Industry attention on soft costs has increased during the last year.
But that doesn’t mean the racking and mounting industry can slow down innovation of more robust, easier to install and lower-cost solar mounting. In fact, as new fire regulations take hold in California and across the country, re-tested and tweaked systems are likely to get more expensive, meaning innovation is critical. Rail-less approaches, which remove long spans of aluminum from the installation process, are popping up in the sloped roof market. On flat roofs, integrated approaches–mounting companies partnering with inverter companies, for example–are aiming to reduce costs. As for ground mounts, the name of the game is installation simplicity. Labor is a significant cost, and large ground mount projects can rack up the hours. Herein are manufacturers’ best racking and mounting products of the year, many of which were just unveiled at Solar Power International in Las Vegas.
Pitched Roof Systems * Flat Roof Systems * Ground Systems * Carports and Canopies * Solar Trackers
PITCHED ROOF
Dual Rack: Flash L-Kit
The Dual Rack Flash L-Kit comes in 12” x 12” and 9” x 12.5” sizes and is designed to be used on composition and asphalt shingle roofs. Roof flashing slides quickly into place with no need to modify the single to force a fit. Just a simple, watertight seal. All stainless steel hardware is included for fast, single-bolt installation. Comes with a 10-year limited product warranty.
DynoRaxx: Evolution PR 2.0
With DynoRaxx Evolution PR 2.0, shipping is no longer an issue. Packaging for a 7-kW system using the DynoRaxx Evolution PR 2.0 is no larger than a shoe box. The system consists of only two components. The majority of the system is installed safely on the ground. Module leveling makes the cleanest array out of the waviest roofs.
EcoFasten Solar: A Fast, Easy Install
A single fastener, IAPMO certification and straight-forward design make EcoFasten Solar’s mounting the choice for top installers in the U.S. Patented watertight technology will protect the integrity of a roof without voiding roofing manufacturer’s warranties.
HatiCon Solar: HatiBond Integrated Bonding Splice Is UL 467 Listed
This innovative new splice installs instantly with no tools, cutting, drilling or hardware. It creates a structural and electrically bonded connection; no bonding lugs or copper wired required. This new technology improves the speed and ease of PV installations.
IronRidge: XR Rail Family
The XR Rail Family offers the strength of IronRidge’s curved rail in three targeted sizes: XR10, XR100 and XR1000. Each size supports specific design loads, while reducing material costs by as much as 15 to 20%.
Magerack: Mounting System With Integrated Bonding
The Magerack Solar Mounting System is a UL 2703 listed, sloped-roof mounting system with integrated bonding. It is reliable with a 20-year warranty, and is easy to install with a patented L-foot with flashing and height-adjustable tile hook with flashing, as well as cost-effective.
Roof Tech: Rail-Less Mount With Integrated Flashing And Electrical Bonding
RT-[E] MOUNT is a rail-Less PV mounting system that adapts to the roof decking or rafter installation in full compliance with IBC, IRC codes and UL 2703. Includes wire management and integrated flashing. PE structural reports are available.
Quick Mount PV: The No-Compromise Rail-Free Mounting System
Quick Rack is a simple, cost-effective rail-free solar mounting system that works with standard module frames. The system is engineered to be robust and structurally sound and features Quick Mount PV’s waterproofing technology.
S-5!: Mount On Any Metal Roof
S-5! offers a line of clamps that fit almost every metal roof profile and rail on the market. The S-5-PV Kit provides an easy, cost-effective direct attached solar installation that is ETL-1703 and UL- 2703 listed. In early 2013, S-5! released EdgeGrab, designed to further simplify S-5-PV Kit end-condition installations.
SnapNrack: Residential Roof Mount Series 100 UL
Series 100 UL features integrated bonding pins, eliminating additional bonding hardware. The fully integrated system leads to an overall reduction in material costs and reduction in labor. The system is also Class A Fire Rated for Type 1 Modules.
Spice Solar: Modules And Mounting Components
Spice Solar modules with built-in racking are cheaper than traditional racking and twice as fast to install. Spice Solar manufacturers mounting components that work on all residential roof types.
SolarRoofHook.com: The All-Tile Roof Mount Solution
The All-Tile Roof Mount works on both flat and curved tile roofs. The base is adjustable at three leverage points, and has numerous mounting screw holes to give added versatility. The hook has a 5.5mm thickness for strength and flashing is available. Part # STRHADJ9038.
