RepRap 3-D printing has already been shown to be a versatile tool for fabricating novel photovoltaic racking designs, however, they can also be useful for installing conventional PV modules on conventional racking. In order to ensure appropriate spacing and well oriented array these open-source photovoltaic spacers can be printed. The design has been created to be parametric in OpenSCAD so this design can be used for any conventional array.
The concept and testing of the design was performed by SolarUP
The device is 100% 3-D printable and should be printed with a reasonable infill as this is a tool that will be used on a construction site. PLA is fine although other materials can be used.
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Fig 1: Side view PV spacer between modules for a roof installation
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Fig 2: 2 PV spacers in place on both ends of module
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Fig 3: Top view of PV spacer
Source Code[edit | edit source]
OpenSCAD[edit | edit source]
All measurements in mm
s=6.35; // 1/4 inch spacing
l=12.7; // 1/2 inch lip
d=25.5; // 1 inch down
x=127; // 5 inch length
$fn=100;
union(){
cube([l+l+s,s,x], center=true); // lip
translate([0,-d/2-s/2,0])cube([s,d,x], center=true); // spacer
translate([0,d+5,0])cylinder(r=s, h=x, center=true); // handle
translate([0,d/1.5,d*2.25-.25])cube([d,1.5*d,d/2], center=true); // handle connector
translate([0,d/1.5,-d*2.25+.25])cube([d,1.5*d,d/2], center=true); // handle connector
}
See also[edit | edit source]
- Open source DIY solar photovoltaic racking
- Low-cost pole and wire photovoltaic racking
- Impacts of Location on Designs and Economics of DIY Low-Cost Fixed-Tilt Open Source Wood Solar Photovoltaic Racking
- Distributed manufacturing with 3-D printing: a case study of recreational vehicle solar photovoltaic mounting systems
- 3-D Printing Solar Photovoltaic Racking in Developing World
- Total U.S. cost evaluation of low-weight tension-based photovoltaic flat-roof mounted racking
- Design of Post-Consumer Modification of Standard Solar Modules to Form Large-Area Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Roof Slates
- Distributed manufacturing of after market flexible floating photovoltaic modules