Renusol configurator for trapezoidal metal roof and gaps between PV panels

[Alan Ambrose]

I'm monkeying around trying to line up some Velux MK-08s in a PV array - so the exact spacing is fairly important as the Veluxes will go in before the PV.

 

The Renusol configurator defaults to a 24mm gap between PV panels. Does that sound about right?

 

[Nickfromwales]

Usually you can just about get a pound coin in between panels, so at nearly an inch it sounds like a big gap. 
 

In roof or on roof? You can space uniquely on rails but not with trays. 

[Alan Ambrose]

Ah thanks - on metal roof a bit as described here:

 

 

  

and

 

 

[Dillsue]

35 minutes ago, Alan Ambrose said:

I'm monkeying around trying to line up some Velux MK-08s in a PV array - so the exact spacing is fairly important as the Veluxes will go in before the PV.

 

The Renusol configurator defaults to a 24mm gap between PV panels. Does that sound about right?

 

That's likely the width of their mid clamp which could well be 24mm

[Alan Ambrose]

Ah yes, I ordered a set in - the mid-clamp is indeed 24mm.

 

I'm not that impressed - the clamps don't slide along the rail easily. I guess they will using a rubber hammer or some such. Seems a pity as the aluminium rail itself is good.

 

Anyone have suggestions re better fixing PV systems for trapezoidal roofs?

[Dillsue]

When you tighten the screw into the clamp it expands the clamp so it's tight in the rail and immovable. If the screw isn't tightened up the clamps I've used slide OK. They aren't loose in the rails channel but they slide OK. Maybe you've got the screw in to the point it's starting to expand the clamp??

[Alan Ambrose]

The one on the top is the apparently kosher Renusol rail & clamps, with the slightly dodgy pressed steel clamps. 24mm clamp width.

 

The one below is an eBay seller 'Renusol' rail & clamps with proper T-nuts. Much better design IMHO. 18mm clamp width but shorter rails.

[Dillsue]

I see it the other way....the OEM Renusol ones are superior! The OEM ones have deeper "hooks" to engage with the rail yet can still be clipped in mid rail because of the springyness before the bolt is tightened. The depth of the Renusol rail looks to be deeper giving it more strength. The Renusol system will likely be fully tested and certified.

 

There's a reason the eBay seller is using the Renusol name to sell something that isn't Renusol!

 

The bottom line is that you'll likely be expecting your mounting rails to sit on the roof for 20+ years without any maintenance so if you want them to stay there buy the best

[Alan Ambrose]

>>> buy the best

 

That's what I thought too until I actually got them in my hands. Another negative : the roof is black, the panels are black and the rails are .... yeah, silver. Probably cheaper for Renusol to silver anodise rather than black.

[-rick-]

2 hours ago, Alan Ambrose said:

>>> buy the best

 

That's what I thought too until I actually got them in my hands. Another negative : the roof is black, the panels are black and the rails are .... yeah, silver. Probably cheaper for Renusol to silver anodise rather than black.

 

I thought you could get black as well OEM? Maybe I'm thinking of another manufacturer but sure I've seen something.

[Dillsue]

I beleive Renusol do the rails in black.