If you want to design a solar ground mount, where do you start?
Do you try various solar array configurations to find an optimal fit for your space? Do you add and subtract PV modules to explore dimensional layouts in real-time? Do you base your design on possible wind and snow extremes for your region? Do you test the possibilities of ground clearance to maximize your land usability? Do you try various solar array configurations to find an optimal fit for your space? Do you add and subtract PV modules to explore dimensional layouts in real-time? Do you base your design on possible wind and snow extremes for your region? Do you test the possibilities of ground clearance to maximize your land usability?
Whatever’s driving your solar mount project, there are a lot of factors to consider. To achieve power-generation goals and protect your energy and property investments, you need to account for all of them. But, this means the mount design process can be complex and time-intensive.
We wanted to provide a solution that streamlined and optimized solar mount design. With the growing variety of PV module sizes introduced in recent years, we needed to make sure solar array configuration was more adaptable.
As we’ve done with our mount hardware and installation methods, we looked for opportunities to remove complications and slowdowns from the design process. But, we had to ensure that structural integrity was always verifiable, especially as we aimed to put more of the design in the hands of installers and end users like you–so that you were the driver of your project’s pace and planning.
We needed a tool that made the mount design intuitive, flexible, and also fast. Besides accounting for the more advanced and technical aspects of engineering a ground mount, it had to confirm that integrity wasn’t lost through customization.
These priorities lead to the development of the Solar Mount AutoDesigner. Below, we’ll explore the technology that’s built into its features, what its capabilities mean for you, and how you can use them to your greatest advantage.
What is the Solar Mount AutoDesigner?
The Solar Mount AutoDesigner is MT Solar’s custom mount design and automated modeling software. It was developed for us by structural engineering software and API developer, SkyCiv.
Since offering it to our customers, the AutoDesigner has become a consequential tool for the mount design process. Full configuration of the mount, foundation, and solar array can be completed using a range of project-specific data, from a few basic parameters to more complex details.
Designs can be quickly customized and modified to suit a range of goals and priorities, such as generating substantial off-grid power in challenging environments, meeting HOA specifications, or creating the ideal argivoltaic setup.
The AutoDesigner is more than just a solar mount designer, it’s an engineering tool and project planning resource that outputs a 3D rendering, utilization rating, price quote, calculation packet, and other specs that are ready for a Professional Engineer (PE) stamp. It’s also indispensable for saving time. The AutoDesigner advances the mount configuration process from the most basic project parameters to a complete design in several minutes.
Automated, Powerful Design Technology by SkyCiv
The AutoDesigner’s capabilities were made possible thanks to the fundamental features of MT Solar top-of-pole mounts and SkyCiv’s exceptional API-driven software. While the AutoDesigner itself is highly complex and capable, our goals for it were simple.
Speed Up the Process
Our customers needed a way to input project details and get a definitive mount design as efficiently as possible. This meant automating the steps that otherwise require back-and-forth and multiple sign-offs from multiple parties. Ordinarily, the turnaround time to design a mount can be anywhere from a few days to several weeks. This timeframe will vary based on the coordination between the customer, project managers, designers, engineers, and others, and it’s not uncommon to hit snags or lose critical details along the way.
AutoDesigner was built to perform the same design, engineering, and verification tasks automatically, and in just minutes. Key project parameters and detailed location data are seamlessly integrated and applied to assemble a mount design and determine comprehensive technical specs, which are output in a straightforward calculation packet and detailed construction drawings. From start to finish, the process is maintained in the AutoDesigner so nothing is lost or overlooked, even as a range of data is applied and numerous features are configured.
Ensure Accuracy
Automation is only useful if the results are accurate. To achieve this accuracy with the AutoDesigner, SkyCiv’s API features account for an impressive range of critical engineering standards. These standards are built in to ensure that the mount’s structural integrity, performance, and resistance are matched to environmental and ground-level attributes of the installation site, as well as all project goals.
