Array Technologies

Array Technologies is a company that works in the solar industry, producing everything involved with solar tracking from the motorized mounting frames, to the software that follows the sun. Within the design of the solar tracking system is a specially designed sprocket with a friction clutch that is made of powdered metal. Array mates these…

The solar industry faces challenges with hailstorm-damaged panels, as insurance companies are hesitant to insure them in hail-prone areas due to a lack of data on panel durability. Array Technologies has tasked the team with creating a device that replicates the impact of hail — varying in size, speed and angle — to test panel…

This team is collaborating with Array Technologies to create an automated power tool for installing solar panels. The current manual slide hammer is effective but can be strenuous and cumbersome. The team is developing a more efficient, automated tool to reduce effort and increase speed. Using a Skil auto hammer, which delivers rapid impacts to…

Measuring and validating torque in motor and gearbox systems can be inconsistent due to limited integration between hardware and data collection tools. This project addresses that challenge by working with Array Technologies to develop a system for real-time torque measurement and analysis. The team designed a mechanical mounting structure, integrated a torque sensor and created…

Installing steel clips for solar panel alignment can be physically demanding and may lead to inconsistent results with existing tools. This project addresses that challenge by working with Array Technologies to design an ergonomic hand tool for clip installation. The team developed a spring-loaded, impulse-based tool that supports more consistent attachment while reducing physical strain….

Installing solar panels on tracking systems can require significant manual labor and increase installation time. This project addresses that challenge by working with Array Technologies to design a scaled prototype of a robotic system that assists with panel placement. The system includes a drivebase for mobility, a robotic arm for handling panels and a control…