Autodesk design software used for competitive edge in UK solar market

Cleaner Air Solutions, a UK-based leader in the specification, design, supply and installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, is successfully using software from Autodesk to meet rising demand for its products and services in the United Kingdom, one of the fastest-growing solar markets in the world.

Cleaner Air Solutions says Autodesk software has given the company an advantage in designing its customized installations, which can be fitted into locations not previously feasible — including unusual roof types and back gardens  — differentiating Cleaner Air Solutions from other solar installation businesses and earning a more devoted customer base.

By signing up for the Autodesk Clean Tech Partner Program — which provides software to established and emerging clean tech companies in North America, Europe and Japan — Cleaner Air Solutions began using Digital Prototyping software, including Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk Showcase software.

The company uses these tools to streamline its process of designing customized arrays of PV panels, clamps and mounting systems capable of fitting whatever space is available, and to then develop compelling, photorealistic renderings to reveal to customers how the proposed installation will be achieved and how it will look.  

“Escalating competition levels, coupled with the growing need to develop solutions that are tailored to the precise needs of customers, makes it critical for organizations like ours to use the best available technological tools to do our work efficiently and cost-effectively,” said Andy Craddock, operations manager at Cleaner Air Solutions. “Having access to 3D software like Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk Showcase through the Clean Tech Partner Program enables us to develop more innovative products; dramatically reduce project risk and overall project lifecycles; and drive rapid but well-informed decision making.”

The shortened turnaround time for projects has enabled Cleaner Air Solutions to take on more new business, and the company has plans in place to recruit up to 50 new staff members to accommodate its growth.

“Cleaner Air Solutions is using Digital Prototyping to outcompete its rivals in a crowded marketplace,” said Robert “Buzz” Kross, senior vice president, Manufacturing Industry Group at Autodesk. “With the help of Autodesk 3D mechanical design and visualization software, they can produce better, more differentiated products faster than ever before.”