Install Manual
SM
SOLAR
MOUNT
INSTALLATION GUIDE
PAGE
SPLICE INSTALLATION (IF REQUIRED PER SYSTEM DESIGN)
If your installation uses SOLARMOUNT splice bars, attach the rails together before
mounting to the L-feet / footings. Use splice bars only with ush installations or
those that use low-prole tilt legs. A rail should always be supported by more
than one footing on both sides of the splice. There should be a gap between rails,
up to 3/16" at the splice connections. T-bolts should not be placed less than a
distance of 1" from the end of the rail regardless of a splice.
TORQUE VALUE (See Note on PG. A)
Hex head socket size 5/16” - Do not exceed 10 ft-lbs. Do not use Anti-Seize.
Max length of spliced rail is 40 ft. An expansion joint is required > 40 ft.
0 to 3/16” gap between rails
SPLICE & THERMAL BREAK
F
EXPANSION JOINT USED AS THERMAL BREAK
Expansion joints prevent buckling of rails due to thermal expansion. Splice bars
may be used for thermal expansion joints. To create a thermal expansion joint,
slide the splice bar into the footing slots of both rail lengths. Leave approxi-
mately ½” between the rail segments. Secure the splice bar with two screws on
one side only. Footings (such as L-feet or standoffs) should be secured normally
on both sides of the splice. No PV module or mounting hardware component
should straddle the expansion joint. Modules must clearly end before the joint
with mounting hardware (top mount Endclamps) terminating on that rail. T-bolts
should not be placed less than a distance of 1" from the end of the rail regard-
less of a splice. The next set of modules would then start after the splice with
mounting hardware beginning on the next rail. A thermal break is required every
40 feet of continuously connected rail. For additional concerns on thermal breaks
in your specic project, please consult a licensed structural engineer. Runs of
rail less than 40 feet in length, with more than two pairs spliced together, are an
acceptable installation for the SOLARMOUNT systems.
Bonding connection for splice used as a thermal break. Option shown uses two
Ilsco lugs (Model No. GBL-4DBT P/N GBL-4DBT - see product data sheet for more
details) and solid copper wire.
Option w/ grounding
through Enphase MI
See PG I-3