GameChange solar energya supplier of solar trackers and racking solutions, had its rack bolt with a rectangular head recognized by UL 2703 from the national testing laboratory, Inter sign.
A view of GameChange Solar’s new rectangular head bolt.
This patent-pending bolt-on solution is designed to streamline the installation process and strengthen the connection between trackers and solar panels. The new rectangular head bolt is intended to solve problems with wrenching errors caused by extreme winds by mounting a larger bearing surface on the module frame. This bolt design is intended to transfer more force from the module to the rack.
UL 2703 certifies that components related to solar mounting systems are properly electrically grounded and meet certain fire ratings. GameChange has conducted third-party testing against the international standard IEC 61215 for module load testing using full-size samples of rectangular head bolts and solar panels. These tests have shown an increase in module capacity of more than 20% compared to standard bolts, according to the company.
Additionally, the elongated head of the bolt is designed to catch on the inside of the module frame during installation. Installers can tighten the nut into place with one hand.
“It’s always great when an innovation meets multiple customer needs,” said Scott Van Pelt, chief engineer at GameChange Solar. “In this case, the rectangular head bolts not only increase the mechanical capacity of each bolted connection between the PV module and the rack, but also improve the installation speed of modules due to the self-retaining properties of the bolt.”
News item from GameChange Solar