What is PVcase Ground Mount and how does it work with AutoCAD?

PVcase Ground Mount, as an AutoCAD plug-in, generates construction-ready designs and enables a continuous, efficient workflow within the Autodesk environment. As a powerful extension, PVcase enhanced existing workflows and unlocked greater efficiency without leaving AutoCAD.

Zimmermann Achieves 80% Faster Solar Design with PVcase

Zimmermann, a German solar tracker and mounting system provider, accelerated their solar design process by 21% and reduced execution time by 13% using PVcase Ground Mount integrated with AutoCAD, overcoming challenges of manual workflows and complex terrain to enable faster, more accurate layouts and quicker client responses.

How Zimmermann achieved 80% faster design processes with PVcase

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

Customer

Zimmermann
Location: Germany
Industry: Solar tracker and mounting system solutions
Employees: 60+

Key Results

21% faster design processes
1 week for new team members to work independently
13% decrease in execution time

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 MWp 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

The Challenge

Manual AutoCAD workflows slowed solar design at scale

As demand for solar projects grew, Zimmermann PV-Tracker's 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.

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

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 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.

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.