Engineering Excellence
Where Solar Engineering Meets Real-World Performance
At Unirac, engineering isn’t an afterthought. It’s the foundation of every product we design. Our teams combine structural engineering, software development, materials science, and real-world installation feedback to create racking systems that get industry leading results and perform reliably for decades.
From concept to testing to field deployment, our engineering organization is focused on one goal: delivering systems that are stronger, smarter, and easier to install.
Engineering & Design Resources
150+ assigned engineering resoures
Behind every Unirac product is a large and highly specialized engineering team working across multiple disciplines.
• Commercial & Industrial Design Team
• Product Development
• Engineering Services
• U-Builder Design Tool Software Team
• Residential & Commercial Plan Set/Permit Design Team
• R&D Engineers
third-party engineering teams
Collaborate with leading third-party engineering firms to validate designs and support complex installations.
in-house validation
Unirac’s capabilities extend beyond design. Our engineering teams are supported by UL-accredited testing and development lab in Boulder, Colorado and an AC 428 compliant lab in Albuquerque, New Mexico, enabling in-house validation, prototyping, and product development. These teams work together to deliver:
• System design and structural analysis
• Product development and prototype testing
• Ongoing research and development to improve performance in the field
Our labs support key industry standards and testing capabilities including UL 3741 and UL 2703 validation, universal test machines, and prototype machining and EDM fabrication, allowing our engineers to move quickly from concept to verified performance.
designed for 25-year system life
Solar installations are long-term infrastructure. Every component we design is engineered to support decades of reliable performance.
Our products are developed using materials selected for optimal strength, high corrosion resistance, and long-term durability. Steel and aluminum components are engineered with protective coatings and material grades designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
The result is a racking system engineered to match the lifespan of the solar asset itself.
Engineering You Can Trust
Our systems are designed to meet rigorous industry standards and validated through advanced testing, simulation, and real-world performance data.
Ease of Operations & Maintenance
Engineering doesn’t stop at installation. Unirac systems are designed to simplify ongoing maintenance and service throughout the life of the system.
Some key design features on Gridflex® support efficient field access and long-term reliability, including:
pop the hood access
Service a single module, row, or full array without major disassembly.
reuseable, torqueable bolted clamps
Allow for a secure installation and repeatable service access.
Integrated Markings
Row spacing and clamp position labeling to ensure consistent installation and easier system maintenance.
Standards Compliance
Unirac products are designed and validated using industry-recognized engineering frameworks, including:
Structural Loads & Wind
ASCE 7-16 / 7-22, ASCE 49-21, & SEAOC PV2
Seismic Design
SEAOC PV1
Gravity Design
SEAOC PV3
PV Safety & Electrical Equipment
UL 2703, UL 2239, UL 3741, UL 1741, & UL 2103A
Materials & Durability
ASTM A1046, ASTM A792, ISO 9224 / ISO 9226, & UL 94
Validation & Testing
Engineering calculations are only the starting point. Every system and critical connection is validated through rigorous testing to confirm real-world performance.
Our testing approach includes:
Component testing to failure
Full-system uplift and structural testing
Grid-based load sharing validation
Material durability and corrosion testing
Performance validation under extreme environmental loads
Allowable loads are verified within each system design to ensure structural reliability and long-term durability before products ever reach the field.
Wind Engineering & Advanced Simulation
advanced aeroDynamics r&d
Advanced R&D work helps us evaluate airflow behavior and accelerate our wind engineering development cycle.
Optimized System Geometry
Detailed analysis of module height, deflector geometry, and critical gap ratios improves airflow stability and reduces wind loads on the system.
Wind Tunnel Validation
Independent wind tunnel testing conducted with RWDI, a leading Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) wind engineering firm, provides time-series pressure data used to validate system performance.
Project Design Coefficients
Measured uplift and drag coefficients are applied across multiple roof conditions, including varying parapet heights, wind zones, and tributary force areas.
Engineering Tools That Simplify System Design
Engineering excellence should also make projects easier to execute. That’s why Unirac developed U-Builder™, our design and layout platform that helps installers and developers move quickly from concept to engineered system layouts.
U-Builder™ streamlines project planning with:
• Full engineering aligned with applicable codes
• Final system designs with downloadable CAD files
• Seamless integration with HelioScope® workflows
• Row-by-row layouts and ballast distribution maps
• Site-specific engineering reports
• Support for multiple arrays and roof areas
Flexible Plan Set Options
U-Builder also simplifies the permitting process with flexible plan set support.
Commercial Projects
Construction drawing sets for commercial racking systems are generated with no design fee. Engineering stamps can be provided for a pass-through cost when required.
Residential and Commercial Permitted Plan Sets
Bundled pricing options are available, allowing customers to pay only for the services they need.
Trusted by Installers
Engineering matters most where it counts, on the roof. Installers rely on Unirac systems for their straightforward design, efficient installation, and dependable long-term performance.
From faster labor flow to intuitive system layouts, real-world feedback continues to shape how we design and improve our products.
ALL ENERGY SOLAR, MINNESOTA
“Makes it easier to carry more materials to the roof with less effort”
“Designed to work efficiently with a smaller team”
“Because the materials are lightweight, installers can easily fix any mistakes during installation”
NATIONAL ENERGY CONTROL, INDIANA
“Design is self-explanatory when presenting
it to customers”
“Less ballast utilization”
LARGE COMMUNITY SOLAR DEVELOPER
“System installation was fast”
“Wire management is intuitive to access and retains conductors well”
“Ease of access to the roof with the Pop the Hood feature”
COMMONWEALTH SOLAR, KANSAS
“Work-flow assigning specific roles to the team members”
“Faster labor flow on the roof after pre-assembling the system”
“The possibility to place all the ballast and work with the wire management without laying panels down”