Installation simplicity is still the name of the game for racking and mounting systems. The number of bits and pieces to mounting systems have continued to decrease over the last few years, so much so that companies are starting to go off the rails. Rail-less designs, last year a drop in the bucket, today take up a larger share of our Top Products. Even trackers are getting simpler and more precise. The following mounting products are some of the best the industry has ever seen.
Carports * Flat Roof * Ground-Mount * Sloped Roof * Trackers
CARPORTS & CANOPIES
BAJA CONSTRUCTION CO.: Box “T” Solar Support Structure
Baja Construction’s vertical implementation of steel structures is ideal for solar support applications. From design to installation, Baja offers an innovative alternative to supporting solar projects with high-tensile, light-gauge steel custom-designed by its in-house team of engineers, making for a high versatile asset to nearly any business.
SOLAIRE GENERATION: Long Span 360
Solaire offers the Long Span and other innovative and economical canopy designs for virtually any ground or garage parking facility, including California schools (DSA). Solaire’s canopies pair form with function, providing safe, durable structures with optional advanced features like snow and water management and variable wing inclination on all designs.
FLAT ROOF
BISOL: EasyMount ALU Base
The EasyMount ALU Base is designed for use with most module types and with pre-assembled components to shorten the installation time and deliver the projects on a tight budget. Key features include adjustable inclination, lower pressure for the roof surface, economical packaging, 10-year product warranty and free-of-charge project design via EasyTool.
DYNORAXX: Evolution FR V 2.0
The Evolution FR V 2.0 provides installers with the fastest and most cost-effective professional mounting system. The system maintains its versatility, light weight, ruggedness, speed of installation, module manufacturer’s mounting guidelines and extremely low expansion and contraction properties, while now providing favorable pricing to make all flat roof-mounted projects advantageous.
EVEREST SOLAR SYSTEMS: D Dome Railless
The east-west system D Dome Railless reduces labor on the roof. Pre-built parts are delivered to the site, and the array is assembled in three easy steps. Align the components, add modules and ballast, and connect wiring. Wind tunnel tested and SEAOC peer-reviewed.
OMG ROOFING PRODUCTS: PowerGrip Plus
PowerGrip Plus is watertight, easy-to-install and provides a secure connection to the roof deck. Once heat welded, PowerGrip Plus helps eliminate rack movement that can damage commercial roofs. PowerGrip is made from the same material as the roof for 100% compatibility. 2,000 lbs. tensile strength; 1,075 lb of shear strength.
ORION SOLAR RACKING: Orion’s Belt Ballasted Mount Solution
Orion’s Belt system is a unique UL-listed, wind tunnel-tested, pre-assembled, rail-less design, consisting of only three main components: ballast pan, brackets and interconnect-belts. Despite its simplicity, it retains the rigidity and structural integrity to provide an innovative and versatile solution for any flat roof. Available options include 0° to 15° tilt, penetration and east-west.
PANELCLAW: Polar Bear Gen III 5 degree
Polar Bear Gen III 5 degree delivers the highest roof coverage ratio of any 5° product on the market today, along with low installed cost and life-cycle cost. The engineering team behind the product is armed with masses of data to satisfy even the toughest permitting jurisdictions in the United States.
PERMACITY: SolarStrap
The Solarstrap roof attachment system is designed for 0° to 15° mounting options and features integrated grounding and UL 1703 certification. The SolarStrap requires neither penetrations nor ballasts, while being both easy to install and a low cost system. A proprietary design employs heat sealing technology to secure the framework to the roof and allows for rapid installation with minimal tools.
RENUSOL: EW
The Renusol EW is a ballasted east-west facing mounting system for flat roofs that allows for greater array density and lower ballast weights. No long rails or wind deflectors are needed. The system has integrated ballast blocks and utilizes the universal clamps from Renusol pitched-roof systems. The mounting posts assemble with just one nut.
SOLLEGA: FastRack 510
The FastRack 510 comes in 5° or 10° mounting options and 10- or 13-in. row spacing, with fully ballasted, anchored and hybrid options. The modular, one-piece design stacks for low cost shipping. FastRack 510 is compatible with all framed modules and First Solar frameless thin-film modules. The system, which comes ready to install, features integrated grounding to UL standards.
GROUND MOUNT
APPLIED ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES (AET): Rayport-G ECO
AET’s Rayport-G ECO utility-scale ground-mount system is easy to install, scalable and delivers significant savings on total installed cost. High shipping density lowers freight bills. The system, which fits all panels available today, is wind tunnel tested and UL 2703 listed, with a 25-year limited warranty. Connects at a single point to system ground.
AP ALTERNATIVES: MOD Series Racking
The AP Alternatives modular racking solution is designed for utility-scale solar fields. The turnkey system allows for streamline field installation. The helical anchors are rapidly installed using automated drivers and modular racking is totally pre-assembled prior to delivery, including module installation, grounding and wire management.
