[RE-wrenches] Awkward Mid-clamps & jigs for installing or removing modules?

William Dorsett wmdorsett at sbcglobal.net
Fri Jan 18 19:38:48 PST 2013


Thanks Benn. I agree about the WEEBS, and if I come up with a good jig idea
I'll post it (though big pictures occupy too much bandwidth, so shrink them
before posting).

 

Bill Dorsett

Sunwrights

Manhattan, KS

 

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of benn kilburn
Sent: Friday, January 18, 2013 2:09 PM
To: Wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Awkward Mid-clamps & jigs for installing or
removing modules?

 

William,

Your helper is suggesting using 4 end-clamps per module, is that right?
Sounds like a good concept in some regards but is it worth using the extra
clamps (almost twice as many)

as well, this would eliminate the possibility of WEEB type module frame
bonding, as they only work with mid-clamps not ends, as far as i know.

 

I'm not familiar with Iron Ridge racks, if that matters.  I agree that the
various mid-clamps i've used can be clumsy from time to time, especially
when coupled with WEEBs, or when the rack/clamp mfgr only leaves barely
enough thread to hold the nut on the bolt when fitting into place.  Much
time can be spent adjusting and readjusting (flathead screwdriver) to get
the the mid-clamp/weeb lined up just right so that the WEEB is properly
installed

 

Note to WEEB rep... I hope you are listening/reading... on any of the WEEBs
i've used the teeth are just barely wide apart enough to catch each edge of
the module frames it is bonding. Is this absolutely necessary?  There is
practically no wiggle room left-to-right, the WEEB has to be lined up
perfectly.  This can turn a smooth quick operation into a meticulous
sometimes aggravating task.

Request: Why don't you spread out the teeth on the clip just a few more mm.
It would make using the WEEB so much easier and time efficient.

 

Regardless of the individual module mounting method or not, you jig idea is
good and ideal for installing mods single-handed or for a crew.  I'll
certainly put a bit of thought into it and let you know if i come up with
anything.

 

cheers,

benn

 

DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. 

www.daystarsolar.ca

780-906-7807 

Certified Construction Electrician Solar Photovoltaic Systems Certified

Certificate # 0007S

HAVE A SUNNY DAY

 

  _____  

From: wmdorsett at sbcglobal.net
To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:35:56 -0600
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Awkward Mid-clamps & jigs for installing or removing
modules?

Single-handed mounting for replacing or installing modules on racks. My
helper installing an array on an Iron Ridge rack commented (like so many of
you have surely thought) that the mid-clamps are really clumsy. His
suggestion was that on his, he would lengthen the rail and only use end
clamps so each module would be independently mounted, removed or the Enphase
replaced. Of course this would apply to UniRack and other mid-clamps too.
Can anyone recommend a jig for supporting the line of modules, while they
are individually being clamped or unclamped? Perhaps a long length of Al
angle braced back to the rail, so the bottoms of the modules can sit in a
straight line while they are being clamped. Even a couple sliding Z-shaped
spring hooks that can support the bottoms might work one module at a time as
long as the rail is s

 

Bill Dorsett

Sunwrights

1715 Leavenworth

Manhattan, KS

785/539-1956 Home/Office

 


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