Discuss Name that mounting Clamp in the Solar PV Forum | Solar Panels Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

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Hello Group

Trying to find out which manufactuers clamps were used on my install in 2014, as one Mid Clamp is broken (found with cam-out on the star torx stainless screw and the aluminuim sheared) so i can replace. The installer is nolonger trading.

The installer told me they used Renousol Varisole however the genuine Rensousol Clamp i obtained is about 4mm too wide, the gap between the panels would need to be 23.8mm to fit. I estimate the broken Clamp has gap of 19.7mm between panels. I have attached some photos of the Clamp.

Out of interest another issue is the so called Dawwi/QANW, RECC recommend "Workmanship" warranty insurance covering this sort of issue.

Thank you
Iain

Name that mounting Clamp faulty pv clamp 003.JPG - EletriciansForums.net


Name that mounting Clamp faulty pv clamp 002.JPG - EletriciansForums.net


Name that mounting Clamp faulty pv clamp 001.JPG - EletriciansForums.net
 
It would be easier to identify the brand of mounting kit from the rail. Can you provide a photo of the profile of the rail (i.e. the end of the rail)?

It might be an earlier generation Renusol clamp. I may have a spare or two lying around somewhere. Renusol changed their clamp design about 3 years ago.

Hi whinmoor

I have attached the best photo i can get of the end rail today. Should be able to get better photo next week if necessary.

Also forgot to say the roof is pitched concrete tiles.

Name that mounting Clamp end of rail 007.JPG - EletriciansForums.net
 
Hi Whinmoor
Thank you for the information that my panasonic/sanyo panels should not be mounted in the landsacape orientation and it will invalidate the warranty.

I will make inquiries including

As the installer is no longer trading i will contact QANW (the RECC recomended workmanship warranty insurer) and see what they have to say as i have a ten year Dawwi policy.
 
Hi Iain,

Here is the Panasonic installation manual for the panel you've probably got:

ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/solar/om/240w-om.pdf

The final page shows the permitted clamping zones - i.e. the sides, not the ends.

I wouldn't lose too much sleep over it. There are probably hundreds of similar installations across the country.

Your clamps are on the way...
 
Hi Whinmoor
Thank you for your help and sending me a replacement clamp. If i can help with anything please let me known.

With regards to the panels being mounted inccorectly i am not loosing any sleep.
All these issues have only came to light as i had a small intermitant leak through my roof due to the solar panel install. The QANW policy is named a workmanship warranty insurance, but the insurance did not cover this roof leak issue. Even though the insurers report said the leak was due to bad workmanship of the solar installer. Looking at the insurance small print, this "Workmanship" insurance only covers workmanship in regards to the insured works, aka the solar panel system and nothing else, not damage to the rest of the property. So it will be interesting to see how they react to the panels not being installed correctly.
 
Does anyone know a definitive clamp spacing for the mounting clamps? The landscape mounting information I find everywhere is 1/2 the width of the panel apart. So should a 1650 panel should have clamps 825 apart. My 1650 panels have the clamps right near the ends at 1333 apart. It looks like the brittle glass will not have sufficient support between the clamps.
 
Each manufacturer will have their own installation guide which stipulates the permitted clamping zones. For a typical 1650 panel, we aim for 300 - 400 from each end leaving around 900 - 1000 in the middle.

It usually depends on the courses of tiles. On a typical domestic installation we normally leave three courses between roof hooks. Slate and Rosemary tiles may offer more flexibility for clamping than concrete tiles.

The installer may have left four courses in your case which would be around 1333.
 
Each manufacturer will have their own installation guide which stipulates the permitted clamping zones. For a typical 1650 panel, we aim for 300 - 400 from each end leaving around 900 - 1000 in the middle.

It usually depends on the courses of tiles. On a typical domestic installation we normally leave three courses between roof hooks. Slate and Rosemary tiles may offer more flexibility for clamping than concrete tiles.

The installer may have left four courses in your case which would be around 1333.
Do you think that this large gap is safe? It does leave the centre unsupported & vulnerable to greatly increased flexing in the wind & with snow loading. I'm not sure how I stand with insurance liability if they crack and fall off.
The installation examples I have from 7 different companies all stipulate the 1/2 width of panel for the clamps. The universal beam support formulae all equate to around 56% so 1/2 seems the ideal distance. I have attached details of all the 3 main formulae used to support ( clamp ) on two points for minimum deflection.

Name that mounting Clamp support points.JPG - EletriciansForums.net
 
Thanks Whinmoor for the info. It confirms that 56% is the ideal dimension between the mounting points. It shows 8 mounting holes @ either 1155 or 1300 - the average distance = 1228 which is 58% of the 2108 panel length.
 
Quick update,

MCS will be sending their independent engineer to inspect the panel mounting soon. If they agree that the mounting distances are too far apart then all the 54 panels will have to be removed then repair / replace the roof & re-fit correctly. Not looking forward to it but at least they will be safe & guaranteed. I hope my installer will be able to insist the original subcontractor funds the rework.

I'll present the engineer with lots of installation guidelines from all the panel manufacturers & clamping companies plus the industry standard calculations.

I will let you know the engineers findings one way or the other, it may help others in the same boat.
 
Mcs inspector been today & will send report soon.
In the meantime can anyone solve the red min / max clamp mounting distance in the image attached for a 1650 long panel.
The right hand image suggests 50mm either side of 1/4 of the module length. ie 412mm +/- 50mm ( 362mm to 462mm ) from the ends. This gives a centre distance of 726mm to 926mm.? The left hand image is beyond me, any ideas.

Name that mounting Clamp mounting distance enquiry.JPG - EletriciansForums.net
 

Reply to Name that mounting Clamp in the Solar PV Forum | Solar Panels Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

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