[RE-wrenches] SnapNrack

Mon Jun 29 10:37:48 PDT 2015

Loctite makes anti seize in aerosol cans. Not necessarily less messy but
certainly less tedious if all bolts are prepped on the ground and carried
up in a bucket for assembly.

Roy Rakobitsch
NABCEP Certified Small Wind Installer®
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer®
Certified Advanced Tower Climbing, Safety & Rescue
Wind/PV Design Engineer
Windsine LLC
631-514-4166
www.windsine.org
On Jun 29, 2015 12:32 PM, "Ray Walters" <ray at solarray.com> wrote:

>  Anti seize also comes in larger cans with a brush, but it still can get
> messy.
> Also on the torque issue,  I found just using the T handle hex wrench from
> the manufacturer (we use S Flex) gets the torque where it should be, and
> even a gorilla can't over torque it too far.
> Old fashioned, but we have less heavy tools to carry on the roof, and no
> over torque issues.   With lubed threads, the T handle wrench can twirl,
> which is almost as fast as using a power tool.
>
> R.Ray Walters
> CTO, Solarray, Inc
> Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
> Licensed Master Electrician
> Solar Design Engineer303 505-8760
>
> On 6/29/2015 11:12 AM, Allan Sindelar wrote:
>
> Kurt,
> Less messy, yes; less tedious, maybe: anti-seize also comes in a
> semi-solid stick form, like a large lip balm tube with a cap and a twist
> dial on the bottom to raise the level of the anti-seize as it's used. One
> quick rub on the threads per bolt. Purchased through Fastenal.
> Allan
>
>  *Allan Sindelar*
> allan at sindelarsolar.com
> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
> NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
> New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
> Founder (Retired), Positive Energy, Inc.
> *505 780-2738 <505%20780-2738> cell*
>
>
>  On 6/29/2015 11:05 AM, Kurt Johnsen wrote:
>
>  Esteemed Wrenches,
> Does anyone know of a less tedious and messy way to lube the bolts than
> squeeze tube anti-seize?
>
> My 2 cents; I believe that the torque specs for an engineered assembly are
> put in there for a reason. Ignoring them puts the installer on the hook for
> any failures. Aside from being the right thing to do, using torque wrenches
> helps avoid assuming unnecessary financial risk which my thin margins
> cannot afford.
>
>  Kurt Johnsen
>
> On Sun, Jun 28, 2015 at 5:27 PM, Ray Walters <ray at solarray.com> wrote:
>
>>  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 Engineer303 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
>> [image: email] <benn at skyfireenergy.com> [image: facebook]
>> <https://www.facebook.com/SkyFireEnergy> [image: twitter]
>> <https://twitter.com/SkyFireEnergy> [image: linkedin]
>> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/283735?trk=tyah&trkInfo=tarId%3A1408655033432%2Ctas%3Askyfire%2Cidx%3A2-2-5>
>>  [image: google] <https://plus.google.com/+SkyFireEnergy/>
>>
>> [image: SkyFire Energy Logo_horizontal]
>>
>> On Thu, Jun 25, 2015 at 5:11 PM, Chris Worcester <
>> 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
>>>
>>> Cell 530-448-9692
>>>
>>> Fax 530-582-4603
>>>
>>> www.solarwindworks.com
>>>
>>> chris at solarwindworks.com
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *From:* RE-wrenches [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>
>>> 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
>>> dana at ecotechenergy.com
>>> 360.318.7646
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Wed, Feb 5, 2014 at 12:09 PM, Jason Szumlanski <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>
>>> 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
>>>
>>> "Building a Better Future For The Next Generation"
>>>
>>>
>>>    ------------------------------
>>>
>>> *From:* Allen Frishman <amfrish at aeonsolar.com>
>>> *To:* RE-wrenches <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 <%28917%29%20699-6641> - cell*
>>> *(888) 460-2867 <%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
>>>
>>> "Building a Better Future For The Next Generation"
>>>
>>>
>>>    ------------------------------
>>>
>>> *From:* Solarguy <ntrei at 1scom.net>
>>> *To:* 'RE-wrenches' <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] On Behalf Of Drake
>>> Sent: Friday, May 31, 2013 7:32 PM
>>> To: 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
>>>
>>>
>>>
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