Solar modules must be outdoors in open,
direct sunshine. (Yes, we have seen modules installed in
the shade!) Exposure to sunshine must be free of all
shadows from trees, wires, buildings, etc. A shadow on
any part of a photovoltaic module will cut off much of
its power (no matter what some advertisements claim).
Precise aim is not necessary. 95% of
full power is produced within 20 degrees of the sun. As
the sun rises and sets, modules aimed at noon sun
position give full power from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Earlier
and later sun is less direct, and adds enough to make a
sunny day equivalent to 6 hours of full rated power.
Tilt for seasonal sun angle adjusted
twice a year gains 35% over fixed mounting. For summer,
set modules to face the overhead noon sun. In winter,
tilt them to face the lower noon sun. To shed snow, set
modules near vertical to south.
TYPES OF
SOLAR MOUNTS
POLE
MOUNTS in the yard are easy to set up and adjust
seasonally. They must be located where there will be no
shadows from trees or buildings, even in winter. They
more easily pass code than mounts attached to a
building. Limit to 6 or 8 larger modules per each mount
is safest in high winds.
ROOF TOP OR
SOUTH WALL MOUNTS can place modules high enough to
avoid shadows. Chances of theft are less. Seasonal
adjustment may be more difficult atop a building, and
the electrical code can require a costly ground fault
interrupter be added to the solar wiring when installed
on a dwelling. Our S-RAILS are economical mounts.
TRACKING
MOUNTS automatically follow the daily sun from
sunrise to sunset. Where there is a clear view to both
horizons, tracking gives full power 10 - 12 hours a day.
Gain is 35% to 50% in summer, for water pumping or
refrigeration. But trackers do little to help winter
shortage in the north. The December sun barely moves 20
degrees from noon position. If the sky is overcast,
there's nothing to track. If you live in the north, the
same money spent on extra modules buys more power year
round, including overcast days when tracking can't work.
Limit to 6 or 8 larger modules per each mount is safest
in high winds.
R.V. MOUNTS
attach modules to the roof individually, or
S-RV RAILS hold 2 to 4 modules on a single rack
attached to the roof only at the 4 points. Usually
tilting is not necessary if you're following the sunny
weather, but the full set of S-RAILS allows tilt-up on
an RV.
ROOF &
WALL MOUNTS
Sturdy
aluminum rails attach four pivoting feet which lag bolt
to your roof, to the south wall of the house, or on any
horizontal deck. Adjusts to 3 seasonal tilts (most folks
adjust only twice a year, for summer and winter). Also
good on roof of trailers and RVs.
Rails are 1½" x 1/8 " aluminum angle, 5½
feet long (ONLY 36" Long for S-RAILS SINGLE). All
stainless steel nuts & bolts for assembly and to attach
modules are included. Customer provides appropriate
anchor bolts to attach the feet to your structure. With
illustrated instructions.
S-RAILS- Mounts 2,
Smaller 50 - 190W modules, adjustable; with two
back support rails for tilt up: $89
Ships by UPS, $25 each
S-RVRAILS- Mounts
2, Smaller 50 - 190W modules, without
back support rails, for use on RV roof :
$70
Ships by UPS, $16 each
S-RAILS-SINGLE
adjustable; for ONE of the above mentioned
modules; with back support rails for tilt up :
$77
Ships by UPS, $16 each
S-RAILS-SNG-LRG
adjustable; for ONE larger 60 cell module (235+
watts); with back
support rails for tilt up : $87
Ships by UPS, $16 each
S-RAILS-LRG
adjustable; for two
larger 60 cell module (235+ watts) or THREE 135W
modules; with back
support rails for tilt up : $89
Ships by UPS, $25 each
S-RVRAILS-LRG
adjustable; for two,
larger 60 cell module (235+ watts) or THREE 135W
modules, for use on an RV roof: $80
Ships by UPS, $20 each
Solar
Racks is a new product engineered and manufactured by a
longtime solar installer in Northern California. They
have taken the best of several different racking
companies components and combined them based on what
they know works in the field to develop a simple and
comprehensive racking solution. All rails, hardware,
flashing and sealants come conveniently packaged based
on the number of modules that you are mounting in each
row (see below). All racking components have an
engineering certification for wind loads up to 120 mph.
