Professional Documents
Culture Documents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Notices and safety General procedure notes Installation materials and tools Part diagrams Elevation Views Assembly sequence Tilt bracket assembly and installation Substrate assembly Panel assembly: 4x1 & 3x1 General module to spar grounding Tilt Access Feature Panel installation Lateral link assembly Wind deflector assembly Ballast pan installation Connector installation Spar field drilling Page 13 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 21 Page 22 Page 28 Page 32 Page 34 Page 2 Page 4 Page 5 Page 5 Page 7 Page 9 Page 10 Page 12
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Fit-up SunLink is a designed-t system and is assembled using fasteners and assembly bolt sets. Matching hole locations are engineered to ensure long-term reserve assembly strength and life cycle reliability. Since undulation and slope is required to ensure roof drainage, SunLink incorporates features that allow the array to follow the roof contour. Line-up for nal bolted connection typically involves light bucking in during assembly. A drift pin is a useful tool with which to align holes for cross-bolting. Roof life and care The service life of any roof is contingent upon care for the roof especially during equipment installation on a roof. Avoid concentrated loads on the roof. Never drag SunLink components into place. Instead, elevate the component, and then move it manually or with a cart. Locate it and then place it on spot. To ensure roong system warranty continuation, work with roong system installation contractors to ensure roong system array compatibility. WARNING! Single-ply roofs are not damage tolerant. Avoid accumulation of metal nes that result from drilling or sawing metal components. Metal nes embedded in the soles of shoes can damage single-ply roofs. Fasteners All required fasteners are furnished with the SunLink RMS. All fasteners are 18Cr-8Ni stainless steel. For any assembly, nish initial bolted assembly to nger tight. Refer to the Installation Manual for detailed information on application. Button-head cap screws (BHCS) are precision, low-prole fasteners. Use of air-powered tools that do not incorporate means to limit applied torque may damage the head of these fasteners and is not recommended. Final inspection Visually inspect assembled SunLink arrays, roof-mounted or ground supported. The suggested process consists of a row-by-row walk-through and then a perimeter walk-around, after mechanical assembly, before electrical completion. Report any distortion in the assembly to SunLink. Array substrate supports should be in full contact with the roof or the ground. Any indication of uneven distribution of weight should be evaluated and corrected before continuing with electrical nishing.
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C. TILT ACCESS is a unique feature to SunLink that lets you ip the panels up and out of the way. During installation do not leave panels unattended in the tilt up position. Do not place panels in locked tilt up position if winds exceed 15mph. D. Temporary ballast At the end of every work day, ensure all components are securely attached. Temporary ballast (i.e. sandbags) may be required to secure the system to the roof during the installation process to prevent movement or damage due to wind. E. Safety For all day handling of aluminum components, wear gloves. Be careful of pinch hazards, especially when lowering panels onto tilt brackets
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PART DIAGRAMS
Spar (aluminum extrusion) Longitudinal link (aluminum extrusion) Anchor block (aluminum extrusion)
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PART DIAGRAMS
East wind deflector (aluminum sheetmetal) West wind deflector (aluminum sheetmetal) End East deflector (aluminum sheetmetal)
Drill jig
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Clamp block
Wind deflector
Spar
Anchor block
Tilt bracket
Long Link
Tilt bracket
Wind deflector
Spar
Anchor block
Long Link End row tilt bracket (smaller size than tilt bracket)
Tilt bracket
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Wind deflector
Long link End row tilt bracket (smaller size than tilt bracket)
Tilt bracket
Clamp block PV Module Pivot block End disc Spar Lateral link Anchor block
Wind deflector
Long link End row tilt bracket (smaller size than tilt bracket)
Tilt bracket
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Parts Used Tilt bracket cover Tilt bracket base Long link 3/8-16 x 2.25 HHCS 3/8-16 Hex nut
Before beginning assembly of the tilt brackets a bending jig must first be made which will ease assembly. (10 degree system shown) The bending jig is made as follows; take two tilt bracket covers and bend them over a longitudinal link (refer to Step 2), being careful not to over bend. Attach the tilt bracket cover to the tilt bracket base as shown in step 3 below. Attach a longitudinal link between the two tilt brackets as shown below using two (2) 3/8-16 x 2.25 HHCS and 3/8 Hex nuts, (note: longitudinal link is only attached to the upper hole in the tilt brackets when used as jig). The bending jig is now ready to be used.