SkyCiv’s API performs automatic checks using comprehensive engineering and industrial criteria, including ASCE 7-16, ACI 318, AISC 360, and IBC standards. Because of these capabilities, virtually anyone can input their project details and come away with mount specs that have undergone rigorous, real-time structural engineering, with results that are ready to be PE signed and certified.
Make It Accessible
Powerful automation and engineering data amount to a tool that’s easy to use and reliable. As a result, our customers have the freedom to drive the pace and progress of their projects regardless of their familiarity with a solar mount’s structure. They also have access to the details whenever they’re needed. This is made possible through SkyCiv’s file management and reporting features. Every mount you design through the AutoDesigner and save to your MT Solar account will include diagrams and specs you can access throughout your project simply by visiting your account dashboard and project list.
What Can You Do with the AutoDesigner?
Access to the AutoDesigner means you have multiple ways to advance your project and realize your solar power generation goals. It’s a powerful digital tool that gives you more than a mount design.
Create a Design That’s Catered to Your Requirements
Even the most straightforward solar ground mount is unique. Whether it’s the configuration of your solar array, the soil attributes of your installation terrain, or the potential for high winds and flooding in your area, you can create a design that suits your project goals, while trusting that it’s structurally suited to its location.
Customize and Make Adjustments Quickly
Sometimes projects need modification or the design process reveals the potential for improvements. Since you can make changes with a few clicks–and see the difference almost instantly–customizations, adjustments, and revisions won’t amount to significant project slowdowns. Even as the design is altered, you keep peace of mind from knowing your mount’s reliability will be automatically verified. This gives you the flexibility to see how a larger solar array or higher ground clearance will impact the form and function of your mount. With faster customization capabilities, you can see possibilities you might not have considered. You can also efficiently make adjustments if your design needs to be revised for municipal, HOA, or other AHJ compliance, which saves significant time and energy during the approval and permitting stages.
Confirm Utilization
To get the greatest results and return from your investment, you’ll want to confirm that your mount’s structural integrity is adequate and its energy-generating capacity is optimal. The utilization rating is a key metric for balancing both requirements. The AutoDesigner provides this rating during the quoting process. It is represented as a percentage and indicates how much of the mount’s potential capacity is utilized. The utilization rating is determined by comparing many factors, but the array tilt and the location’s wind and snow loads are the most critical. If a design does not receive a passing utilization rating, it will be necessary to change some of the mount’s design parameters to ensure it will fully support the array and withstand peak environmental forces.
Get a Quote and Design Specs Needed for Project Estimates
The AutoDesigner provides the fastest means to get a quote on an MT Solar mount. In addition to a price quote, you can use this tool to generate the important details you’ll need to get other estimates, including measurements and details needed for foundation material estimates, steel pole sourcing, and any services you’ll need to coordinate for the installation and assembly process. With an MT Solar account, you can efficiently advance through the design process to the project planning stages by saving your mount design as a project. From there, you can build a project list, which makes it easy to keep track of your add-ons and efficiently prepare your order.
Get Signature-Ready Design Specifications and Construction Drawings
Permits are a common requirement for solar projects. The AutoDesigner produces a calculation packet and construction drawings that often must be included with permit documentation. These details are ready for a professional engineer’s stamp, which we can help you acquire. Additionally, the AutoDesigner’s specs will give engineers all the structural data they need to create custom foundations or other structures you may need for a specialty solar project.
How to Get Started Using the Solar Mount AutoDesigner
The AutoDesigner is yours to use as part of your MT Solar account. After logging in, you’ll need the following details to get started:
- The dimensions of the PV modules you plan to use for your project
- The total number of PV modules that will make up your solar array
- Your installation address
- Your minimal ground clearance requirements
With this information, you can start building a mount design. From there, you can check its utilization rating, review a 3D rendering, get a quote, and get closer to realizing your solar mount. You can also view our AutoDesigner How-To video series to see how to use different features of this tool.