Advantages to the Solar Racks system:
Solar Racks work with any thickness
of panel.
Solar Racks are designed for both
horizontal and vertical layout and attach into the
roof supports without any special equipment or
alterations.
Custom flashings are provided to
insure water is diverted around any roof
penetrations.
Solar Rack roof attachments have
higher butyl content for better adhesive and sealing
ability.
Product is made of Stainless steel
and aluminum to extend the life expectancy, instead
of steel which will soon corrode. The thickness of
all Solar Racks aluminum parts have been designed to
extend the life of our product far beyond common
hardware.
Low profile rails will increase air
flow under the solar modules which lowers the
operating temperature and increases power
production.
INSTALLATION EXAMPLE
Racking systems are available for all
modules over 100 watts in our catalog, and by special
order for other modules on the market. Order multiple
sets for larger systems. If you have
any one row longer than 10 modules, call for a quote.
Ground mount systems are also
available. If using a standing seam metal roof and you
would like non-penetrating clamps,
costs will be 25% more, please call us for
compatibility. Please add 8% sales tax for orders
shipping to California.
Smaller size (SM) is for modules similar
in size to the ET 135W, Kyocera 140W, and UpSolar 190W.
Larger size (LG) is for most 60 cell modules on the
market.
ALL IN ONE WATERPROOF FLASHING- The Quick Mount PV
product is an all-in-one waterproof flashing and mount
designed to anchor modules to a new or existing roof.
The flashing includes an attached standoff block and
stainless steel hardware to attach with an L- foot to
racking many racking companies. Can also be used with
solar thermal panels as well. See below for installation
video.
CLASSIC
COMPOSITION MOUNT- This is the standard composition
mount. It is shown in a mill finish. It is available in
mill finish, (special order) bronze anodized finish, and
clear anodized finish. The flashing is 12 x 12 with 5
x 12 exposed, and 7 x 12 under the next rows of
shingles. No roof cutting required. Works with all
standard racking systems. 50 year life span. 100% code
compliant. Maintains GAF and Owens Corning product
warranty. Made in the USA and Ontario Canada.
SHAKE MOUNT- The flashing is 18 x 18 with 5 x
18 exposed, 10 x 18 under the next row of shakes, and
3 x 18 is under the second shake above as well as
under the tar paper. It is imperative to place the
flashing under the tar paper to maintain a waterproof
installation. It is simplest to remove the shakes
directly above to both; find the rafter, as well as
insure the flashing gets under the tar paper, then reset
the removed shakes.
FLAT
TILE MOUNT- The Flat Tile Mount is comprised of all
aluminum mount and tile flashing cover. All hardware is
included. The aluminum tile cover replaces one existing
tile. It works with most tiles that measure from 11 1/2
to 12 3/8 wide and have a pan lip on the left side and
a cover lip on the right
side. Note: This product replaces the tile and limits
access to the rafter. Attaching to the deck plywood can
be done if approved by the AHJ. Or additional blocking
must be installed for a secure structural attachment.
Quick
Mounts New Roof Composition Mount is available by
special order, this is best utilized in new home
construction or during roof replacement.
Installation Video: For composite mounting
Items
Code/Description
Shipping
Buy Now
S-QMP-COMP: For
composite shingles, mill finish BOX OF 12
$16
$297
S-QMP-TILE: For flat
tile mount, mill finish BOX OF 12
$16
$509
S-QMP-SHAKE: or shake
shingles, mill finish BOX OF 12
Made by General Specialties, Universal Post Mount is the
strongest you can buy. Adjusts easily to seasonal sun
angle. Fits all our full size modules.
Universal Post Mount has a welded steel
frame with 6061 aluminum rails for mounting PV panels.
Designed for 35 lb./sq. ft. wind loading.
This is better built than any other we have used.
general specialties is the only manufacturer using a
back-brace is made of "telestrut", which is extremely
strong. Our larger mounts are too heavy to adjust seasonally
without a safety line in place to prevent unanticipated
and dangerous shifting of the array. The 12XHD and 15X
come with safety cables & the 18X has cabling and a
two part
winch to make adjustments easier. Module damage and
severe personal injury is possible so it is best to have at least
two people involved in this procedure when adjusting
larger mounts. Some of the smaller mounts can be
adjusted by one person, but know your capabilities and
exercise caution if necessary.
