Generating Detailed Racking Designs using CAD

Detailed drawings are not essential, but can be useful for the following:

• Ensuring everything fits with expected clearances, particularly with a complex roof and/or when there are obstructions.

• Minimize having to redesign on the fly part way through your installation.

• Effectively communication to contractors if being used for rail installation and other components.

• Demonstrating to the building inspector a level of professionalism to reduce scrutiny in your permit application.

• Evaluate rail cut lengths to ensure joins do not land where a bolt will be on the rails or in a location that compromises rail stiffness

• Evaluate wire and cable lengths relative to inverts, optimizer and passthroughs (e.g. Soladeck)

Those are the advantages.  The disadvantages are the learning curve associated with most CAD tools and, in some cases cost if there is a license fee, and the time it takes.  An alternative is a paper drawing.  

Some CAD tools members have used include: 

• Sketchup

• Smartdraw

• SolidWorks for Makers

You may also find other membesr that have CAD software and are willing to volunteer their time to create drawings for you.

Below are some examples of CAD drawings.

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