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RAIL MOUNTING SYSTEM INSTALLATION MANUAL
Copyright © 2014 Renogy. All Rights Reserved.
14288 Central Ave., Suite A Chino, CA 91710 |Toll Free: 800-330-8678
INDEX
1. Introduction
3
2. Safety Instructions
3
3. Parts
4
4. Installation
6
5. Warranty
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1
INTRODUCTION
The Renogy© Rail Mount System will support on-grid and off-grid systems as well as all
Renogy© panel sizes. This system makes the installation of long, continuous rows of
panels easy. The Rail Mount System supports any row length required for a project. The
system is designed to be used on flat, rigid surfaces to ensure system stability.
This installation manual will cover basic installation procedures but will not cover advanced
installation topics due to the number of different surfaces that the system may be mounted
to. For more advanced installation instructions, please consult with a professional
contractor or review literature for installing any type of hardware on specific surface types
(eg a roofer’s handbook for installation on residential housing roof tops). This installation
manual is intended to cover the topics of hardware installation and NOT surface mounting.
Recommended Tools (Not Provided):
 Socket Wrench
 Tape Measure and Protractor
 6mm Hex key
 Chalk snap line
2
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Warning:
This equipment should be installed, adjusted, and serviced by qualified electrical
maintenance personnel familiar with the construction and operation of the equipment and
the hazards involved. Failure to observe this precaution may result in bodily injury.
Protective gloves and safety glasses should be worn during installation.
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Chance to strip nuts and bolts exists; use anti-galling lubricant where appropriate
Multiple people should be involved in installation to reduce safety hazards
When mounting to roof or elevated surface, exercise caution when climbing ladder
When on roof or elevated surface, always use a strap or harness
3
3
PARTS
Component
Picture
Rail Segment (A)
Splice Kit (B)
L-Foot (C)
End Clamp (D)
4
Mid Clamp (E)
Rail Nut (F)
M8 Socket Cap Screw (G)
M8-18 Split Lock Washer (H)
16-2-M8 Flat Washer (I)
5
4
Installation
NOTE THAT THIS SYSTEM IS VARIABLE IN NATURE. Depending on the
layout chosen for the solar array, the quantities and dimensions of some
parts may be different. Ensure that the configuration you are attempting is
using the necessary hardware for your particular layout.
Step 1: Attach L-Feet to Rails
A. Gather the proper amount of L-Feet (C) and rail nuts (F). Depending
on the lengths of the row(s) in the solar panel array or string, a different
amount of L-Feet are required. The minimum number of L-Feet per
rail is two; one for each end. An additional L-Foot should be
added for every panel for mid-span support.
B. The L-Foot (C) assembly should come completely assembled with an
M8x25 socket cap screw (G), M8-16x2 (I) flat washer, M8-18 split-lock
washer (H), and rail nut (F). Insert the rail nut into the guide slot of the
rail segment in the orientation indicated in Figure 1. Ensure that the
mating portions of the guide and rail mount are lined up properly.
C. Locate the L-foot at the appropriate location on the railing as shown in
Figure 2. Repeat this step for as many L-Feet as necessary for the
segment of railing. Ensure the spacing of the L-feet along the railing is
uniform for system stability.
D. Adjust the L-Foot to the desired height of railing as shown in Figure 2.
E. Tighten the socket cap screw of the L-Foot assembly (C) with the 6mm
hex key until the split-lock washer becomes flat as indicated in Figure
3. Do not over tighten. When the split-lock washer becomes flat, the
required load has been applied. Over tightening can cause deformation
of the rail segment or L-Foot which will not be replaced by Renogy©
under warranty.
F. Repeat step 1-E for each L-Foot on the rail segment.
G. Repeat the entire procedure for Step 1 for each railing segment to be
used in the assembly.
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A
F
FIGURE 1: Rail Nut Orientation
ADJUST HEIGHT TO PREFERENCE
I
H
A
G
F
C
FIGURE 2: L-Foot Adjustment
H
CLOSED
SHAPE,
CEASE
TIGHTENING
FIGURE 3: Split Lock Washer Final Shape
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Step 2: Attach Splice Kits to Railing Segments
A. Align the faces of each rail segment to one another.
B. Using a tape measure, mark the center of the splice kit.
C. Slide the splice kit (B) onto one of the railing segments as shown in
Figure 4. Locate the splice kit along the two rail segments such that
the mark made in step 2-B coincides with the interface of the mating
faces for each rail segment, as shown in Figure 5.
D. Tighten the two socket cap screws (M8x25) that came with the splice
kit with the 6mm hex key until there is sufficient resistance to further
torque. Do not over tighten the screws as to cause deformation of the
rail segment or splice kit.
E. Repeat the entire procedure for step 2 until all rail segments are
mated, if required.
B
B
CENTER MARK
FIGURE 4: Splice Kit Attachment
ALIGNED
FIGURE 5: Splice Kit Locating and Securement
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Step 3: Locate the Rail Assemblies on the Mounting Surface
A. Locate the rail assemblies on the mounting surface as desired.
B. Mark the locations of the clearance holes for the surface mounting
hardware in the L-Feet (C).