Check
out the structure in these photos:
Stainless nuts & bolts are supplied to
attach modules. Grade 5 and 8 assembly hardware is
included. Vertical base pipe is not supplied, you obtain
it locally.
If your module is not listed in our
chart, we can special order one for you. Please call!
MINIMUM BASE
PIPE INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS: PLEASE CALL us to
discuss proper pipe sizing. Please download these
instructional documents:
- The channel cross pieces are
self aligning to the pipe, as shown in the photo of the
small notch in the channel. This minimizes installation
time. it also provides a much stronger foundation then
a "floating" attachment.
- A single size cross piece will accommodate many of
the panels that we sell. And only 2 different rail
lengths are necessary to accept all your panels (re:
Side of Pole Model X, Side of Pole Model S, and Side of
Pole Mount K).
- Once installed the cross pieces do not need to be
moved again; panel inclination is controlled through a
range of 20 to 90 degrees just by changing the
attachment to the brace.
- The braces can either be run forward of the panel
or back behind the braces as shown in the photos. This
allows the customer greater flexibility in choosing the
site for the mount.
Side of Pole Model K holds one each of KC50/65/85, KD135,
and M125. Rail and brace length is 44 inches.
Side of Pole Model X holds one each of
REC 210, Schott 202, SW 245 or SW 165/175. Rail and brace length is
44 inches.
Side of Pole Model S holds 2 each of KC50, KC 65, KC 85, KC
130, KD 135, MF 125, etc. Rail and brace length is 55
inches.
PIPE NOT INCLUDED
Item Code
Price
Shipping
Buy Now
S-SOP-K: One
smaller module (see above)
$198
$22
S-SOP-S: Two
smaller modules (see above)
$238
$30
S-SOP-X: One
larger module (see above)
$216
$22
Mount can
accommodate a 4" Sch 40 pipe for taller
installations, add:
$60
Simple
RV Mount
Use
four
of these aluminum Z-strip brackets to mount a panel
flat against a wall, or on the roof of an RV or van.
Module is elevated 3/4 inch for air and
wire
clearance.
Mounts are compatible with any module.
S-RV1 MOUNT (four) SPECIFY MODULE TYPE
(In special requests box of shopping cart):
$36
Active
trackers use electronic sensors and motor or actuator
drives to track the sun from east to west. During partly
cloudy days, the tracker fixes on the brightest area of
the sky, capturing the maximum amount of sunlight
possible. Tracking can increase power production from 10
- 50% depending on the season and location. They are
especially effective in water pumping applications.
Wattsun Azimuth trackers automatically track the suns
path by rotating the PV array around the pipe, providing
greater stability for larger arrays. The bottom edge of
the array always remains parallel to the ground and
requires less ground clearance than tilt and roll
trackers. Wattsuns azimuth trackers provide nearly 270
degrees of rotational movement and can adjust from 5 to
75 degrees of elevational tilt.
WATTSUN AZ-125 TRACKER- This trackers comes standard
with a single-axis tracker with manual seasonal tilt
adjustment powered by a 24VDC drive motor running a high
quality worm and gear drive. With the addition of the
dual-axis option (order separately), this tracker can
capture a greater percentage of the suns rays throughout
the day.
WATTSUN AZ-225 TRACKER- This tracker is made for very
large arrays. It can hold over 2 kW of solar modules.
Powered by a sturdy 24VDC motor running a heavy duty
ball
bearing/worm gear drive. This tracker comes standard
with the dual-axis option, enabling it to capture the
maximum amount of solar energy. Mounts on a 8 or 10
schedule 40 steel pole. 10 poles will require an 8
section to be welded to the top.
These trackers are limited to the amount of modules that
you can mount due to balance purposes. If your system
voltage is not 24 VDC, you will need a Wattsun voltage
converter, see the optional accessories chart below.
