Zimmermann Achieves 80% Faster Solar Design with PVcase

Zimmermann, a German solar tracker and mounting system company, achieved an 80% faster solar design process and 50% reduction in execution time by integrating PVcase with AutoCAD, enabling new team members to work independently within two weeks and enhancing project performance with features like the 'garden plant' for optimal tracker alignment on varied slopes.

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How Zimmermann achieved 80% faster design processes with PVcase

Zimmermann transformed AutoCAD into a solar design powerhouse with PVcase — enabling 50% faster execution time.

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Customer

Zimmermann

Location

Germany

Industry

Solar tracker and mounting system solutions

Employees

60+

Key results

80%

faster design processes

2weeks

for new team members to work independently

50%

decrease in execution time

The Customer

Learn more about Zimmermann PV-Tracker

Since 2017, Zimmermann PV-Tracker has provided high-quality substructures for ground-mounted solar projects across 10 countries, delivering over 500 MW of solar energy. Their expertise in mounting solutions, terrain analysis, and tracker systems continues to drive innovation in renewable energy.

How Zimmermann cuts design time by 80% with PVcase - YouTube

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Since 2017, Zimmermann PV-Tracker has provided high-quality substructures far ground-mounted solar projects across 10 countries, delivering over 500 Mp of solar energy. Their expertise in mounting solutions, terrain analysis, and tracker systems continues to drive innovation in renewable energy.

”We worked with PVcase to develop a 'garden plant' feature that keeps all tracker strings sun-facing on varying slopes, giving our clients a significant performance edge.”

Hannes Elsen

Engineering Team Lead

Hannes Elsen in an interview

The Challenge

Manual AutoCAD workflows slowed solar design at scale

As demand for solar projects grew, Zimmermann PV-Tracker engineering team faced major challenges: manual workflows, difficulties designing on complex terrain, and slower client response times.

Time-consuming manual tasks

Engineers spent hours calculating pole lengths and adjusting layouts within AutoCAD. This slowed down project timelines and limited capacity for new bids.

Struggles with undulating terrain

Manually adapting layouts to slopes often resulted in mismatched pole lengths and stability risks during construction.

Slow client turnaround

The manual repetition of design steps made it harder to deliver quick feedback and adapt to client requirements in real time.

PVcase Ground Mount 3D layout of utility-scale solar rows

Ground Mount

Design construction-ready projects 90% faster. PVcase Ground Mount, built on AutoCAD, automates utility-scale solar design, adapting complex layouts to real-word terrain with unmatched accuracy.

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The solution

Enabling faster delivery and higher-confidence PV layouts

Zimmermann adopted PVcase Ground Mount to streamline solar design directly within AutoCAD. As a powerful extension, PVcase enhanced their existing workflows and unlocked greater efficiency without leaving the familiar AutoCAD environment.

More precision in design

PVcase automated pole length calculations and terrain analysis directly in AutoCAD, providing accurate ramming depths and exact pole lengths for thousands of piles — critical for safe installations on varied slopes.

Automated workflows

Replacing repetitive manual steps with automation halved design time, allowing faster project iterations and quicker responses to client requests.

Custom innovation

Collaborating with PVcase, Zimmermann introduced a garden plant feature for tracker systems, ensuring optimal solar alignment even on uneven terrain.

Improved client interaction

Features such as slope checks, framing presets, and collision analysis gave engineers the ability to validate layouts quickly and provide clients with preliminary designs and material tables directly from AutoCAD.

Responsive support

PVcase’s support team enabled smooth onboarding, fast troubleshooting, and incorporated Zimmermann’s feedback into product updates.

”PVcase accelerated our design process and delivered precise pile information for undulating terrain, ensuring accurate ramming depths — crucial for both safety and project efficiency.”

Hannes Elsen

Engineering Team Lead

Hannes Elsen in an interview

Results

Faster, more accurate solar design at scale

The strategic move of PVcase Ground Mount adoption unlocked 80% faster workflows, automated complex tasks, and improved collaboration — all while maintaining the precision and environment Zimmermann's team already knew.

80% faster design processes

Automation of pole length calculations and terrain analysis within AutoCAD cut design time dramatically, accelerating project delivery.

Faster iterations and adjustments

The automated workflows in PVcase enable for significantly quicker design iterations and adjustments directly within the familiar AutoCAD platform. Engineers can rapidly generate and refine multiple design scenarios, leading to an 80% boost in design efficiency and a faster response to client requests and project changes.

Greater accuracy in complex terrain

With precise pole lengths generated up front, on-site adjustments were minimized, ensuring stable and secure installations.

Enhanced client collaboration

Faster layouts and detailed material tables delivered through AutoCAD boosted client confidence and sped up approvals.

Competitive innovation

The garden plant tracker feature gave Zimmermann an edge in performance and flexibility across diverse terrains.

Simplified training

New engineers reached independence in just two weeks, thanks to PVcase’s intuitive interface layered seamlessly onto AutoCAD.

One seamless workflow in AutoCAD — from layout to construction-ready design

PVcase Ground Mount, as an AutoCAD plug-in, generates construction-ready designs and enables a continuous, efficient workflow within the Autodesk environment.

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Unlock these results for your business today

With PVcase Ground Mount, Zimmermann turned AutoCAD into a solar design powerhouse — transforming manual tasks into fast, accurate workflows. Your team can too.