
Solar Infra Solar Module Design Using SolidWorks Simulation
Case study showing how Solar Infra used SolidWorks 3D CAD and Simulation to develop rugged solar modules for extreme environments.
Solar Infra partnered with Sandia National Laboratories to design the ACE solar module capable of withstanding hurricane winds, heavy snow loads, and high temperatures. The team used integrated SolidWorks CAD and FEA tools to iterate designs, validate structural and thermal performance, and incorporate a microinverter directly into the module. This approach doubled frame strength, cut manufacturing costs by 25 percent, and saved $100,000 in prototype expenses.
Integrated CAD-FEA workflow accelerated design validation for extreme environment loads
Module frame strength doubled while adding only 4 percent weight
Microinverter integration extended inverter lifecycle from 10 to 25 years
Virtual simulation replaced physical prototypes, saving $100,000 in development costs
Manufacturing operating expenses reduced by 25 percent through optimized design