Spider-Rax: Black Widow And Red Widow
Black Widow and Red Widow are rail-less and stud-less mounting systems designed to reduce material cost and labor. Spider-Rax mounting systems have integrated mid and end clamps included that fit all major panel manufacturers. This allows for fast installation without compromising structural integrity.
Unirac: Get Off The Roof Faster
New SOLARMOUNT enhancements include integrated bonding to get installers off the roof faster than ever before. Pre-assembled and optimized components reduce installation steps and labor time. Lose the copper and lugs with integrated grounding powered by Enphase Energy, eliminating the ground wire from your array.
Zilla Corporation: New Zilla Phantom XL System
The Zilla Phantom XL is a fully flashed, waterproof, self-grounded flush mount system that attaches to sheathing or structure. Combining the low-profile, watertight sealing of the Zilla Double Stud XL Flashing with innovative Phantom design, this compact solution provides ease in transport, superior strength and maximum flexibility.
Solar Fastener Expert: Fastening For Waterproof Installations
The EJOT Solar Flashing system for waterproof installations allows installations including PV and thermal racking to securely anchor to existing or new roofs. The system includes anodized aluminum flashing with preassembled sealing features and EJOT Solar Fastening with nuts, washers and a preassembled gasket.
FLAT ROOF
Aerocompact: Tested And Certified Solution
Aeocompact is available in 5, 10 and 15-degree tilts, as well as a 10-degree tilt in east-west orientation. The system is wind tunnel tested up to 150 mph and ETL to UL 2703 certified, with fast installation speeds.
PanelClaw: Polar Bear III Flat Roof System
Polar Bear III is a cost-competitive system with a broad application backed by a 100% permitting success rate and 25-year warranty. The system components and installation are designed together to offer a lower total installed cost and excellent service experience. Polar Bear III is system-level fire classified with a Class A rating.
Ecolibrium Solar: EcoFoot2+
EcoFoot2+ is a next-generation flat-roof racking and mounting solution featuring fast installation (13.7 panels per man/hour) and a Class-A Fire Rating in California for Type-1 and Type-3 panels.
Renusol America: 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. Universal clamps hold the modules in place.
Mounting Systems: Optimal Performance For Mid And Lower Latitudes
The Lambda Light EW+ is a unique, East-West oriented system that provides numerous performance and grid-integration advantages, especially for array sites in mid and lower latitude regions. Extensive component preassembly contributes to the product’s installation speed and cost-effectiveness.
SolarDock: Putting Solar Safety First
Don’t settle for racks that squeak by with the bare minimum of product testing. SolarDock 2 boasts mechanical, electrical and fire safety features. The system is TUV Rheinland certified to UL 2703.
Sollega: FastRack FR510 Ballasted Flat Roof Racking
The new FR510 ballasted hybrid low-pitch PV mounting system is injection molded using Ultramid Polymers. Its modular, stackable, universal design mounts all framed modules in both landscape and portrait. All top mount hardware, integrated grounding, integrated mechanical attachment option and requires no assembly.
SunLink: 30% Lower Cost Than Legacy Systems
Class A fire-rated Precision-Modular RMS is assembled, laid out and installed module-by-module to maximize layout flexibility, dramatically reduce costs through inventory and facilitate on-roof changes. Available for 60 and 72-cell modules. Features a 10-degree tilt.
SunModo: Elevated Racking For Maximum Roof Space
The Sunbeam system is a robust and versatile flat roof system that can also be integrated with steel supports for ground mounted solutions. By spanning over obstacles, the system maximizes roof space. It’s lightweight for structural loads, and strong for high costal winds. It’s made of all-aluminum to resist coastal salt air corrosion.
GROUND MOUNT
DPW Solar: Reliable Large-Scale Ground Mount
The Power Peak ground mount system provides a reliable solution for utility-scale applications. Fewer parts, lightweight components and site-optimized design combine for a lower cost and faster installation.
Solar FlexRack: FlexRack Series G3L
The FlexRack Series G3L offers ease of installation. The system ships in a pre-assembled folded position and is simply unfolded and set into place.
GameChange Racking: Pour-in-Place Ballasted Ground System
GC Pour-in-Place ballasted ground mount is a self-leveling system for landfill and rocky sites that use concrete pouring forms, substantially reducing install time and cost.