Part Number
Pipe Size
(in)
Kyocera/
BW
Solar
World
REC
SunTech
Price
Buy Now
S-WS-AZ125
6"
8, 10
6
4,
6
6
$3045
S-WS-AZ225-S
8"
15
9
8, 9
$5625
S-WS-AZ225-M
8"
16
$5980
S-WS-AZ225-L
8"/80
20
12
12
12
$6458
Wattsun Trackers ship truck freight, please call for
quote
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
S-WS12-24V: Converter
for 12VDC systems
$125
S-WS48-24: Steps down
48VDC battery or 36VDC solar to 24V on one
AZ-125
$58
S-WSPUMP: Converter
for 115-230VDC input from water pumping
arrays. Needs to be mounted in a rain tight
box if outside.
$135
S-WSGRID: Allows grid
to power tracker when a battery bank is not
present. Needs to be mounted in a rain tight
box if outside.
$165
S-WSDUAL: Add
automatic elevation tracking to the AZ-125
trackers. (THIS PRICE WITH ORDER ONLY)
$525
S-WSDUAL-RETROFIT: Add
automatice elevation tracking to an EXISTING
AZ-125 tracker.
$755
S-WSCONTROL: Control
allows the unit to be turned on or off to
allow for manual rotation or adjusting for
snow removal or laying flat in high wind
$125
ZOMEWORKS
UNIVERSAL TRACKING RACKS follow the sun
through the day for more hours of full power generation.
Solar heated Freon moves the tracker with no motors or
mechanism. Effectively boosts summer power to help water
pumping & refrigeration. Power is increased 35% to 50%
in summer, but only 0% to 9% in winter. Lower % applies
to northern latitudes. Trackers are of little benefit
for typical winter shortage. For improved winter power
in the north, where sun moves little and overcast
prevails, use
more modules instead of a tracker. Tracker will not work
in temperatures below 25 degrees. Maximum wind tolerance
is 50 mph.
Vertical ground mount pipe is not included. Trackers
mount on schedule 40 steel pipe, set 40% length in a
concrete filled hole 4 or 5 times larger diameter than
pipe itself. Trackers have 10 year warranty, but just 2
years on shock absorbers and bearings. Chart shows
number of modules that fit on each rack. Built to order:
3-8 week lead time; 25% cancellation fee.
Model
Pipe Size
(in)
SolarWorld
Kyocera
135
AE100
BW65
SunTech
Price
Buy Now
S-UTR0
20
2.5
1
1-2
1-2
1-2
1
$740
S-UTRK 40
3
1-2
3
3
3-4
2
$1500
S-UTRF
64
6
2-3
4-6*
4-6*
5-10
7*&9*
3-4
$1990
S-UTRF
90
6
4-5*
6-8
6-8
12
5
$2245
S-UTRF
120
6
6*
9*-11
9*-11
N/A
6-7*
$2540
S-UTRF
168
8
7-9*
12-15*
12-15*
N/A
8-10
$3765
* marked applications in
chart require special set of rails that
increases price $335
over shown. Use this
button-
**
marked applications in chart require special
sets
of rails that increases price $665
over shown.
Use this button-
All tracking racks must go truck
freight. Please call for freight quote.
State which module will be used, to receive proper
hardware.
(special requests section of shopping cart). More
than 8 modules per rack in NOT recommended for windy
areas. DUE TO CHANGING MODULE FRAME SPECIFICATIONS, PLEASE
VERIFY WITH US THE MODULE TYPE AND QUANTITY SO THAT WE
CAN DOUBLE CHECK MOUNTING OPTIONS BEFORE ORDERING.
WIRING INDIVIDUAL SOLAR MODULES Once the panels are
mounted, wires must be connected from each solar module
to receive the power generated. Sunlight resistant
flexible 10 gauge wires connect from each solar module
junction box to a combiner box. You will find bulk wire,
as well as pre-cut wires with terminal tips or MC cables
and weather tight box seals in the following pages. A
single panel is usually rated for 12 volt charging, but
several of the larger ones are 24 volts. 12 volt panels
can be wired in series, two for 24 volt
battery charging or four in series for 48 volt battery
charging. Likewise 24 volt panels can be series wired in
pairs for 48 volt battery charging. Diagrams supplied
with module purchase explains these connections. Larger
modules that are outside the 12 & 24V models, can still
be used for battery charging by incorporating a MPPT
charge controller.
