The Bright Thinking in Solar

FAQs


What Racking do I need?

How many L-feet do I need?

What pole top do I need?

What is the best tilt angle for my location?

What is the max foot spacing I can use?

What is my foot spacing on tilted racks?

How do I determine my footing depths?

What do I do if my module is not listed in your documentation?

A: On the technical support page you quickly generate estimates for as many options and configurations you wish to consider using when choosing a UNIRAC system by requesting our latest estimator. You can also look at the master price list and sizing chart in the product line page where you can find your module and what specified rack system that will apply to your needs. Contact or UNIRAC technical support team to confirm your module can be used by one of our systems.

Do you have a system that will work on Awnings?

A: Yes, We can do awnings. It is normally done with solar mount rack in a low profile application; please see our solar mount section to find your application information.

What is portrait and landscape?

A: This refers to the module orientation. In a portrait orientation the longest dimension of the modules are mounted on the rails north-south. In a landscape orientation the longest dimension of the modules are mounted on the rails east-west.

What is the definition for N, S, E, W?

A: North, South, East, West are relative to your installation. In the Northern hemisphere your panels will be facing South and the rails will be running East and West. When referring to your installation the directions are site-specific rather than compass directions.

Do you sell directly to the public?

A: We currently sell only to official distributors that we have agreements with for very large-scale orders.

Do you sell directly to the public?

A: We currently sell only to official distributors that we have agreements with for very large-scale orders.

What are the requirements to be a direct buyer?

A: Good trade references from module and inverter manufacturers & evidence of likely installations of a megawatt of PV over a 12-month span.

What is a typical order lead time?

A: 3-4 weeks after receipt of order from the shelf to the door.

How much will shipping cost?

A: Please contact your distributor for current freight quote.

What is my discount from list price?

A: For discount inquiries please refer to your distributor. If you're a distributor please, contact your UNIRAC sales rep.

How do I find a distributor near me?

A: Online at www.unirac.com, click link to distributors, and you can download listed distributors.

How much does it cost to install your racks?

A: Each order is unique and factors such as distributor discount are significant. Each quote generated by UniRac is based on our list price.

How long will it take to install your racks?

We have found that qualified installers can install UniRac systems very quickly. Large custom systems also receive engineering support from UniRac engineers.

I need a budgetary quote for a project.

Please check our web site for an estimator for your desired installation. If you do not find an estimator for your specific need, please refer to your distributor for cost-effective system quotes or, you can fill out our on-line quote questionnaire for a detailed custom quote.

How do I rack a unique application?

A: Use our design questionnaires online to provide us with data for custom systems. We'll respond with a bill of materials, a price quote and delivery lead time.

How are tilt racks used?

A: Tilted racks are used in two configurations. High-profile is for module mounting in landscape, and a low-profile for modules in portrait.

How does sun frame install?

A: On the technical support you can download a PDF with our installation manual for the sun frame.

How do I handle warranty issues?

A: Please contact your distributor.

How do I buy your racks?

A: Through a UniRac distributor, you can download a PDF list of UniRac distributors from our web site.

What is the pullout strength for a lag bolt?

A: Please refer to the code-compliant documentation. It can be found under technical support on our web site.

How high above the roof is a sun frame array?

A: The answer depends on the orientation of your L-Feet and length of your standoffs, if used. You can view different measurements under the SunFrame installation manual 808.1, page 16.

How can I seal the roof penetration required when standoffs are lagged below the roofing material?

A: Many types and brands of flashing can be used with SunFrame. UniRac offers an Oatey "no-calk" flashing for its steel standoffs, and Oatey or UniRac flashings for its aluminum two-piece standoffs. See our SunFrame Pro-Pak Price List.

How do I attach SunFrame to a Standing Seam Metal roof?

A: A good solution comes from Metal Roof Innovations, Ltd. (MRI) www.s-5solutions.com. They manufacture the S-5! Clamp, designed to attach a wide variety of products to most standing-seam metal roofs. It is an elegant solution that eliminates flashing and penetrations altogether.

What is the pull outstrength for a through bolt?

A: We provide printed data on lag bolt connections from the American Wood Council. Any other method of attachment may be used. It is the installer's responsibility to verify that any alternative method will result in the needed attachment strengths.

My engineer needs rail properties and load calculations?

A: Please have your engineer contact the customer service team for the needed information.

How do I determine snow load and wind requirements?

A: The methodology can be found in technical support under the solar mount code-compliant planning and assembly sheet, pg. 5.

How do I determine my wind pressure?

A: The methodology can be found in technical support under the solar mount code-compliant planning and assembly sheet, pg. 5.

Can I drill through a roof and attach your rack to rafters?

A: We have various roof attachment methods. We do have attachments that require being drilled into a rafter in order to produce the required strength for the racking.