Installing solar panels on a pitched metal roof may seem like a complex task, but with the right approach and tools, it can be a smooth and efficient process. At Yuens, we offer an RP-2 Pitched Metal Roof Mounting System designed with patented, innovative rails, standard components, and highly pre-assembled clamps to make installation simple and flexible. Yuens’ solar panel metal roof mounts always ensure secure and durable setups for your projects.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps of installing solar panels on a pitched metal roof. So, can you install solar panels on a metal roof? Absolutely! Let’s get started!
Tool and Equipment
Components
Installation Steps
1.Install the L-foot
Please prepare all the needed tools and related products before the installation, Mark the positions of all the L-foot according to the construction drawing. L1 is determined by the span length of roof metal purlin, the length normally equals half-length of solar panel. L2 equals the span length of L-foot, which is same as the construction drawing. Make sure that all the L-foot are aligned horizontally and vertically. Then fixing the L foot on metal purlin with 6.3x80mm self-tapping screw.
2. Install the rails
(Connect the rails with rail splice if the rails are not long enough, otherwise skip this step) Insert the rail splice half into the first rail and then fix it with 1pc M8x12 hex bolt. Then insert the other half of rail splice into the second rail, match them together, and then fix them with 1pc M8x12 hex bolt as well. Then the first and second rails are connected.
3. Install the solar panels
Suggest starting the installation from left side of the bottom. Ensure each mid-clamp is equipped with a grounding washer. Additionally, equip two end clamps of each array/line with two grounding lugs for optimal electrical grounding. The precision and reliability of metal roof solar panel mounts are key to a successful installation.
Installation Notes
1. Dimensional Considerations
All dimensions should follow the construction drawings. This guide serves as a general overview of the installation process and is not a substitute for detailed construction plans.
2. Stainless Steel Fasteners
Stainless steel material is quite different from carbon steel with its excellent ductility. If not used correctly, stainless steel bolts and nuts can become difficult to unscrew after tightening, that is a phenomenon known as “lock-up”. Methods to avoid lock-up are as follows:
(1) Reducing friction coefficient
· Make sure the thread surfaces are clean and free from dust or clutters.
· It’s recommended to apply a lubricant or water wax during installation (such as butter or 40# machine oil).
(2) Using correct operation method
· The bolt must be perpendicular to the axis of thread when screwing. Avoid tilting the bolt.
· Apply force evenly when tightening, ensuring the torque does not exceed the specified secure torque value.
· Use a torque wrench or socket spanner instead of a monkey wrench or electric wrench as far as possible.
· If using an electric wrench, Adjust the rotational speed as low as possible.
· Avoid high temperature. To avoid lock-up which is caused by sharply increasing temperature, do not rotate rapidly (such as using electric wrench).
(3) Allowable Tightening Torque for A2-70 Stainless Steel Bolts
M8 bolt: 11 ± 1N * m;
M10 bolt: 20 ± 1 N * m;
M12 bolt: 35 ± 1 N * m.
Yuens Project Feedback
Yuens Metal Roof Mounting Solutions offer great flexibility and pre-assembled components, making them ideal for both commercial and residential solar systems. Whether you’re installing solar panels on a metal solar roof or looking for reliable solar panel mounts for metal roofs, our systems ensure a durable and secure installation. For more metal roof solar mount solutions, we offer RP-4 Metal Roof Mounting and RP-5 Metal Roof Mounting. If you have any inquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Yuens.