COMBINER BOX The combiner box mounts on the post of a
pole mount, or under the eves for a roof mount. Wires
from the solar modules connect together in the combiner
box. National Electric Code requires each panel or each
series string of panels to be wired to its own circuit
breaker or fuse if there are more than two strings in
parallel. The OUTBACK or MIDNITE combiner boxes with
breakers makes wiring easier, provides a "switch" for
separately testing each solar module, and isolates any
faulty module or blown diode from the power of the whole
solar array. Unfused combiner boxes with just a junction
block for connecting the wires
together are still available at low cost for arrays with
two strings of modules in parallel.
GROUNDING THE ARRAY The aluminum frame of each solar
module is required to be grounded to a ground rod below
the array. This can be accomplished by using a
lay-in-lug on each module and a single continuous copper
wire that is also bonded to the rails. This rod should
also be connected by heavy wire to any other ground rod
in the system.
Solar modules connect electrically in
junction boxes on the back of each module. Screw clamp
terminals inside attach 10 gauge positive and negative
wires. We send a wiring diagram with solar modules
showing how to connect the various types for 12, 24 or
48 volts.
Ready-To-Use Solar Module
Interconnects Preformed cables, 10 gauge pair of
stranded copper- one red, one black. In sunlight
resistant jacket. Includes weather tight fitting
at each end and soldered wire tips for easiest
connection to solar modules. For 12, 24, or 48 volt
arrays: wiring diagrams included with modules.
Description
Price
Buy Now
O-SOLARCABLE:
36 inches long to join between modules
$18
O-COMCABLE:
10 feet long, module
to combiner box
$20
O-MC-CABLE Solarline 1: for older
modules & SolarEdge inverters- 30 feet
long, non-locking,
single conductor, with one female MC connector
on one end and one male MC connector on the
other end. Designed to be cut-in half and
attached to the corresponding female and male MC
connectors already attached to a solar module's
junction box
$30
O-MC4-CABLE Solarline 2:
for our SolarWorlds, and Kyocera KD13GX5- 30
feet long,
locking, single conductor, with one
female MC connector on one end and one male MC
connector on the other end. Designed to be
cut-in half and attached to the corresponding
female and male MC connectors already attached
to a solar module's junction
box
$30
O-TYCO-CABLE: One male & one female
Tyco end, 30 feet long, single conductor.
Designed to be cut in half and attached to the
corresponding female and male Tyco connectors
already attached to a solar module's junction
box. For use with Schott
and ET modules.
$30
O-RADOX-CABLE:
One male & one female
LOCKING Radox end, 30 feet long, single
conductor. Designed to be cut in half and
attached to the corresponding female and male
Radox connectors already attached to a solar
module's junction box. For use with
REC modules.
$35
O-RADOX-F-ADPT: Radox Adapters, MC4
to Radox (Female), for use with REC modules and
Enphase inverters. Allows the MC4 connector on
Enphase to be mated to the Radox connector on
REC modules. 6" long.
$12
O-RADOX-M-ADPT:
Radox Adapters, MC4 to Radox (Male), for use
with REC modules and Enphase inverters. Allows
the MC4 connector on Enphase to be mated to the
Radox connector on REC modules. 6" long.
$12
BULK WIRE, TWO CONDUCTOR JACKETED 10 gauge
pair of stranded copper, one red, one black
in sunlight resistant jacket. Save costs by
cutting and forming your own cables like above,
any length. Use weatherproof fittings below.
Allow 30 inches per module, plus the length to
combiner box. (Only Kyocera modules require
terminal tips soldered on). O-SOLAR-2 WIRE:
$1.40/foot
BULK SINGLE CONDUCTOR WIRE Single 10
gauge stranded copper wire type XLP-USE,
tough sunlight resistant insulation. Single wire
makes the simplest connection between multiple
modules for 24 or 48 volts. Sold bulk: 20 feet
of red color for positive and 20 feet plain for
negative. Allow about 30 inches each color per
module, plus length to combiner box. O-SOLAR-1-WIRE:
$1.00/foot of
each red and black
O-CLIP:
Bag of 10 stainless steel cable clips, keeps
cables neatly secured to the frame of module so
that they do not hang below the array
$5.20 for bag of
10
WEATHERPROOF ENTRANCE SEAL FITTING
Weatherproof fitting seals both wire types into
1/2 inch knockouts of junction boxes on
the solar modules. Secures wire tightly.
