Rexplorer API is enabled, you can place a yellow pin on the building you want to plan in the Rexplorer section
  5. For a circle with a radius of 100 meters and the pin as its center, all building objects within the circle are downloaded. Only buildings whose center lies within the circle are included. An orthophoto with a pixel size of 300 meters is provided as the background. A preview window provides a 3D view of the downloaded buildings. If you find any errors in the models, you can report them directly to Rexplorer.
  6. These objects can then be imported into the 3D Editor.
  7. If the 3D editor has opened successfully, the building objects are immediately available
  8. Done!

Map Section

The Rexplorer API section of the Map Section window may be structured differently depending on whether an API key for Rexplorer is available and which map provider has been selected. However, you can always manage the API key. Clicking the link opens the corresponding dialog.

Availability

Rexplorer currently only provides models for Germany. For this reason, the API is not available on maps that do not cover Germany. The following message will then appear in the map tool:

You are not yet logged in to PV*SOL®

If you are not logged in to PV*SOL® , you cannot use the Rexplorer feature. Please log in first with a valid PV*SOL® account.

No Rexplorer API key has been generated yet

If you do not yet have an API key for Rexplorer, or if you have not yet entered it in PV*SOL® , only the button for managing the API key will appear. Clicking the button will take you to the window where you can manage the API key.

Manage the Rexplorer API key

In this dialog, you can manage your Rexplorer API key.

  • If you don’t have a Rexplorer API key yet, simply leave the API key field blank. An account will then be automatically created on Rexplorer using the email address displayed above, and an API key will be generated.

When you sign up, your email address will be transmitted to Rexplorer’s servers. Rexplorer’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use apply.

  • If you already have an API key from Rexplorer, you can simply enter it here.

  • If you have forgotten your API key, you can retrieve it in the Rexplorer portal.

An overview of the individual features

With a valid API key, you have access to the following features.

  • Set Pin button:
    Switch to “Pin Placement”-mode. Click the left mouse button to place a yellow pin on the map at the tip of the cursor. You can exit this mode by clicking the right mouse button or pressing the ESC key. While this mode is active, you cannot zoom or move the map.
  • Delete Pin button:
    If there is a pin on the map, it can be deleted. If the pin does not cover the desired area, you can use the Delete Pin button to remove the current pin and place a new one.
  • Download 3D Building Data button:
    All buildings within a 100-metre radius of the selected centre point will be downloaded. This includes all buildings whose centre lies within the yellow circle. Depending on the size and complexity of the models, this process may take some time. If the download was successful, the Preview window will open. If an error occurred, a window with an error message will be displayed. In this case, please contact our support team.

The Preview Window

In the preview window, you can see a 3D preview of the downloaded building data

The preview window displays the 3D building data downloaded from the Rexplorer API. Here, you can also report incorrect models to Rexplorer. To do so, please use the Send Feedback on Location button. Clicking transfers the 3D building data to the 3D environment.

Importing Data from the Map Section

After the data has been successfully imported, the following message will appear below the map section preview

After clicking “Start” the data will be imported into the 3D project.

Working with Rexplorer 3D Building Models

View of Rexplorer building models in the 3D visualization

The Rexplorer buildings imported into the 3D visualization are listed in the tree view on the left. The 3D models can be edited in the same way as regular 3D models.

Ground surface
The ground surface forms the basis of Rexplorer mode. It fills the space between the buildings with the corresponding height values.

Delete Ground Surface
If the ground surface is deleted, the project mode is reset to default. This means it is no longer a “Rexplorer” project.

Edit Buildings
Rexplorer’s 3D models can be moved, scaled, or deleted just like conventional 3D models. Of course, additional structures can also be extruded. To cover the buildings with PV modules, coverage areas must first be drawn.

Restore
The Restore button allows you to restore moved and deleted objects.

Raise / Lift the Ground surface
This button toggles the ground surface on or off, as indicated by the small LED. When active, all buildings and objects are raised to the height of the base. This applies not only to Rexplorer models but also to all other objects (e.g., trees) located within the ground surface’s area.

Draw Coverage Area
To place modules on a 3D building, you must first draw an coverage area.

See also