Longitudinal link
Step 2. Bend tilt bracket covers Lay a tilt bracket cover over the longitudinal link and bend the sides of the cover inwards, being careful not to over bend. The tilt bracket cover will have a little spring back.
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Step 3. Create tilt bracket cover and base assembly Attach the tilt bracket cover to the tilt bracket base. Center the tilt bracket cover over the tilt bracket base and pinch the legs of the tilt bracket cover until the slots in the cover clear the locking tabs in the base. Allow the cover to expand with the locking tabs of the base engaging with the slots in the cover. Push down on the center of the cover to complete engagement of tabs. Ensure all locking tabs are engaged properly.
Pinch slightly
Pinch cover and align locking tabs with slots
Release
Release and engage locking tabs, push cover down to complete engagement
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Parts Used Tilt bracket cover Tilt bracket base Long link 3/8-16 x 2.25 HHCS 3/8-16 Hex nut 3/8 Flat washer
SUBSTRATE ASSEMBLY
Step 1. Create the substrate
Set up tilt brackets at desired location and attach longitudinal links between tilt brackets as shown below. Use four (4) 3/8-16 x 2.25 HHCS, eight (8) 3/8 flat washers and four (4) 3/8 hex nuts to attach the longitudinal link to the tilt brackets. Use a washer on each side of the tilt bracket. Do not fully tighten the nuts. Repeat for second column of tilt brackets.
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Parts Used Spars Clamp blocks 5/16-18 x 1.25 BHCS 3/8-16 x 2.25 HHCS 3/8-16 Hex Nut Mounting fasteners: 5/16-18 x .625 BHCS 5/16 Hex flange nut Or -20 x .625 BHCS Or -20 Hex flange nut
PANEL ASSEMBLY
Lay out saw horses as shown, distance between first and last saw horse should be approximately 12 shorter than spar being used. A spar can be set on ground beside saw horses and used as guide. Note: It may be helpful to place plywood sheets on the saw horses to provide a larger work surface for holding tools and components.
Spar
Saw horse
PV Module
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Step 3. Clamp blocks The clamp blocks are used to provide equal spacing between modules. Install three (3) clamp blocks per 4x1 spar and two (2) clamp blocks per 3x1 spar and 1 clamp block per 2x1 spar using one (1) 5/1618 x 1.25 BHCS per clamp block. Leave clamp blocks loose.
Spar
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Step 4. Attach modules to spars Attach modules to spars in the orientation shown below. Depending on module and mounting hole diameter, use either four (4) 5/16-18 x .625 BHCS or four (4) 1/4 20 x .625 BHCS with corresponding flange nuts per module. Spars with .28 mounting holes use 1/4 screws and spars with .34 holes use 5/16 screws. Leave nuts loose. Once all bolts and nuts are installed, verify that the clamp block flanges are positioned flush over each module and square with the spar. Tighten all bolts to 11-14 ft lbs using cordless screwdriver. Ensure cordless screwdriver is set to the correct torque. During this process make sure the spars are seated, with no gaps, against the outside of the PV module frames.
Step 5. Install pivot blocks to spars Install two (2) pivot blocks onto the first spar. It may be necessary to lightly tap the pivot block into place using a rubber mallet. Attach pivot blocks to spar using 3/8-16 x 2.25 HHCS, two (2) per pivot block. Tighten to 16-20 ft lbs.
Pivot block
Spar
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Step 6. Install the anchor blocks Install two (2) anchor blocks onto the second spar. Rotate anchor block so that grooved surface is facing modules. Attach anchor blocks to spar using two (2) 3/8-16 x 2.25 bolts and 3/8 hex nuts. Tighten to 16-20 ft lbs. Note: Depending on movement of panels on site, the anchor blocks can be attached to the tilt brackets first. The anchor blocks would then be attached to the spar after the panel is installed on the tilt brackets.
Anchor block
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Note: TILT ACCESS feature is allowed without additional support in wind speed less than 15mph.
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Parts Used Assembled panel Substrate End disc 3/8-16 x 2.25 HHCS 3/8-16 Hex nut 3/8 Flat washer
PANEL INSTALLATION
Step 1. Attaching the panel to the substrate Attach the assembled panel to the installed tilt brackets. Orient the assembled panel up 90 and guide the pivot blocks into the tilt brackets on the south side.
