This document outlines the installation guide for the AET T6 Flush Mount system, designed for mounting solar panels on a roof. The system provides a secure and efficient method for installing photovoltaic modules, ensuring a flush profile with the roof surface.
Function Description
The AET T6 Flush Mount system is a comprehensive solution for attaching solar panels to a roof. It consists of several key components that work together to create a stable and adjustable mounting structure. The primary function is to support solar panels securely while allowing for proper alignment and spacing. The system utilizes support rails that are affixed to the roof via U-Bracket Assemblies, which in turn connect to hard mounts. Splice Joint Assemblies are used to extend the length of the support rails, accommodating various array sizes. Mid Panel Clamp Assemblies and End Panel Clamp Assemblies are responsible for securing the solar panels to the rails, ensuring they are held firmly in place. The flush mount design aims to minimize the visual impact of the solar array and potentially improve aerodynamic performance by keeping the panels close to the roof surface.
Important Technical Specifications
The installation guide specifies several torque values and tool sizes, which are critical for ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the installed system.
- Hard Mount Nut Torque: The nut for the Hard Mount, which secures the U-Bracket Assembly to the roof, must be torqued to 25 in/lb. This ensures a firm connection to the roof structure.
- U-Bracket Bolt Torque: The bolt connecting the U-Bracket Assembly to the support rail also requires a torque of 25 in/lb. This secures the rail to the U-Bracket, forming the backbone of the mounting system.
- Splice Joint Assembly Bolt Torque: The two 1/4-20 bolts per Splice Joint Assembly are to be torqued to 10 in/lb. This ensures that the rail sections are securely joined.
- Mid Panel Clamp Assembly Nut Torque: The 1/4" nut at the top of the Mid Panel Clamp Assembly, which secures the solar panels, must be torqued to 10 in/lb.
- End Panel Clamp Assembly Nut Torque: Similarly, the 1/4" nut at the top of the End Panel Clamp Assembly, used for securing the panels at the ends of the array, must also be torqued to 10 in/lb.
- U-Bracket Stud Compatibility: The U-Bracket is designed with two slots to accommodate different stud sizes: one for a 3/8" stud and another for a 5/16" stud. This flexibility allows for compatibility with various hard mount options.
Usage Features
The AET T6 Flush Mount system is designed for straightforward installation, as detailed in the guide.
- Modular Design: The system uses modular components like support rails, U-brackets, and clamps, allowing for flexible configurations to suit different roof layouts and solar panel array sizes.
- Adjustability: The U-Bracket Assembly's design, with slots for different stud sizes, offers some adjustability during installation to accommodate minor variations in hard mount placement.
- Rail Installation: Rails are easily placed into the U-Bracket opening and rest on the U-Bracket bolt, simplifying the initial positioning. The design ensures that the top inward-facing tabs on both sides of the U-Bracket Assembly are above the side channel of the rail, providing a secure fit.
- Splice Joint Integration: For longer rail runs, splice joints are designed to slide into the side channels of the rails and cover half of each mating rail, creating a continuous support structure. Set screws on the splice joints are torqued until they dig into the support rail, providing additional grip and stability.
- Panel Clamping: Both Mid Panel Clamps and End Panel Clamps are designed to push into the top rail channel, allowing for easy positioning and secure fastening of the solar panels.
Maintenance Features
While the document primarily focuses on installation, certain aspects imply considerations for long-term maintenance and durability.
- Secure Fastening: The specified torque values for all bolts and nuts are crucial for preventing loosening over time due to environmental factors like wind and thermal expansion/contraction. Proper torquing ensures the longevity of the connections.
- Corrosion Resistance: Although not explicitly stated, mounting systems for outdoor use, especially on roofs, typically utilize materials that are resistant to corrosion (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel) to withstand weather exposure. This inherent material property contributes to low maintenance.
- Accessibility for Inspection: The design of the clamps and rails, while securing the panels, should allow for visual inspection of connections if needed. The ability to access and re-torque fasteners, if required, is an implicit maintenance feature.
- Robust Design: The components appear to be robustly designed to withstand the loads imposed by solar panels, wind, and snow, minimizing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. The "digging in" action of the splice joint set screws suggests a design aimed at preventing slippage and maintaining structural integrity.
In summary, the AET T6 Flush Mount system is a well-defined solar panel mounting solution emphasizing secure installation through precise torque specifications and a modular, adaptable design. Its features are geared towards efficient setup and long-term stability on various roof types.