Installation Preparation
First, check the straightness of the bracket beam, using a level to confirm the error does not exceed 3mm/m. Remove burrs or oxide layers from the guide rail contact surfaces, ensuring the photovoltaic panel clips' mounting surfaces are fully flush with the guide rail plane.
It is recommended to wipe the clip-on areas of the photovoltaic panel frame with alcohol to prevent dust from affecting the compression effect of the sealing strip.
Insert the base of the photovoltaic panel clip into the guide rail groove and pre-tighten the fixing bolts to 70% force using a ratchet wrench. At this point, the clip's clamping part should naturally align with the photovoltaic panel frame. If deviation occurs, adjust the guide rail spacing.
Note that the torque value of the aluminum alloy clips is typically 15-20 N·m; over-tightening may cause thread stripping.
When placing the photovoltaic panel, first tilt it at a 30-degree angle to allow the bottom frame to slide into the limiting groove of the lower row of clips, then slowly level the module. The pressure blocks of the upper row of clips should completely cover the module frame, and the rubber gaskets should be compressed to 2/3 of their original thickness to be properly positioned.
Finally, tighten all bolts crosswise with a Phillips screwdriver to prevent uneven stress that could cause microcracks in the module.
The gap between the clips and the photovoltaic panel frame should be controlled within 1mm; a feeler gauge can be used to check the four corners. In coastal areas, it is recommended to apply anti-rust grease to the clip joints to prevent salt spray corrosion and increased contact resistance.
After installation, test the stability by hand-shaking the module. A 2-3mm elastic displacement is permissible, but there should be no metallic clanging sound. It is recommended to recheck the bolt torque value before the windy season; if the torque decreases by more than 15%, it needs to be retightened.
Check the rubber gaskets of the clips for aging and cracking every six months, especially in areas with large temperature differences. When a misalignment of more than 3mm is found in the photovoltaic panel, first check whether the fixing bolts of the clips are loose.
When replacing rusted clips, choose accessories of the same material as the original to avoid electrochemical corrosion.
A properly installed photovoltaic panel clip can withstand a level 12 wind pressure; the key is to ensure the accuracy of the initial installation and the timeliness of regular maintenance.
