An alternative solution for problematic purlins, particularly concrete ones, is our bracket that securely clamps around the purlin rather than fixing directly into it. The bracket has 2 flat plates, 1 for the top of the purlin and another for the bottom. These plates are held in place using threaded rods, which creates a secure clamp around the purlin.
This system was primarily developed as another option for concrete purlins, which is where its name came from, but because the flexibility of the bracket, it can be used for steel and timber substructures too.
Usually concrete purlins are more commonly used together with corrugated roofing profiles, for example fibre-cement. We use another piece of threaded rod to connect the bracket with the mounting rail above the roof, which we can tailor to suit the depth of the roofing sheet. It doesn’t matter if, on the rare occasion, a different roofing profile has been used, because the same principle applies and we’ll once again tailor the length of the threaded rod to suit the depth of the roofing profile.
A washer made from UV resistant EPDM is used to provide a weatherproof seal against the fixing hole created in the roofing sheet.
Not only does this system work with any purlin material, it also works for any size. We tailor the lengths of the threaded rods to adjust the height of the bracket and we have different lengths of the flat plates, so we can always be sure to achieve the right fit for every purlin.
Each type of mounting rail that we offer has a different spanning capability according to its size and profile. We use this information in conjunction with other calculations to specify the most suitable mounting rail from our collection. We can even use a cross railing system, whereby there’s a primary base layer of rail with a secondary module rail layer applied over the top at right angles to each other. Not only does this help to strengthen the whole system but it also reduces the number of brackets needed by around 50%, saving you on material and installation time.
Quite often the solar panels need to be angled steeper than the existing roof can allow, whether this is for a better yield generation or to meet with planning requirements. Since we manufacture all the elevation frames in the UK, we can tailor them to any height or angle specification you require.
Sunfixings Clamp XL fully assembled, Silver Mill Finish and Black Anodised are suitable for 32mm, 35mm, 40mm PV Module Thickness. For PV Module thickness beyond this range, Sunfixings offer alternative and complete Middle and End Clamp Mounting Solutions.