DCE SOLAR: Cap Rack
The Cap Rack is a simple-to-install ground-mount for solar arrays. Cap Rack is delivered 80% preassembled, making installation fast and easy, which is critical in markets with high labor rates. The Cap Rack uses locally made, precast ballast blocks and requires less overall ballast weight due to unique features that increase drag coefficient.
DUAL RACK: GBS-P6 Grounding Lug
Using Dual Rack’s GBS-P6 will result in lower cost and faster installations. The GBS-P6 is a stainless steel grounding, bonding splice lug, compatible with all racking and framed solar modules. This multipurpose lug is the first to be grounding and a jumper. UL 467 certified and UL 2703 recognized.
GAMECHANGE RACKING: GC Max-Span
GC Max-Span features long spans with few foundations—as few as 260 per megawatt. The post, beam and brace assembly has a low part count. Rugged design enables 150 mph wind and 90 psf snow loads. With a 20-year warranty, the Max-Span is ETL UL 2703 tested.
HST SOLAR: HRack
HRack uses configurable manufacturing to optimize PV structures. It comes with several foundation options including cast-on-site ballast and pile-driven. Listed to UL 2703, HRack uses proprietary multi-dimensional optimization to cut BOS costs by 15% to 40% while improving energy yield by 2% to 8%, site dependent.
MOUNTING SYSTEMS: Sigma Steel
Mounting Systems’ Sigma Steel ground-mount combines the design of aluminum with the strength of steel. Unique cold-rolled steel module rails and rafters allow fast installation and on-site flexibility with Clickstone technology module clamps. Self-healing zinc-magnesium coating provides G235 protection at the cost of G90, eliminates the need to recoat scratches and leaches less zinc into the ground than hot-dip galvanization.
NUANCE ENERGY GROUP: Osprey PowerPlatform
The Osprey PowerPlatform is revolutionizing how solar ground-mount structures are engineered and simplifies how racking structures are permitted under 2013 CBC regulations. No geotechnical report. No concrete piers, pads or foundations required. Made of U.S. recycled steel, proprietary modular units assemble easily, deploy in minutes and scale from one to thousands using non-skilled labor.
POWERS SOLAR FRAMES: 5-High Ballast Ground Mount
This concrete ballasted ground-mount solution for residential, commercial, landfills and brown field applications consists of box, posts, solar purlin, connection hardware and 20 patented gator clamps for connecting modules to purlin, with tilt ranging from 5° to 30°. A simple solution that reduces install time and costs.
RBI SOLAR: Single Source Racking Solution
Custom designed and engineered to site-specific conditions, RBI ground-mount racking is ETL classified to UL 2703. With in-house engineering and project management capabilities, RBI takes a single source responsibility for a solar project that involves structural design, engineering, manufacturing and installation.
SOLAR FLEXRACK: FlexRack Series G3-X
Solar developers and EPCs demand choices and continued innovation to maintain their leadership position. The field-assembled G3-X ground-mount joins Solar FlexRack’s flagship pre-assembled G3L and G2P series as the latest advancement in the company’s ongoing quest to provide products that meet project-specific needs.
SUNLINK: Large-Scale GMS Portrait
With an industry-leading 20% east-west terrain following, Large-Scale GMS Portrait can be installed on ungraded sites, those with constant slope and rolling terrain. It is designed for incremental array sizing via smaller tables to streamline project design. Module independence also eliminates delays formerly posed by changes in module choice.
TERRASMART: TF2
TerraSmart’s turn-key racking solution was designed with the ground screw foundation in mind. The TF2 racking solution offers unprecedented tolerances for ultimate flexibility in the field to lower overall site preparation and installation costs. Additionally, with design, engineering, manufacturing and construction offered by one trusted partner, installers can be assured of a streamlined and successful ground-mount project.
SLOPED ROOF
ACECLAMP: A2 Clamp
The A2 clamp can now be used with the new micro L foot to install inverter boxes to S.S.M.R. without compromising manufacturers’ warranties. This fully assembled product is just another way to get on and off the roof faster. After all, “The proof is on the roof.”
ADVANCED RACKING SOLUTIONS: FlashGuard
FlashGuard incorporates features to prevent water infiltration and manage moisture that may wick beyond the initial barrier. The intelligent design does not use EPDM gaskets and includes an offset in the base plate to prevent the L foot and rail from twisting on the roof. Cost is the biggest advantage.
CLENERGY: PV-ezRack SolarRoof EVO
The PV-ezRack SolarRoof EVO is a universal roof-mount with an optimized triangle rail that is lighter and stronger. It provides the optimal balance between cost and structural compliance. The Omega clamp ensures effortless installation while the high-quality aluminum and stainless steel components provide certainty and peace of mind.
