Solar Panel Mounts and Wiring



 

SOLAR MODULE LOCATION

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
Add this item to the shopping cart
S-RVRAILS- Mounts 2, Smaller 50 - 190W modules, without back support rails,  for use on RV roof :  $70  
Ships by UPS, $16 each
Add this item to the shopping cart
S-RAILS-SINGLE adjustable; for ONE of the above mentioned modules; with back support rails for tilt up :  $77  
Ships by UPS, $16 each
Add this item to the shopping cart
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
Add this item to the shopping cart
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
Add this item to the shopping cart
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
Add this item to the shopping cart

Return to the top

SOLAR RACKS

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.

ITEM CODE #of Modules per Row Price Buy Now
S-SR-SM-03 3 $280 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-SR-SM-04 4 $290 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-SR-SM-05 5 $355 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-SR-SM-06 6 $430 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-SR-SM-07 7 $465 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-SR-SM-08 8 $540 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-SR-SM-09 9 $580 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-SR-SM-10 10 $615 Add this item to the shopping cart
ITEM CODE #of Modules per Row Price Buy Now
S-SR-LG-03 3 $295 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-SR-LG-04 4 $375 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-SR-LG-05 5 $420 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-SR-LG-06 6 $495 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-SR-LG-07 7 $535 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-SR-LG-08 8 $635 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-SR-LG-09 9 $690 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-SR-LG-10 10 $755 Add this item to the shopping cart

Return to the top


QUICKMOUNT PV FLASHING

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 Owen’s 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 Mount’s 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
Add this item to the shopping cart
S-QMP-TILE: For flat tile mount, mill finish BOX OF 12 $16 $509
Add this item to the shopping cart
S-QMP-SHAKE: or shake shingles, mill finish BOX OF 12 $16 $357
Add this item to the shopping cart
S-QMP-NAIL: Roofing bar for removing nails $12 $42
Add this item to the shopping cart

Return to the top


 

UNIVERSAL POST MOUNTS

FITS ALL BACKWOODS FULL SIZE MODULES

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:

Pole Height & Dimensional Chart
Dimensions of Standard Post Hole
UPM Base Dimension Chart
Flat Base Foundation Diagram

 
Type & Number of
Modules

Base Pipe Sizes
schedule
40/80

Catalog Number Shipping Buy Now
 12V, 135/140W

Smaller 65 - 90W
 

 24V Modules, 190W 60 Cell Modules
3 3 2 2 4" UPM-3X $45 $329Add this item to the shopping cart
4 4 3 -- 4" UPM-4X $62 $468Add this item to the shopping cart
6 6 4 3-4 5" UPM-6X Freight/
$123
$714Add this item to the shopping cart
8 8 6 -- 6" UPM-8X $136 $865Add this item to the shopping cart
10 12 8 5-6 6" UPM10X CALL $1088Add this item to the shopping cart
12 15 10 7-8 6"/8" UPM-10XHD CALL $1395Add this item to the shopping cart
15 -- 12 8-9
8"/10"
 
UPM-12XHD CALL $2685Add this item to the shopping cart
-- -- -- 10 8"/10" UPM-12XHD CUSTOM CALL $2752Add this item to the shopping cart
18 -- 15 11-12
8"/10"
 
UPM15X CALL $3015Add this item to the shopping cart
21 -- 18 13-15
8"/10"
 
UPM18X CALL $4744Add this item to the shopping cart

Installations using the UPM10XHD or larger post mount on the chart that require a larger pipe will need an upgraded gimbal

PRICE

 

Upgrade 6" pipe gimbal to 8" pipe gimbal

$200 Add this item to the shopping cart
Upgrade 8" pipe gimbal to 10" pipe gimbal $250 Add this item to the shopping cart

Return to the top


SMALLER SIDE OF POLE OR WALL MOUNT

NEW!!! By General Specialties

 

     

 - 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 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-SOP-S: Two smaller modules (see above) $238 $30 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-SOP-X: One larger module (see above) $216 $22 Add this item to the shopping cart
Mount can accommodate a 4" Sch 40 pipe for taller installations, add: $60   Add this item to the shopping cart

       

 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 Add this item to the shopping cart

Return to the top

Minimum shipping $12 per whole order covers all items with no shipping listed


SUN TRACKER MOUNTS

WATTSUN ACTIVE TRACKERS

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 sun’s 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. Wattsun’s 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 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-WS-AZ225-S 8" 15 9 8, 9   $5625 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-WS-AZ225-M 8" 16       $5980 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-WS-AZ225-L 8"/80 20 12 12 12 $6458 Add this item to the shopping cart

