[RE-wrenches] Aluminum Module Frame To Galvanized Uni-Strut

[Gary Willett]

Good question about the end cuts, which would definitely rust if not 
painted - I'll check tomorrow.

Regards,

Gary Willett, PE
Icarus Solar Services LLC
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer
Gary at IcarusSolarServices.com 
<mailto:Gary at IcarusSolarServices.com><mailto:Gary at IcarusSolarServices.com>

On 7/13/2011 12:11 AM, Kent Osterberg wrote:
> Gary,
>
> Zinc (galvanizing) is more anodic than aluminum so it is protective of 
> the aluminum just as it is of the steel in the Unistrut. As long as 
> the installation is in a location that doesn't routinely have high 
> humidity, the Unistrut should last nearly as long as it normally 
> would. Are end cuts of the Unistrut painted with galvanizing or 
> stainless paint?
>
> Kent Osterberg
> Blue Mountain Solar, Inc.
>
>
> Gary Willett wrote:
>> It was brought to my attention that I had an error in my original 
>> post. Here's the corrected text:
>>
>> Fellow Wrenches:
>>
>> I am involved in the commissioning of a 300kw parking structure PV 
>> system and have a concern about possible galvanic action between the 
>> aluminum module frames and the stainless GALVANIZED steel uni-strut.
>>
>> The installation contractor attached the PV modules using a WEEB-like 
>> stainless steel top-mounted clamp (to pierce the top of the PV 
>> frame). A stainless steel bolt connects the clamp to the channel nut. 
>> The bottom of the PV module is resting on the galvanized uni-strut.
>>
>> Should there also be a WEEB-WMC assembly between the PV module and 
>> the uni-strut?
>>
>> Anyone have any experience where direct contact of these dissimilar 
>> metals became an issue over time?
>>
>> -- 
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>>
>> Gary Willett, PE
>> Icarus Solar Services LLC
>> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer
>> Gary at IcarusSolarServices.com <mailto:Gary at IcarusSolarServices.com>
>>
>>
>> On 7/12/2011 5:23 PM, Gary Willett wrote:
>>> Fellow Wrenches:
>>>
>>> I am involved in the commissioning of a 300kw parking structure PV 
>>> system and have a concern about possible galvanic action between the 
>>> aluminum module frames and the stainless steel uni-strut.
>>>
>>> The installation contractor attached the PV modules using a 
>>> WEEB-like stainless steel top-mounted clamp (to pierce the top of 
>>> the PV frame). A stainless steel bolt connects the clamp to the 
>>> channel nut. The bottom of the PV module is resting on the 
>>> galvanized uni-strut.
>>>
>>> Should there also be a WEEB-WMC assembly between the PV module and 
>>> the uni-strut?
>>>
>>> Anyone have any experience where direct contact of these dissimilar 
>>> metals became an issue over time?
>>> -- 
>>>
>>> Regards,
>>>
>>>
>>> Gary Willett, PE
>>> Icarus Solar Services LLC
>>> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer
>>> Gary at IcarusSolarServices.com <mailto:Gary at IcarusSolarServices.com>
>>>
>>>
>>>      
>>    
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