A solar installation is only as strong as its weakest link. From the flashing to the rails to the panels themselves and the inverter, there are many potential failure points. At Goldin Solar, we have gone to great lengths to vet every single component we install to ensure our solar systems stand up to the test of time. In this article, we are going to take a look at the SnapNrack rail-mounting system that we use to connect solar panels to your home’s roof. This is the hardware we use for every installation except for standing-seam metal roofs, onto which we can install directly.
To learn more about the electrical hardware we install, check out our Guide to Solar in Florida.
What Are Solar Mounting Rails?
Solar mounting rails are horizontal metal bars that connect solar panels together in a row on a roof. The rails are then connected via brackets and bolts to your home’s structure, generally through roof penetrations that connect to your home’s rafters. Below is a photo showing the rails beneath a solar array.
Why SnapNrack?
Rail Strength and Safety
As with our choice of Hanwha Q cell solar panels, our choice of SnapNrack as a racking system is first based upon our need to meet the strict Miami building codes. To meet the Miami code and ensure our installations are safe during hurricanes, our solar arrays are engineered to withstand 170-mph wind speeds. This is one of the strictest building codes in the nation and we are proud to meet it for our installations throughout Florida. SnapNrack offers one of the strongest racking systems on the market due to the square rail profile and high gauge.
Installation Efficiency
SnapNrack rails are efficient to install because a single socket wrench can be used for all components. This minor detail makes it much easier for our crew to complete the installation. SnapNrack rails also meet UL Standard 2703, meaning that all pieces electrically bond to one another. This makes it easy to electrically ground the entire solar array, a necessary installation step to ensure the safety of the installation.
Take a Video Tour of a Solar Installation:
On episode three of Fridays with Daren, Daren took Dane on a tour of his roof to see the mounting system he used on his own home, featuring SnapNrack rails:
Kevin Arnold