Wattsun Trackers ship truck freight, please call for quote

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

S-WS12-24V: Converter for 12VDC systems $125 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-WS48-24: Steps down 48VDC battery or 36VDC solar to 24V on one AZ-125 $58 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-WSPUMP: Converter for 115-230VDC input from water pumping arrays. Needs to be mounted in a rain tight box if outside. $135 Add this item to the shopping cart
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 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-WSDUAL: Add automatic elevation tracking to the AZ-125 trackers. (THIS PRICE WITH ORDER ONLY) $525 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-WSDUAL-RETROFIT: Add automatice elevation tracking to an EXISTING AZ-125 tracker. $755 Add this item to the shopping cart
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 Add this item to the shopping cart

 

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 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-UTRK
40
3   1-2 3 3 3-4 2 $1500 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-UTRF
64
6   2-3 4-6* 4-6* 5-10
7*&9*
3-4 $1990 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-UTRF
90
6   4-5* 6-8 6-8 12 5 $2245 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-UTRF
120
6   6* 9*-11 9*-11 N/A 6-7* $2540 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-UTRF
168
8   7-9* 12-15* 12-15* N/A 8-10 $3765 Add this item to the shopping cart
* marked applications in chart require special set of rails that increases price $335 over shown. Use this button- Add this item to the shopping cart
** marked applications in chart require special sets of rails that increases price $665 over shown. Use this button- Add this item to the shopping cart

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.

Return to the top


WIRING SOLAR MODULES



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 Add this item to the shopping cart
O-COMCABLE: 10 feet long, module to combiner box $20 Add this item to the shopping cart
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 Add this item to the shopping cart
   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 Add this item to the shopping cart
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 Add this item to the shopping cart
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 Add this item to the shopping cart
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 Add this item to the shopping cart
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 Add this item to the shopping cart
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 Add this item to the shopping cart
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 Add this item to the shopping cart
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 Add this item to the shopping cart
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 Add this item to the shopping cart
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 Add this item to the shopping cart
O-PVBAG.....bag of 10 lugs $35 bag of 10 Add this item to the shopping cart
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
$18/20 feet Add this item to the shopping cart
O-CONDUFIT: seals conduit to box $5 each Add this item to the shopping cart

Return to the top

Minimum shipping $12 per whole order covers all items with no shipping listed


FROM SOLAR MODULES TO BATTERY ROOM

SOLAR COMBINER BOXES JOIN SOLAR MODULES TO LARGER CABLES to the battery room, to keep power loss under 5% over the total distance. 

 

BASIC COMBINER BOX

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.

Description/Item Code Additional Shipping Price Buy Now
S-COMBINER $12 $78 Add this item to the shopping cart

 


MIDNITE SOLAR COMBINERS

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

Add this item to the shopping cart

S-MNPV-6 $14 $108 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-MNPV-6-250 $14 $116 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-MNPV-12 $14 $162 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-MNPV-12-250 $14 $170 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-MNPV-16 $14 $359 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-MNPV-16-24 $14 $359 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-MNPV-16-250 $14 $359 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-MNPV-6 DISCO $12 $185 Add this item to the shopping cart

 


OUTBACK FLEXWARE PV COMBINER BOXES: FWPV-8 and the FWPV-12

For 8 to 12 breakers
Order just those breakers you need now.Outback pv fleware fwpv8 combiner
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   

Item Code/Description Additional Shipping Price Buy Now
S-OBFWPV8 Combiner Box $12 $125 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-OBFFWPV12 Combiner Box $14 $179 Add this item to the shopping cart
O-TBB: isolated negative bus bar:   $19 Add this item to the shopping cart


Breakers for the Midnite and Outback PSPV

Breaker number

# of Amps

Price

Buy

S-OBPV-6

up to 6 amps

$13

Add this item to the shopping cart

S-OBPV-9

up to 9 amps

$13

Add this item to the shopping cart

S-OBPV-10

up to 10 amps

$13

Add this item to the shopping cart

S-OBPV-15

up to 15 amps

$13

Add this item to the shopping cart

S-OBPV-20 up to 20 amps $13 Add this item to the shopping cart

S-OBPV-30

up to 30 amps

$13

Add this item to the shopping cart

S-OBPV-63 up to 63 amps $13 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-OBPV-GFP63      

S-OB-FH

Fuse holder for KLKD fuse

$20 Add this item to the shopping cart

S-OB-FUSE15

15A KLKD 600VDC fuse

$12 Add this item to the shopping cart
S-OB-FUSE20 20A KLKD 600VDC fuse $12 Add this item to the shopping cart

Return to the top

 

 
Hours: Mon. thru Fri.
8 to 5 Pacific Time.
Visiting Hours: M-F 1:00-4:00 PM  
Phone: 208-263-4290
24 Hr. Fax: 208-265-4788
Email: info@backwoodssolar.com
Backwoods Solar Electric Systems
1589 Rapid Lightning Creek Rd
Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 USA