[RE-wrenches] SnapNrack
Ray Walters
ray at solarray.com
Mon Jun 29 11:35:15 PDT 2015
We also found that a Q-tip works great for applying the anti seize to
the threads without having to disassemble the clamp.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 6/29/2015 11:37 AM, Roy Rakobitsch wrote:
>
> 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 <http://www.windsine.org>
>
> On Jun 29, 2015 12:32 PM, "Ray Walters" <ray at solarray.com
> <mailto: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 Engineer
> 303 505-8760 <tel:303%20505-8760>
>
> 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 <mailto: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 <tel: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
>>> <mailto: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 Engineer
>>> 303 505-8760 <tel:303%20505-8760>
>>>
>>> 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 <tel:780-474-8992> | F: 888-405-5843
>>>> <tel: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
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
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