Rail length, minimum bracket to end?

Post Reply
ChrisJEvans
Posts: 34
Joined: Mon Sep 12, 2022 12:33 pm
Location: Sussex coast

Rail length, minimum bracket to end?

#1

Post by ChrisJEvans »

What is the minimum spare rail between the end bracket and end of the rail should I have. My panels are 1050mm and for the single panels with two end brackets it is about 1087 my rails are 3300 and cut to 1099 leaving just 6mm either spare. Not only don't I like spending extra wasting 1m of rail goes against the grain. Where there double or three panels on the rail things are not as tight.
I have a torque wrench to ensure they are secure and I realise it will be more awkward to fit but I've got scaffold to gutter height so good access.
Image
15 x JA SOLAR 385W JAM60S20MR (9 facing East 6 facing South)
Solis S5-EH1P6K-L Hybrid Inverter.
4 x Pylontech US3000
Oldgreybeard
Posts: 1873
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2021 3:42 pm
Location: North East Dorset

Re: Rail length, minimum bracket to end?

#2

Post by Oldgreybeard »

I think the rule of thumb is that the outer edge of the fastener diameter should be at least one fastener diameter away from the end. My gut feeling is that this looks alright.
25 off 250W Perlight solar panels, installed 2014, with a 6kW PowerOne inverter, about 6,000kWh/year generated
6 off Pylontech US3000C batteries, with a Sofar ME3000SP inverter
User avatar
Fintray
Posts: 1557
Joined: Mon May 31, 2021 6:37 pm
Location: Aberdeenshire

Re: Rail length, minimum bracket to end?

#3

Post by Fintray »

I can't see from the picture how the bottom edge of the bracket sits against the rail but I would look to make sure it cannot slip off the end of the rail.
Last edited by Fintray on Tue Dec 20, 2022 11:26 am, edited 1 time in total.
3.87kWp PV
10.24kWp PV SolarEdge system
Tesla Powerwall 2
100 x 47mm Navitron tubes (still being installed!) Now likely to be removed for more PV.
MK2 PV router DHW diverter
Morso 5kW WBS
Vaillant AroTherm 10kW ASHP
Nissan Leaf
User avatar
AlBargey
Posts: 187
Joined: Mon Oct 11, 2021 8:41 pm

Re: Rail length, minimum bracket to end?

#4

Post by AlBargey »

I think I remember reading the spec for Renusol rail, where the clamps should be a minimum 35mm away from the end of the rail. I guess this is for pull out forces under wind loading. But also you wouldn't be able to fit end caps in them without the 35mm. Your rails will also have a spec sheet / mounting instructions if you know what they are?
38m Barge, Solar (10.6 kWp), 26 kWh of LFP, Victron Quattro 8 kVA, CerboGX, 3,500L STP, 57kVa Perkins
Our live data: https://vrm.victronenergy.com/installat ... e/c76c4bf6
Post Reply