-- This project is inactive --
The Georgia Tech Applied Research Corporation (GTARC/GTRI), Radiance Solar, a low cost solar integrator, and Suniva, a US based high efficiency, low cost cell and module manufacturer collaborate to develop a commercially ready, next generation solar PV balance of system design. The objective can be accomplished through reengineering module design, systems integration, materials selection, and wire management, while also limiting contingencies.
The project objective of SIMPLE BoS is: the development of a commercially ready, next generation solar photovoltaic (PV) balance of system (BoS) designs, through reduction of racking/mounting hardware costs and associated labor costs by fifty percent of industry best practice. By reengineering module design, integration, materials, and wire management while also limiting contingencies, SIMPLE BoS will reduce racking/mounting hardware costs along with associated labor costs by fifty percent of industry best practice.
The SIMPLE BoS project utilizes systems engineering for designing, testing, and manufacturing the project designs. The transition from stakeholder requirements and conceptual ideas to pre- commercial product in Year 3 and ultimately a commercial product in Year 5 will necessitate fulfillment of annual objectives that support toll-gate reviews. Quantitative and qualitative testing methods are used to inform design decisions.
Georgia Tech is developing residential, commercial, and utility solar PV racking and mounting systems that reduce hardware and labor costs by 50% over current industry best practices. Design innovations are being pursued across multiple pathways, including:
- Reduced part count
- Standardization
- Factory assembly
- Wire management
- Reduced roof penetrations
- Tool-less systems
- Integrating assembly line processes
- Pre-panel assembly
- Significant material reduction
- Self-squaring
- Prefabrication
- Factory assembly
- Structural/material efficiencies
- Self-stability/ballasting