AEROCOMPACT debuting adaptable flat roof solar racking at RE+

Photovoltaic mounting system manufacturer AEROCOMPACT is launching a brand new long-side clamping system for flat roofs at RE+, the largest clean energy event in North America, next month.

S_Base has been developed to work on different types of flat roofs, even with uneven surfaces and soft insulations. The design is meant to increase assembly speed, and simplify transportation and staging benefits with fewer system components. Plus, it can handle PV module sizes of up to 8 ft.

The S_BASE system can be installed facing the south at 5 at 10°. It is an evolution of AEROCOMPACT´s established bracket-based system COMPACTFLAT S.

“For the S_BASE system, we have newly developed a lightweight base plate with an integrated ballast-carrier. The brackets are easily ‘clicked-in’ directly into place,” said Group CTO Christian Ganahl.

Installers can piece together the new substructure with the click-in brackets and clamps without requiring tools. The system’s nested base plates are lightweight to save on storage, labor and transportation costs and offer an integrated ballast platform with wind deflectors to reduce point loading and ballast quantity. All parts are made from high-grade aluminum and stainless steel.

Design in one place with AEROTOOL.CAD plug-in

Together with the S_BASE system, AEROCOMPACT will launch a new AutoCAD plugin to assist the design process for faster ballast calculations and on-demand BOM results.

“AEROTOOL.CAD allows clients to design full projects within the familiar AutoCAD environment, which saves them time as it eliminates the need to redesign the project across multiple platforms,” Ganahl said. “It combines layout, stringing, energy and shadow simulation, obstacle definition, cable tray optimization, ballast calculation and yield simulation — all in one tool and in the shortest possible time.”

Within the software developed by AEROCOMPACT, anchors and modules can be moved and block sizes can be adjusted. Relevant data can be exported to PVSyst. Planners then receive a parts list with all electrical components and a project report. AEROTOOL.CAD is capable of automating large-scale racking designs all while using the latest ASCE design criteria and code standards.

AEROCOMPACT will be showcasing S_BASE and AEROTOOL.CAD from September 10 to 12 at the Anaheim Convention Center & Campus in Anaheim, California, at booth D25027.

News item from AEROCOMPACT