Besides your note that cordless impact drivers can over torque the
clamps, also they spin the bolts too fast which can lead to spalling of
the SS hardware.
We now hand torque those connects. Finally, most torque specs are for
lubricated bolts. We use anti-seize on the threads before torquing.
Using a cordless impact driver and no lube can cause not only module
damage but also clamp damage, and end up with clamps not actually
securing the modules, because the bolts spalled out before fully clamping.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 6/28/2015 3:06 PM, Benn Kilburn wrote:
Chris,
It sounds (to me) that you are describing the bonding "tooth" dug
through the aluminum frame and into the glass? or at least compressed
the frame enough to break the glass? If that is the case then i'm
betting that the clamp bolt was way over-torqued.
You need to check the recommended tightening torque for the module and
for the racking system you are using. For example, what we are using
these days, Kinetic, the tightening torque for mid and end clamps is
12 ft-lb and here are some recommended clamping torques from some
different module mfgrs....
Conergy 8 NM - 6 ft-lb
Hanwha 5 NM - 3.7 ft-lb
JA Solar 18-24 NM - 13-18 ft-lb
These likely vary based on the construction of the module frame.
I've also found that some module mfgrs do not list recommended
tightening torques in their install manuals, so best to use discretion.
We had a module break after clamping it down. The crew described it
as 'putting the module in place, clamping it down and turning around
to grab the next module and hearing a 'crack' followed by the
crackling glass sound (if you have ever heard a module break, the
crackling sound can last for a few minutes). The break pattern in the
glass seemed to focus on a particular mid clamp. I used a torque
wrench, set at around 10 ft-lb and checked all the mid-clamp bolts,
increasing the torque setting by a few ft-lb each time until it
finally turned a bolt instead of clicking. I found that most of the
bolts were close to 30 ft-lb and the one that appeared to break the
glass was about 34 ft-lb.
Suffice to say, we were getting carried away with tightening using
cordless impact drivers.
At that point i and the rest of the crew started using the torque
wrench as we were going along until we had a better feel for what was
the proper torque. (i've done this before, but it is something that
needs to be self "re-calibrated" often.
*Benn Kilburn *
CSA Certified Solar Photovoltaic Systems Electrician, SkyFire Energy Inc
6706 – 82 Ave NW | Edmonton, AB | T6B 0E7
P: 780-474-8992 | F: 888-405-5843 | www.skyfireenergy.com
<http://www.skyfireenergy.com/>
email <mailto:b...@skyfireenergy.com> facebook
<https://www.facebook.com/SkyFireEnergy> twitter
<https://twitter.com/SkyFireEnergy> linkedin
<https://www.linkedin.com/company/283735?trk=tyah&trkInfo=tarId%3A1408655033432%2Ctas%3Askyfire%2Cidx%3A2-2-5>
google <https://plus.google.com/+SkyFireEnergy/>
SkyFire Energy Logo_horizontal
On Thu, Jun 25, 2015 at 5:11 PM, Chris Worcester
<ch...@solarwindworks.com <mailto:ch...@solarwindworks.com>> wrote:
Hi Jason,
Have you or others been using the new UniRac SM mid and end clamps
with the integrated bonding yet? My concern is the “Stainless
steel Midclamp points, 2 per module, pierce module frame
anodization to bond module to module through clamp.”
We had an MSI Alpha + self-bonding midclamp shatter the glass on
an LG 280 last fall, as the factory set point was sticking out too
far, so as it was being tightened down, on top of the module the
point dug through the module’s top frame hitting the glass,
shattering it.
I do wonder if there are any issues with this “point” on the
UniRac midclamps potential for doing the same damage?
Chris Worcester
Solar Wind Works
NABCEP Certified PV Installer
Office 530-582-4503 <tel:530-582-4503>
Cell 530-448-9692 <tel:530-448-9692>
Fax 530-582-4603 <tel:530-582-4603>
www.solarwindworks.com <http://www.solarwindworks.com>
ch...@solarwindworks.com <mailto:ch...@solarwindworks.com>
*From:*RE-wrenches
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
<mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org>] *On Behalf Of
*Jason Szumlanski
*Sent:* Thursday, June 25, 2015 1:13 PM
*To:* RE-wrenches
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] SnapNrack
That decision was based on our distribution network offering
better pricing on Unirac, and engineers being comfortable with it.
Now with the integrated grounding from Unirac, I can't see moving
away from it again barring a significant cost benefit. It also
stacks and stocks easier than the Ironridge rails.
On Wed, Jun 24, 2015 at 5:55 PM, Dana Brandt
<d...@ecotechenergy.com <mailto:d...@ecotechenergy.com>> wrote:
Hi Jason,
We've used Unirac for years but have been contemplating Ironridge.
I'm curious what your experience was and why you went back to Unirac?
Anyone else have input on best racking systems for flush-mounted
residential systems on comp roof?