Step 2. Attaching the anchor blocks to the substrate Rotate the panel down and guide the anchor blocks into the north side tilt brackets. Install two (2) 3/8-16 x 2.25 HHCS with a 3/8 flat washer into each anchor block and attach a 3/8 flat washer and 3/8 hex nut on each bolt. Do not tighten. Install two (2) 3/816x2.25 HHCS with 3/8 flat washers into each pivot block and fasten with 3/8 flat washers and nuts. Once all bolts are installed and panels are in correct position tighten all eight (8) mounting bolts to 16-20 ft lbs.
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Step 3. Installing end disc to substrate Install end disc into open end of each tilt bracket located on the south side of each SunLink column. Secure end disc with one (1) 3/8-16 x 2.25 HHCS with two (2) 3/8 flat washers and one (1) 3/8 hex nut. Tighten to 16-20 ft lbs.
End disc
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Parts Used Assembled panel Lateral link 3/8-16 x 2.25 HHCS 3/8-16 Hex nut
Lateral links are used to provide connection in the E/W direction and are an important component in the overall design of the SunLink RMS. Lateral links are located between panels where shown on layout drawing. Step 1. Attaching the lateral link to the spar Insert the lateral link within the spar channel of each panel and align mounting holes. Install two (4) 3/8 - 16 x 2.25 HHCS through spar and lateral link (2 each end) and attach four (4) 3/8 hex nuts. Tighten to 16-20 ft lbs.
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Parts Used Assembled panel E and W Deflectors Deflector clips 5/16-18 x 1 HHCS 5/16-18 Hex flange nut 5/16-18 x .625 BHCS
Wind deflectors are installed on the North end of each SunLink column. Wind deflectors are also required when transitioning from a 3x1 to a 4x1 or where a module is omitted. See layout drawing for wind deflector locations.
Wind deflector
5/16-18 x 1 HHCS
Hardware
Exploded side view showing deflector attachment (Anchor blocks removed for clarity)
Assembly instructions for SunLink roof mount system- Rev L
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Step 2. Attach E/W deflectors to spars Attach east and west deflectors to spar using 5/16-18 flange nuts. Orient the deflectors such that the end tabs are facing out and are at the center of the 4x1, 3x1 and 2x1 panel. Torque to 14-16 ft lbs.
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Step 3. Attach deflector clips to end row tilt brackets Attach deflector clips to end row tilt brackets using two (2) 5/16-18 x .625 BHCS per deflector clip. Torque to 11 to 14 ft lbs.
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Step 4. Connect E/W deflector tabs Connect east and west deflector end tabs at center of panel using 5/16-18 x .625 BHCS with flange nuts, quantity varies between 0 and 4 depending on system. Torque to 11-14 ft lbs.
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End wind deflectors are used when transitioning from a 3x1 to a 4x1 or when a module is omitted due to an obstruction. The end wind deflector is attached using the anchor block and lateral link holes. Step 1. Remove anchor block and spar fasteners Remove the two 3/8-16 x 2.25 HHCS anchor block to spar mounting screws on the side of the spar where the end wind deflector will be mounted. Remove the upper anchor block to tilt bracket 3/8-16 x 2.25 HHCS with washers and hex nut. Set fasteners aside.
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Step 3. Reattach anchor blocks to spar Reinstall upper anchor block to tilt bracket fastener removed in step 1 through the end tab on the end wind deflector. Torque to 16 20 ft lbs.
Note: East end wind deflector shown, procedure is the same for West end wind deflectors.
May need to field modify deflector Add west end deflector Drill two holes in spar
If this module is omitted, cut spars and deflector approximately 6 from tilt bracket cover
Array section showing east end wind deflector on a 4x1 and east and west deflectors on a 3x1
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One method of hold down for the SunLink RMS is ballasted. SunLink has various methods for ballasting the RMS which make use of commonly available pavers. Ballast pans are available in 3 different sizes, 12, 16 and 24. The 12 and 24 ballast pans are designed to work with 12 x 12 x 2 (nominal) pavers weighing 24 lbs each. The 16 ballast pan is designed to work with 16 x 8 x 2 (nominal) pavers, weighing 18 lbs each. 14 gauge (.08) stainless steel wires are tied to each side of the ballast pan are used to secure the pavers to the pan. Length of wire required will depend on ballast pan and number of pavers used, for example a 24 ballast pan with 8 pavers would require approximately 6 of wire per pan. 9 of wire is provided per pan for worst case. Note: A suitable waterproof adhesive can be used in place of the wire ties. Use adhesive to attach the pavers to the ballast pan and to attach pavers to pavers. Step 1. Place ballast pans Place ballast pan over longitudinal link and keep pan close to the North row tilt bracket cover.
