BigBelly Solar

Using SolidWorks software, BigBelly Solar was able to reduce material costs while improving product quality.

The Challenge

BigBelly Solar designs and manufactures innovative solar-powered trash compaction systems that lower fuel costs and carbon emissions by reducing garbage truck pickups and trips. Selecting an efficient 3D CAD platform for developing the BigBelly system was an important consideration for the startup company, in order to build and satisfy the needs of a new market.

The Solution

The company chose SolidWorks CAD software because of its ease of use and widespread popularity among design and manufacturing partners. BigBelly Solar also valued the software’s visualization, sheet-metal design, and integrated analysis capabilities. By implementing SolidWorks software, BigBelly Solar developed the world’s first solar-powered trash compactor; increased its sales 300 percent following product redesign; cut its material costs by using 30 percent fewer steel parts; and improved its design quality and control.

Success Metric

  • Developed the world’s first solar-powered trash compactor

  • Increased sales 300 percent following product redesign

  • Cut material costs by using 30 percent fewer steel parts

  • Improved design quality and control