Solar Power International and Smart Energy Week attendees are seeing firsthand what new solar mounting, racking and tracking products are being introduced to the market. If you were unable to attend this year, but are curious about what was on display on the show floor, here are a few standouts.
RBI Solar’s four-module-high fixed-tilt racking
Cincinnati, Ohio’s own RBI Solar has been busy breaking into different segments of the mounting market with its recently released Sunflower single-axis tracker. But the company put a twist on a solar classic by introducing the Dahlia fixed-tilt ground mount system at SPI. The long-spanning racking fits four panels in a row in portrait and is built at a 12.5-degree angle to offer more installation density than a two-high portrait system.
Pegasus Solar’s pre-installed standing seam mounts
Pegasus Solar is getting ahead in a growing metal roof market by introducing its new line of standing seam mounts. The mounts promise simple attachment to rooftops with pre-installed screws set at an angle to prevent drills from coming in contact with the roof. The standing seam mounts come in open and closed slot top attachment points and are compatible with railed systems. They’re available in silver and black.
Preformed Line Products’ adjustable solar canopy
Preformed Line Products wants to keep module options open for installers when they’re using its new solar carport. The system features adjustable purlins that can adapt to different panel models. It also uses beam clamps that can attach to any point along the flange. And to save installers from adding something to divert rainwater from falling between panels, the carport comes with gaskets that push right in to seal the gaps.
Sunfolding’s air-powered tracker
Sunfolding’s single-axis tracker has used compressed air in bags to track the sun since day one. But this latest iteration of Sunfolding’s tracker, the T29, intends to make installation (and shipment) simpler. After hearing feedback from installers, the company redesigned its tracker to be installed with fewer posts and uses the same type of bolt for every required attachment on the system. The tracker is present on every set of racking, making it adjustable to varying row lengths and worksites.
EcoFasten’s universal click-in-place roof mount
Almost a year after an acquisition by Esdec, EcoFasten came to SPI with a mounting solution for all roof types. As the name suggests, ClickFit is a tool-free, click-in-place roof mount compatible with rail-less installs. The components come preassembled and work with all existing EcoFasten roof attachments. For metal, ClickFit is designed for trapezoidal rooftops but is ready for deployment with any tiles or composition shingles.
Christian McClure says
Thanks to all at Solar Power World for SPI updates. Very nice and helpful since I was not able to attend. Thanks!