Longitudinal Link
Ballast Pan
DIMENSION A B C D
Assembly instructions for SunLink roof mount system- Rev L
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Step 2. Placing ballast Lay required number of pavers onto ballast pan. Place pavers as close as possible to long link.
16
16
24
12
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Step 3. Placing tie down wire Loop wire though hole on side of ballast pan and twist it around itself (two twists minimum) to secure.
Hole in ballast pan Wire through hole and twisted around itself
Step 4. Affixed tie down wire Pull wire taut and loop through hole on other side of ballast pan and secure by twisting wire around itself (two twists minimum)
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Step 5. Installing multiple tie down wires Repeat steps 3 and 4 for second wire.
Note: Alternate single wire attachment method for 4 pavers high or fewer: Loop wire through holes on one side of ballast pan. Remove slack and loop ends through opposite side of ballast pan. Twist wire around itself (two twists minimum) to secure.
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Parts Used Flashable Post Anchor (FPA) Z-clamp arm (ZCA) Long link clamp -10 x 1.5 HHCS Flat Washer 5/16-18 x .625 BHCS 5/16 Hex flange nut
CONNECTOR INSTALLATION
One method of hold down for the SunLink RMS is physically connecting it to the roof. The advantages of a connected SunLink RMS is reduced connector counts. Connectors are installed when extra attachment is required to attach the SunLink system to roofing with minimum penetration. Step 1. Install Flashable Post Anchor (FPA) Attach flashable post anchor (FPA) to roof and add flashing.
Mounting screws (Roof attachment hardware determined and supplied by others) FPA Backer board to bring connector base flush with deck Determined and supplied by others Section of roof with roofing material removed to allow direct access to substrate
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Step 2. Install Z-Clamp Arm (ZCA) to long link Connect Z clamp arm to long link using long link clamp and four (4) 5/16 x .625 BHCS with 5/16 flange nuts. Do not tighten nuts. Step 3. Install ZCA to FPA Connect Z clamp arm to FPA and secure with 3/4 -10 x 1.5 HHCS and flat washer. Tighten to 30-40ft lbs. Tighten 5/16" nuts on long link clamp to 11-14 ft lbs.
Z-clamp arm
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Refer to layout drawing to determine if spar field drilling is required for system. When a column of 4x1 transitions to a 3x1 (or vice-a-versa) the tilt bracket of the of 3x1 that does not line up with the 4x1 column needs to be attached to the spar of the 4x1. To do this, two 13/32 holes have to be drilled in the 4x1 spar to allow attachment of either a pivot block or anchor block (which block to use depends on whether the 3x1 is to the north or south of the 4x1). This pivot block or anchor block will then be attached to the tilt bracket of the 3x1.
South
South
Note: It is best to drill the spars before attaching them to the modules, but they can also be drilled in place.
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Method A Drilling the spar before assembly. Determine which side of the 4x1 spar needs the extra mounting holes before beginning. Step 1. Lining up spars Lay a 3x1 and 4x1 spar back to back and align one set of anchor/pivot block holes on the 3x1 with the matching holes on the 4x1.
3x1 spar
4x1 spar
Align holes
Side view
Step 2. Affix spars together Clamp and bolt spars together to maintain alignment.
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Step 3. Affix drill jig Connect the drill jig to the 3x1 spar at the second pivot/anchor block location. Tighten thumbscrew to secure the drill jig to the spar.
Drill jig
Step 4. Drill spar Using the drill jig as a guide, drill two 13/32 holes through 4x1 spar. Debur edges on both sides.
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Method B drilling spars after system is mounted on roof. Step 1. Connecting using an anchor block When connecting on north side using an anchor block: Use anchor block as a guide to ensure that the drill jig is in the correct location. Push drill jig into spar until it stops. Secure drill jig to spar using jig thumb screw. Drill two 13/32 holes in 4x1 spar. Debur edges on both sides.
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Step 2. Connecting using a pivot block When connecting on south side using an anchor block: 4 x1 panel may need to be rotated up to gain access to inside of lower spar. Use anchor block as a guide to ensure that the drill jig is in the correct location. Push drill jig into spar until it stops. Secure drill jig to spar using jig thumb screw. Remove anchor block, Drill two 13/32 holes in 4x1 spar. Debur edges on both sides. Note: Anchor block is only used as a guide, a pivot block will be used to connect the 3x1 tilt bracket to the 4x1 spar.
Drill jig
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