2Components
Simplicity
Roll-A-Rack has two components. A gutter-like channel that extends for the length of the solar array row and bracket-clamps that secure the solar panel to the channel. Simple. Less inventory. Fewer parts to assemble.
Technology
Two components, formed on site.
Roll-A-Rack has two components. A gutter-like channel that extends for the length of the solar array row and bracket-clamps that secure the solar panel to the channel. Simple. Less inventory. Fewer parts to assemble.
Technology benefits
Roll-A-Rack Technology Benefits
Simplicity. Onsite Production. No Waste. Rapid Install. Minimal Ballast. Integrated Electrical Ground.
50Feet / min
Onsite production
Roll-A-Rack uses on-site, portable roll forming technology to make the gutter-like channel at the rate of 50 feet/min. The channel lies on the ground extending the length of the row. Easily accommodate last-minute changes. Fewer, more, longer, or shorter rows. No waste.
3Snap · Slide · Secure
Rapid Install
Solar panels attach to the array using patent pending Roll-A-Rack snap, slide, and secure bracket clamp technology. The solar panel is snapped onto the gutter-channel in an approximate position, slid along the gutter-channel into final position, and secured in place.
AIR GAPPatented
Minimal Ballast
Wind tunnel testing verifies that Roll-A-Rack’s low profile, integrated windshield, and patented air pressure relief gap significantly reduces wind uplift forces. Ballast needed only on the periphery of the solar array.
1 AWGEquivalent
Integrated Electrical Ground.
The Roll-A-Rack gutter channel is UL 2703-certified as a grounding conductor — electrically equivalent to a 1 AWG copper wire. No separate ground wire needed.
Patents and architecture
Patent-backed system architecture.
Roll-A-Rack's confirmed patent references and pending work are organized around a physical racking system: field-formed channel, low-profile ballast behavior, water direction, module attachment, and deployment methods.
Research
Current and upcoming research.
Roll-A-Rack's current and proposed research work focuses on deployed field testing, agricultural applications, storm-resilient array design, and future construction and maintenance methods.
Current Research
Roll-A-Rack is completing Phase I field research following implementation of the first Roll-A-Rack 4 kW urban farm pilot at Hood Honey, a small bee farm in Cleveland, Ohio.
Current research focuses on:
- Rapid on-site roll forming and installation methods
- Low-profile small farm deployment
- Pollinator-friendly solar applications
- Material handling and logistics optimization
Roll-A-Rack is preparing for Phase II research focused on evaluating how easily Roll-A-Rack arrays can be relocated to support crop rotation and changing agricultural operations.
Roll-A-Rack is currently seeking small and medium-sized farm installers and developers interested in participating as pilot partners.
Upcoming Research
NOAA SBIR Proposal: Hurricane-Resilient Solar Arrays
Roll-A-Rack is pursuing NOAA SBIR funding to further evaluate hurricane-resilient solar array designs.
Wind tunnel testing indicates that Roll-A-Rack's patented low-profile aerodynamic design can significantly reduce uplift forces and remain stable under extreme wind conditions, including Category 5 hurricane-level events with modeled wind speeds up to 250 mph at 30-meter elevation.
Roll-A-Rack is currently in the second round of NOAA proposal review and is seeking installer and developer partners in hurricane-prone regions including:
- Texas
- Louisiana
- Florida
- South Carolina
NSF SBIR Proposal: Drone-Assisted Solar Array Construction and Maintenance
Roll-A-Rack is developing an NSF SBIR research proposal focused on the feasibility of using drones to assist in the construction and maintenance of solar arrays.
Research objectives include:
- Drone-assisted lifting and placement of solar components
- Precision positioning of lightweight roll-formed structural elements
- Automated maintenance operations
- Reducing labor requirements and improving installation safety
Technical archive
Earlier conference posters and development materials are available as historical technical references. They are provided for background context, not as current product proof.
Technical diligence
Discuss technical research or pilot partnerships.
Technical review conversations can focus on patent references, current field research, SBIR proposal work, farm pilot partners, or installer and developer partnerships in hurricane-prone regions.
Contact Roll-A-Rack