DPW SOLAR: AMP Clamp
DPW Solar offers a fully integrated grounding solution for its Power Rail mounting system. The primary component is the third-party tested and certified AMP Clamp. This module clamp penetrates and electrically bonds the module frame directly to the mounting rails, eliminating the need for separate bonding washers.
ECOFASTEN SOLAR: Rock-It System
Top-down leveling and north-south adjustability provide an extremely fast, easy, no-hassle installation. Only one tool is required to install any size or orientation array, and the system features integrated electrical bonding and an attractive array skirt. Conforming to UL subject 2703, the Rock-It System holds a Class “A” Fire Resistance Rating when using Type 1, listed PV modules, and can be used on both low-slope and steep-slope applications.
ECOLIBRIUM SOLAR: EcoX
EcoX is an innovative, rail-less racking system, proven to organize the installation process. The flexible design offers a clean aesthetic and simplified logistics, and it delivers a higher quality installation at a lower cost per watt.
IRFTS: Easy Roof Evolution
Increase the speed of PV installation with Easy Roof Evolution, a building-integrated mounting system for photovoltaics. Thanks to overlapping mounting systems with no seal, no cut, Easy Roof installs like tiles. Easy Roof is ideal for all kinds of roofs, including tiles, shingles and slates.
IRONRIDGE: Tilt Mount System
The IronRidge Tilt Mount System is an attached, fixed-tilt assembly for flat roofs. The system pairs IronRidge XR Rails with north and south Tilt Legs to achieve a wide range of mounting angles while supporting the most extreme wind and snow loads. The Tilt Mount System is compatible with seam clamps, membrane attachments and standoffs from major attachments manufacturers.
MAGERACK CORPORATION: Magerack Solar Mounting System
The Magerack Solar Mounting System is UL 2703 certified with a Class A fire rating and integrated bonding. It is reliable with a 20-year warranty, easy to install with patented L-foot with flashing and height-adjustable tile hook with flashing, and it’s cost-effective.
PEGASUS SOLAR: LightSpeed Mount
LightSpeed Mount is the new standard in residential rail-less mounting systems. The proprietary corner hinge system is installed on standard module frames at the panel manufacturer and delivered to the installer fully ready to install. Pricing is at or below comparable rail and substantially lower when including labor savings and free shipping.
QUICK MOUNT PV: Accessory Frame Bracket
The Accessory Frame Bracket offers fast, on-the-ground installation for mounting SolarEdge Power Optimizers directly to the module frame, saving time and money. The Accessory Frame Bracket is extremely versatile and works with Quick Mount PV’s Quick Rack rail-free mounting system, as well as rail-based racking systems, ballasted and ground-mounted systems.
ROOF TECH: E Mount AIR
The E Mount AIR offers all the benefits of RT-[E] Mount while providing 3 in. of clearance from the roof surface to improve cooling in warmer climates. Ideal for PV installations that use a microinverter, the E Mount AIR can be shipped with its own microinverter mounting bracket, a microinverter wire harness mounting bracket and an array skirt.
S-5!: S-5-PV Kit
With groundbreaking features, the S-5-PV Kit fits the majority of metal roofs on the market and universally fits field and end conditions. Designed to be simply anchored with the kit, it automatically provides a ground path in the module frame. With no lugs or wires required, except to connect the modules and ground it to the system, the S-5-PV Kit offers low installation costs.
S:FLEX: 12-Kit
The compact packaged S:FLEX 12-Kit includes all components and rails required for 12 framed photovoltaic modules in portrait. Shorter rails, pre-assembled parts such as the Bonding Splice and universal height-adjustment, patented “Click-Technology” Module Clamps allow for a hassle-free installation and reduce time on the roof for most module array combinations.
SNAPNRACK: 100 Residential Roof Mount System
The system features snap-in installation and integrated bonding hardware that leads to an overall reduction in material costs and dramatic reduction in labor. It is also UL 2703 certified and Class A fire rated for Type 1 and Type 2 modules ensuring installers provide the best-in-class installations in quality, safety and efficiency.
SOLAR CLAM-P: A Beam
With just one lag screw, the A Beam structurally secures and bonds two solar modules, while also giving installers the option to install a J-Box Mounting Plate or an Array Cap. The A Beam also features “on the fly” leveling with the center bolt and also features a “flashing flange” that secures the Slip and Slide Flashing into the A Beam.
SOLAR SPEEDRACK: Solar SpeedMount
Solar SpeedRack racking systems are innovative clamp-free shared rail racking systems. Universal, fully certified rails fit PV module frames with 32-mm to 50-mm thickness and have integrated grounding. The shared rail design reduces roof penetrations 30% to 60% and provides maximum attachment spans.