C. The opposite set of parallel railing should be spaced such that the
panels being attached overhang evenly to each side. Use the chalk
snap line and protractor to ensure the center line of the opposite railing
set is indeed parallel. Place the opposite railing set along this line and
align it with the ends of the first railing set.
D. Repeat step 3-B for the opposite set of parallel railing.
E. Use the marked locations of the clearance holes as a guide for fixing
the railing system to the mounting surface. An aligned system is shown
in Figure 6.
EQUAL SPACING
FIGURE 6: Aligned Rail System
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Step 4: Secure the Railing System to the Mounting Surface
A. Use the marked locations of the L-Feet clearance holes found in Step
3 to secure the railing system to the mounting surface. See Mounting
Techniques.
Step 5: Prepare the Railing System for the Solar Panels
A. Slide the necessary amount of Mid Clamps (E) into each railing set.
Mid clamps are only positioned in between panels. Ensure that the rail
nut is aligned properly in the guide slot as shown in Figure 7.
B. Preliminarily position the Mid Clamps in the expected panel locations.
F
FIGURE 7: Rail Nut Alignment for Clamps
Step 6: Locate and Secure the Panels on the Railing System
A. Insert the solar panels between the Mid Clamps. Be sure to center the
entire array of panels along the entire length of the railing.
B. Align each Mid Clamp so the side surfaces are flush with the side of
each panel frame and the bottom of the top surface is flush with the top
of each panel frame. See Figure 8.
C. Tighten the socket cap screw of each Mid Clamp assembly with the
6mm hex key until sufficient resistance is encountered. Do not over
tighten. Over tightening can cause deformation of the rail segment or
panel framing.
D. Align an End Clamp at each end of the panel array on each railing set
in the same manner as the Mid Clamps (Figure 8). Ensure the mating
surfaces of the End Clamp and panel are flush with one another.
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E. Tighten the socket cap screw of each end clamp assembly with the
6mm hex key until sufficient resistance is encountered. Do not over
tighten. Over tightening can cause deformation of the rail segment or
panel framing.
FIGURE 8: Mid Clamp / End Clamp Mating to Panel Frame
Mounting Techniques
There are an array of fastening techniques available, but some of the most common
situations call for the use of a lag bolt. This is most common for roof mounting onto wood
and asphalt surfaces. The following is a basic approach and should be taken as such.
For a detailed guide, refer to a home or RV roof-mounting guide.
A. The first step after assembly is to find a desired mounting location and find a stud
or main support structure.
B. Drill holes where the holes on the L-Feet line up. A power drill with a sufficient
drill bit should be used.
C. After the hole has been drilled, silicone sealant should be administered to the
hole to prevent leaks.
D. Use a power drill with a socket extension to drill the lag bolt into the hole.
E. Drill until sufficient load is applied.
Note: As previously stated, this manual should be a basic guide, intended to give the
user a basic approach to working with mounting equipment. A published roof mounting
guide should be consulted prior to beginning any mounting or solar project.
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9
WARRANTY
The RENOGY Tilt Mount Kit by RENOGY LLC (the “Warrantor“) are warranted to be free
from defects in workmanship and materials under normal use and service. This warranty
is in effect from the date of purchase by the user (the “Purchaser“).
For a warranty claim, the Purchaser should contact the place of purchase to obtain a
Return Authorization Number. The defective part or unit should be returned at the
Purchaser’s expense to the authorized location. A written statement describing the nature
of the defect, the date of purchase, the place of purchase, and the Purchaser’s name,
address, and telephone number should also be included.
If upon the Warrantor’s examination, the defect proves to be the result of defective material
or workmanship, the equipment will be repaired or replaced at the Warrantor’s option
without charge, and returned to the Purchaser at the Warrantor’s expense.
No refund of the purchase price will be granted to the Purchaser, unless the Warrantor is
unable to remedy the defect after having a reasonable number of opportunities to do so.
Only the Warrantor shall perform warranty service. Any attempt to remedy the defect by
anyone other than the Warrantor shall render this warranty void.
There shall be no warranty for defects or damages caused by faulty installation or hookup, abuse or misuse of the equipment including exposure to excessive heat; salt or fresh
water spray, or water immersion.
No other express warranty is hereby given and there are no warranties, which extend
beyond those described herein. This warranty is expressly in lieu of any other expressed
or implied warranties, including any implied warranty of merchantability, fitness for the
ordinary purposes for which such goods are used, or fitness for a particular purpose, or
any other obligations on the part of the Warrantor or its employees and representatives.
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
There shall be no responsibility or liability whatsoever on the part of the Warrantor or its
employees and representatives for injury to any persons, or damage to person or persons,
or damage to property, or loss of income or profit, or any other consequential or resulting
damage which may be claimed to have been incurred through the use or sale of the
equipment, including any possible failure of malfunction of the equipment, or part thereof.
The Warrantor assumes no liability for incidental or consequential damages of any kind.
RENOGY LLC. (The “Warrantor”)
14288 Central Ave, Unit A
Chino, CA 91710
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