Mechanized lifts using gas or electric-powered motors have been developed for the roofing industry and have been adapted for the solar industry. However, the lifts are usually large—sometimes large enough to require an additional truck to haul it to the site. Their greatest value comes when many modules need to be lifted. The TopLift Eco ($5,900, by Boecker USA; www.boeckeramericas.com) is one option specifically marketed for PV modules. It can hoist up to 330 pounds to 67 feet, and its drive unit weighs 104 pounds.