• Available in both 1 and 2 panels up in portrait
• ETL / UL 2703 tested
• Bankability technical assessment by Black & Veatch
• Wind tunnel tested by CPP
HST Solar: Next-Generation Fixed PV Mounting Structures
HRack uses configurable-components manufacturing to optimize material usage. It comes with several foundation options including cast-on-site ballast and pile-driven. Listed to UL2703, HRack uses multi-dimensional optimization and automation to cut costs 15% to 40% while improving energy yield by 2 to 8%.
Magna: Cosma Ground Mount Racking System
The Cosma Ground Mount Racking System is a highly engineered and rigorously tested product, with over 1 GW of completed project experience. Installed on projects ranging from 5 MW to 140 MW and supported with industry leading on-site customer service, the Cosma ground mount system is the preferred system of many solar project owners, developers and EPCs. The customizable design accommodates all ground conditions, regional loading and building requirements. It is the right racking solution for your project.
Patriot Solar Group: Delta Series Ballasted Ground Mount
With no excavation needed, the Ballasted Ground Mount is ideal for large scale and utility installations, with its ability to adjust post height and tilt on-site. The Delta Series is a simple, functional ballasted ground mount.
PV Racking: Easy Installation, Clamp-Free Ground Racking
A unique rail holds modules securely with a “hold down area” 10 times that of conventional clamps. Modules simply slide into place. PV Racking’s clamp-free ground racking system allows for quicker installation time and significant labor savings.
Schletter: FS Uno Ground Mount System
Meeting production demands is easy with Schletter’s FS Uno-100 ground mount system. Developed with 100% galvanized steel, this single post system meets or exceeds applicable IBC, ASCE and UL Standards and accommodates east-west module tables.
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 SpeedRack: GroundMount
Solar GroundMount is an innovative shared rail ground mount system designed to reduce the cost, time and hardware used in the installation of solar systems. GroundMount has integrated grounding and wire management and fits PV panel sizes 30mm to 50mm.
CARPORTS AND CANOPIES
Baja Construction Co.: Trusted Name, Proven Solutions
Specializing in light gauge, prefabricated, solar carport design, engineering, fabrication and installation, Baja Construction provides standard designs as well as innovative new product lines. Baja’s “Turnkey” systems provide system developers, owners and operators a single point of purchase for complete system procurement to installation services.
Lumos Solar: A Solar Canopy With An Aesthetic Touch
Lumos SolarScapes are pre-engineered, fully configurable solar canopy structures that bridge the worlds of function and design. Optimized for the LSX Frameless Module System, Lumos SolarScapes provide an aesthetic and architectural solution for shade and clean, renewable energy.
SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEMS
AllEarth Renewables: Tracker Arrives Faster, Cheaper
The AllSun Tracker is a complete grid-tied, dual-axis solar electric system that uses GPS technology to follow the sun, producing over 45% more energy than fixed rooftop systems. Made in the United States, the ground-mounted solar tracker system is designed for residential and commercial-scale installations. Its simple, durable design and complete, self-contained system pallet for shipping simplifies costly procurement and installation time, allowing for easy free shipping directly to the installer or job site.
Array Technologies: Revolutionized Design
ATI’s flagship product, the DuraTrack HZ single-axis solar tracker, has recently evolved in order to further reduce installed cost, increase power density, accelerate installation and reduce maintenance requirements–enabling a highly competitive LCOE for solar projects at a time when the industry needs it most. The completely new DuraTrack HZ combines more than 20 years of product innovation with over 2 GW of proven reliability.
Exosun: Low Life-Cycle Cost Utility-Scale Tracker
Exotrack HZ is a horizontal single-axis tracker delivering up to 25% more output than fixed-tilt systems. It offers the market’s fastest installation rate, low motor consumption and maintenance, as well as a unique centralized control and monitoring unit.
Dunkermotoren: Advanced Tracking Solutions
Dunkermotor has redefined its Solar Tracker Motor (STM) portfolio to cater to the PV, CPV and CSP market segments more distinctly. The company’s motion solutions for solar trackers get smarter and provide lower total cost of ownership thanks to all-in-one design. The STM products pack motor, gear, controller, fieldbus and optional integrated inclinometer in one completely sealed unit.
LINAK U.S.: Linear Actuator For Solar Tracking
The LA37 is the strongest electric linear actuator from LINAK, designed to provide the movement to horizontal ground mount trackers. The actuator also features flexible electronics packages for easier integration.
QBotix: Robotic Tracking System
The optimized dual-axis QBotix Robotic Tracking System (RTS) delivers improved yields of up to 45%, project cost savings of up to 20%, and increased installation flexibility for large-scale solar power plants.