SOLARROOFHOOK.COM: QuickBOLT
The QuickBolt is the future of low-cost mounting systems for asphalt shingle roofing. By replacing large, clunky aluminum flashing with an expertly designed stainless steel and EPDM rubber washer, contractors now have a reliable alternative to more costly, traditional methods of waterproofing.
SPICE SOLAR: Spice
With Spice, installers need 50% fewer parts on the roof, reducing equipment and labor costs on every job. Spice components quickly connect and ground modules in portrait or landscape orientations. Gone are the days of transporting 20-ft rails and tons of little parts. Spice reduces the hassle along with costs.
SUNMODO: Ridge Bridge Metal Roof Mount
Designed for maximum flexibility, the Ridge Bridge Metal Roof Mount can be attached to most traditional or trapezoidal corrugated metal roof profiles. Combined with L-Adaptor to change the orientation of rail at right angles to corrugations. The vertical slot feature provides adjustment to the solar array when roofing is uneven.
UNIRAC: SUNFRAME MICRORAIL (SFM)
SUNFRAME MICRORAIL (SFM) is a hybrid system including a Trimrail with module mounting for fastest array alignment and superior aesthetics. Minimize total labor with pre-assembled parts, integrated bonding hardware and one tool installation. Compact packaging lowers logistics costs from the warehouse to the roof. Patented mounting components provide post-height adjustment and allow for removal of individual panels for maintenance.
ZILLA: Double Stud XL Flashing—Sheathing Attachment
The Zilla Double Stud XL Flashing is designed for attachment to both sheathing and structural members, allowing for faster installations and more flexibility in mounting on pitched roofs. The Zilla Double Stud XL Flashing installs quickly with standard tools and hardware, and ensures a secure and watertight attachment.
TRACKERS
ALLEARTH RENEWABLES: AllEarth L20 Solar Tracker
The AllEarth L20 Solar Tracker utilizes the proven pole-mounted tracking system by AllEarth Renewables, enabling higher power 72-cell modules and increasing the tracker advantage, while reducing material costs. The new orientation also improves wind loading and is visually appealing in the landscape orientation, particularly for residential uses.
ARRAY TECHNOLOGIES: DuraTrack HZ v3
The DuraTrack HZ v3 offers differentiating installation advantages, optimizing processes from the ground up. Equalized post specifications, fewer foundations per megawatt and terrain flexibility all streamline site prep and civil works. A single-bolt-per-module clamp, which does not require specialized tools to install, makes module installation fly. Ultimately, ATI’s 4 gigawatts of experience saves contractors valuable time and resources.
BIG SUN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY: Dual-Axis iPV
The Dual-Axis iPV Solar Tracking System accurately locates sunlight, providing sufficient power especially during sunrise and sunset times to fulfill energy demands. Simple lever principle design helps reduce O&M costs. Features uncomplicated installation and painless maintenance.
EXOSUN: Exotrack HZ v2
Exotrack HZ v2, the newest version of Exosun’s tracking technology, has been engineered to maximize energy output and further reduce overall costs and delivery lead times, offering a highly reliable, LCOE-friendly solution for utility-scale solar plants.
GRUPO CLAVIJO: SP 1000 Multi-Row Tracker
The SP1000 multi-row tracker has become proof of the solidity, fast assembly process and lowest O&M in the market of the Grupo Clavijo portfolio trackers. Highly versatile and compatible with most module, has been deployed in the most challenging terrains.
MECHATRON SOLAR: D170 Gearless Dual-Axis Tracker
Mechatron has designed and deployed a unique patent-protected gearless mechanism that provides reliability to its trackers. More than 3,600 are deployed with zero failures. The tracker’s platform allows the mounting of as much as 40 kW on each tracker. A sophisticated software platform empowers users and support personnel to perform remote and local maintenance and monitoring.
NEXTRACKER: Self-Powered Tracker (SPT)
NEXTracker’s horizontal tracker maximizes energy yield and increases solar project profits. The Self-Powered Tracker (SPT) eliminates wiring to tracker motors, reducing material and installation costs, making each row truly plug-and-play with faster and more precise operation. Leveraging world-class design and installation expertise, NEXTracker has delivered trackers across five continents.
SUN ACTION TRACKERS: PST-2AL Dual Axis Tracker
The PST-2AL Dual Axis Tracker is designed for easy assembly with higher corrosion resistance steel (Magnesium Alloy Coated Steel). It performs optimally throughout the entire day producing more energy per hour than single-axis and fixed-tilt. The increase in production can be up to 45% higher yields.
SUNFOLDING: T1 Horizontal Single-Axis Tracker
Sunfolding’s T1 Horizontal Single Axis Tracker offers tracker performance with the ease and simplicity of fixed-tilt systems. The T1 eliminates motors, gearboxes, torque tubes and bearings with a modular, scalable approach that radically cuts costs while improving performance.