Thanks,
Dana
Dana Brandt
Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC
www.ecotechenergy.com <http://www.ecotechenergy.com>
d...@ecotechenergy.com <mailto:d...@ecotechenergy.com>
360.318.7646 <tel:360.318.7646>
On Wed, Feb 5, 2014 at 12:09 PM, Jason Szumlanski
<ja...@fafcosolar.com <mailto:ja...@fafcosolar.com>> wrote:
By Snap N Rack, you mean Sun Run...
http://cleantechnica.com/2014/02/05/sunrun-acquires-rec-solars-residential-business-aee-solar-snapnrack-means/
I'm curious if these vertical integrators will still make their
acquired brands available to small dealers through distribution.
When SolarCity snatched up Zep, I had concerns about being able to
service or add onto existing Zep systems we installed. That's
definitely a concern going forward, and reason to perhaps stick
with the most compatible racking solutions available. We used
IronRidge for a while, which is largely compatible with Unirac,
but now we're back on the Unirac bandwagon.
Interesting times...
Jason Szumlanski
Fafco Solar
On Wed, Feb 5, 2014 at 12:45 PM, Max Balchowsky <m...@seesolar.com
<mailto:m...@seesolar.com>> wrote:
We have been using Snap N' Rack for a while, Have lots of installs
in Hawaii - so far no problems, I like the convenience of the
design for snapping in the slider nut in mid rail, and also the
ability to install the panels flush with the end of the rails….
Max Balchowsky
Design Engineer
SEE Systems
1048 Irvine Ave Suite 217
Newport Beach, Ca. 92660
760-403-6810 <tel:760-403-6810>
"Building a Better Future For The Next Generation"
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*From:*Allen Frishman <amfr...@aeonsolar.com
<mailto:amfr...@aeonsolar.com>>
*To:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
<mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>>
*Sent:* Wednesday, February 5, 2014 6:17 AM
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] SnapNrack
I am curious about the mid clamps on the snapnrack. The flange
that rests on top of the solar panel frame is so small ~ 3/16".
Anyone experience any problems with these failing in a big storm?
With solar panel frames not being square it is nice to have a
little extra to grab - I am always curious as to why these clips
are made with such a small area to hold the panels down.
All feedback on these clips is appreciated.
/Al Frishman/
AeonSolar
/(917) 699-6641 <tel:%28917%29%20699-6641> - cell/
/(888) 460-2867 <tel:%28888%29%20460-2867>/
/www.aeonsolar.com <http://www.aeonsolar.com/>/
On Jun 1, 2013, at 10:41 AM, Max Balchowsky wrote:
Have installed last three systems (35Kw)with snap n rack.
love it....
Max Balchowsky
Design Engineer
SEE Systems
1048 Irvine Ave Suite 217
Newport Beach, Ca. 92660
760-403-6810 <tel:760-403-6810>
"Building a Better Future For The Next Generation"
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*From:*Solarguy <nt...@1scom.net <mailto:nt...@1scom.net>>
*To:* 'RE-wrenches' <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
<mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>>
*Sent:* Friday, May 31, 2013 10:11 PM
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] SnapNrack
The only complaint with the Snapnrack rails is the thin wall can
easily be distorted. This will allow the nut to drop out of its
groove. Love the universal end clamps but have learned to assemble
every one to check for proper fit before getting on the roof.
Jim Duncan
-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
<mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org>
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
<mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org>] On Behalf Of Drake
Sent: Friday, May 31, 2013 7:32 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
<mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
Subject: [RE-wrenches] SnapNrack
Hello Wrenches,
How would you rate the SnapNrack mounting systems against Unirac
and other mounting systems?
Thanks,
Drake
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
<mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
Change email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
<http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm>
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org <http://www.members.re-wrenches.org/>
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
<mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
Change email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
<http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm>
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org <http://www.members.re-wrenches.org/>
Preferences
§
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
-
=
Backspace
Tab
q
w
e
r
t
y
u
i
o
p
[
]
Return
capslock
a
s
d
f
g
h
j
k
l
;
'
\
shift
`
z
x
c
v
b
n
m
,
.
/
shift
English
Deutsch
Español
Français
Italiano
Polski
Português
Русский
alt
alt
Preferences
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
<mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
Change email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
<http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm>
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org <http://www.members.re-wrenches.org>
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
<mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
Change email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
<http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm>
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org <http://www.members.re-wrenches.org>
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
<mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
Change email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
<http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm>
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org <http://www.members.re-wrenches.org>
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
<mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
Change email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
<http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm>
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org <http://www.members.re-wrenches.org>
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
<mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
Change listserver email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
<http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm>
Check out or update participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org <http://www.members.re-wrenches.org>
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
<mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
Change listserver email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
<http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm>
Check out or update participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org <http://www.members.re-wrenches.org>
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Change listserver email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out or update participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Change listserver email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out or update participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
