Open Source Racking for Solar Cell Modules

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Solar photovoltaic costs have plummeted to the point where racking now costs more than solar panels for small systems. We addressed this issue by creating a 3-D printable racking design that slashes costs by an astonishing 80%. The X-wire racking system consists of corner brackets and crossing steel cables . In any size X-wire system, there are nine distinct bracket configurations : (a) left back, (b) middle back, (c) right back, (d) left middle, (e) center, (f) right middle, (g) left front, (h) middle front, and (i) left front. The brackets were designed in OpenSCAD and can be customized to suit specific needs. A prototype X-wire rack was fabricated using a RepRap 3-D printer in PLA, as shown in figures, and stabilized with a steel threaded rod. This innovative design allows brackets to couple the rod and bracket into a single component. For detailed information on the bill of materials and system testing, please visit https://www.academia.edu/29779538/3-D_Printing_Solar_Photovoltaic_Racking_in_Developing_World for ground-mounted systems and https://www.academia.edu/12442737/Total_U.S._cost_evaluation_of_low-weight_tension-based_photovoltaic_flat-roof_mounted_racking for roof-mounted systems.