Required to make wire entry weather-tight,
optional for Siemens brand using single wire and
not used on Shell M55. Allow one fitting on 1st
module, then 2 per each additional module in
chain or call for quantity needed. O-WIRE-FIT
$3 each
PV
GROUNDING LUGS: NEC compliant stainless steel
grounding lug for solar module frames. One lug
per module required O-PVLUG. Comes with stainless steel
thread-forming screws, locking washers and
stainless steel nut
$4 each
O-PVBAG.....bag of 10
lugs
$35 bag of 10
FLEX CONDUIT AND WEATHER-TIGHT FITTINGS: For
commercial grade connection between solar
modules. Flexible plastic conduit joins module
junction boxes. Run 10 gauge wires inside
conduit. Fittings seal conduit ends to 1/2"
knockouts on module box. Allow about 3' per
module plus distance from last module to
combining splice box. Order one fitting for each
end of conduit runs. O-FLEXCOND
Metal boxed terminal block mounts near
solar array and combines wires from solar modules to the
larger battery room cables. Connects maximum of eight
positive and eight negative #10 gauge solar module wires
to larger cables up to size #2/0. The terminal block has
three separate circuits for positive, negative, and
grounding wires. Or use to series connect two identical
12 volt arrays to make 24 volts. Eight
inch square drip proof steel box. Includes cable
entrance clamps and allen wrench for terminal block. No
fuses or lightning arrestor, combines modules directly
together. Can use
lightning arrestor.
Combiner
boxes made from powder-coated aluminum, NEMA 3R
rainproof combiners will accept DIN-rail mounted fuse
holders for 600VDC arrays, or 150VDC and 300 VDC
DIN-rail mounted breakers for low-voltage arrays.
Plastic
cover provides a dead front for safety. ETL listed,
negative busbar and
ground bar are included. Can be mounted at angles from
14 to 90 degrees. Breakers and fuseholders are not
included but are the same as the ones used by the
Outback Flexware combiners, see below. The MidNite
Combiner and Disconnect is for use with 150 & 300VDC
breakers. The 250 versions are for use with 200- 250VDC
charge controllers.
FULL LINE OF MIDNITE
PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE.
Description/Item Code
Additional
Shipping
Price
Buy Now
S-MNPV-3
$14
$89
S-MNPV-6
$14
$108
S-MNPV-6-250
$14
$116
S-MNPV-12
$14
$162
S-MNPV-12-250
$14
$170
S-MNPV-16
$14
$359
S-MNPV-16-24
$14
$359
S-MNPV-16-250
$14
$359
S-MNPV-6 DISCO
$12
$185
OUTBACK FLEXWARE PV COMBINER BOXES:
FWPV-8 and the FWPV-12
For 8 to 12 breakers
Order just those breakers you need now.
Expand with more as you need them in the future
Single or dual circuit outputs
Easiest Installation
Outback's Flexware solar combiner
boxes provide National Electric Code compliant
overcurrent protection and interconnection of multiple
PV modules. Output terminals accept large wires, up to
2/0 AWG size.
These combiners are the best choice to
strictly meet electrical code because the code calls for
a separate fuse or breaker for each solar module (or
each 24 volt or 48 volt or 60 volt or 72 volt series
string of modules). They are the easiest combiner box to
install because each positive solar module wire connects
to one breaker (accepts up to 6 gauge wire) and the
negative to a ground terminal. You only buy as many
snap-in breakers as you need for the modules, with a
maximum of 8 breakers for the FWPV-8 combiner box and a
maximum of 12 breakers for the FWPV-12. There is plenty
of room to make the connections without straining as in
smaller combiner boxes.
The output circuit of the FWPV-8 has all
breakers combined for ONE output circuit with up to 2/0
AWG wire size. The FWPV-12 can have ONE output circuit
OR it can also be broken into two individual positive
output circuits, each carrying power from up to 6
breakers with separate positive 2/0 output terminals.
When so split, each output cable will have only half the
solar amperes for smaller wires or longer distance runs
of up to 2/0 AWG wire pair for each of the two halves.
FWPV-8: 15.2" h x 9.2" w x 3.9" d;
4.4 lbs
FWPV-12: 15.2" h x 12.7" w x 3.9" d; 5.9 lbs