ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Unirac, Inc., North America’s leading provider of infrastructure for solar power systems, has expanded its “Digital Advantage” initiative with the launch of three mobility-related solutions: U-Clinometer, the only inclinometer application offering tilt and angle that is compatible with the Apple iPhone™, iPod™ Touch and iPad™; the Unirac QR-Code Reader; and Unirac Mobile 2.0, a new version of the Unirac website optimized for mobile devices. These complementary — and complimentary — offerings make it easier for solar installers, contractors and project engineers to do business with Unirac as they have the tools they need to access critical information anywhere, anytime.
“When the team is on a roof, it’s extremely convenient to be able to download installation information and check tilt and pitch without having to descend to take measurements. Mobility tools like these help us increase the installation rate and reduce project cycle times.”
As the first solar company to launch a mobile platform, in 2008, Unirac offers apps and websites specifically tailored to meet the needs of solar contractors and installers, regardless of location. In addition to the U-Clinometer, Unirac QR-Code Reader and the mobile website, the Unirac Digital Advantage makes it easier for installation teams to get the job done via resources such as web portals, Microsoft Photosynth™ for 3D views, and online configurators for bills of materials and price and engineering — all without leaving their rooftop location.
“The maturation of the solar industry is leading to an increasing demand among our customers for new digital tools to support a faster and easier installation process of our solar racking systems,” said Doug May, president and CEO of Unirac. “We’re always on the lookout for ways to leverage new tech in our support tools. With a smartphone in the pocket of about 80 percent of the U.S. population, it’s good sense to offer a mobile website, QR codes and an inclinometer app. As evidence, we’ve seen an average of 100 downloads a day since our Digital Advantage apps went live last week.”
Unirac is the only solar infrastructure company to provide a mobile application for measuring slope angles, a necessary activity in the installation of solar roof mount systems such as Unirac’s SolarMount-I. The U-Clinometer, specifically developed for the PV racking industry, is the first to determine array angles and roof pitch in an easy-to-use and -read format designed for solar and roofing contractors. With two digital readouts, the user can easily determine the angle when placing the device on edge. When the device is laid flat, its display shows the pitch. The U-Clinometer is available now for the Apple iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad via the iTunes App Store at no cost, with support for additional smartphones and mobile devices planned for later in 2011.
“The U-Clinometer and the mobile website are both great time-savers and as the saying goes, time is money,” said Bruce Bosworth, owner of San Diego Solar Install. “When the team is on a roof, it’s extremely convenient to be able to download installation information and check tilt and pitch without having to descend to take measurements. Mobility tools like these help us increase the installation rate and reduce project cycle times.”
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Unirac is also the first solar infrastructure company to launch a free QR (Quick Response) Code Reader, also available now for multiple devices in the iTunes App Store. When the reader is open, a user need only point the camera at the QR barcode and click the scan option. Within a few seconds, the app delivers unique content directly to the device — for example, information on sales incentives, installation guidelines, blueprints, and other support documentation for Unirac products — with no clicking, typing or hard-to-remember website addresses.
As part of Unirac’s dedication to environmentally responsible business practices, the company will save waste at trade shows by offering product information via QR code. Customers will also be able to download information via the QR code that appears on company advertisements and collateral.
Links to additional information:
- U-Clinometer: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/u-clinometer/id432627665?mt=8
- Unirac QR-Code Reader: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/unirac-qr-code-reader/id432644956?mt=8
- Unirac Mobile 2.0: http://www.unirac.com/residential/mobile
- Doug May, CEO of Unirac: http://www.unirac.com/executive-team
- Unirac SolarMount-I™: http://www.unirac.com/residential/residential-products/solarmounti-residential
- San Diego Solar Install: http://www.sandiegosolarinstall.com/
About Unirac®
Unirac, a Hilti company, is North America’s leading provider of infrastructure for solar power systems. Recognized as an industry innovator on both the product and process side, Unirac is one of the fastest growing companies in the solar industry. Unirac has achieved certifications for both ISO 9001:2008 for QMS and ISO 14001:2004 for EMS. Its industrial-grade solar mount solutions meet ‘Made in America’, ‘Buy American’, ARRA and Ontario Power Authority FIT and microFIT criteria. For more information about Unirac, please visit www.unirac.com.
©2011 Unirac. Unirac and SolarMount-I are trademarks or registered trademarks of Unirac in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. All rights reserved.
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