[RE-wrenches] SnapNrack
Ray Walters
ray at solarray.com
Sun Jun 28 20:48:40 PDT 2015
Thanks Glenn. I always get those wrong.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 6/28/2015 5:15 PM, Glenn Burt wrote:
> I think you are referring to galling, not spalling which is a concrete
> and rock phenomenon.
>
> Sincerely,
> Glenn Burt
> Sent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse grammar and typos.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> From: Ray Walters <mailto:ray at solarray.com>
> Sent: 6/28/2015 17:27
> To: RE-wrenches <mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SnapNrack
>
> 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:benn at 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
> > <chris at solarwindworks.com <mailto:chris at 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>
> >
> > chris at solarwindworks.com <mailto:chris at solarwindworks.com>
> >
> > *From:*RE-wrenches
> > [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
> > <mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at 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
> > <dana at ecotechenergy.com <mailto:dana at 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>
> > dana at ecotechenergy.com <mailto:dana at ecotechenergy.com>
> > 360.318.7646 <tel:360.318.7646>
> >
> > On Wed, Feb 5, 2014 at 12:09 PM, Jason Szumlanski
> > <jason at fafcosolar.com <mailto:jason at 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 <max at seesolar.com
> > <mailto:max at 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 <amfrish at aeonsolar.com
> > <mailto:amfrish at aeonsolar.com>>
> > *To:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
> > <mailto:re-wrenches at 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 <ntrei at 1scom.net <mailto:ntrei at 1scom.net>>
> > *To:* 'RE-wrenches' <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
> > <mailto:re-wrenches at 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-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
> > <mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> > [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
> > <mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org>] On Behalf Of
> Drake
> > Sent: Friday, May 31, 2013 7:32 PM
> > To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
> > <mailto:re-wrenches at 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
> >
>
> [The entire original message is not included.]
>
>
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