The Benefits of Tamarack Rails

Struggling with the complexities of solar installations? You’re not alone. Many installers find themselves navigating a maze of technical options and installation challenges, especially when it comes to choosing the right racking system. At MT Solar, we understand these hurdles and have dedicated ourselves to creating solutions that not only simplify the process but also enhance the efficiency and reliability of your solar installations.

Our advanced racking system, featuring innovative hoisting capabilities, high ground clearances, and Tamarack rails, is designed to tackle the most challenging terrains and meet the highest standards of adaptability and stability. From ensuring effective bonding in solar rail assembly to simplifying the process of shipping rails, it’s our goal to make your installation process as smooth as possible.

In this article, we’re detailing the advantages of the Tamarack Rail System such as pre-cut lengths, structural splicing, and worry-free support. We hope you’ll see how our rail system will benefit you from the permitting office to the field to the finished product.

The Benefits of Tamarack Rails

Ease and Speed of Installation

A standout feature of Tamarack rails is their ease and speed of installation. The design of the rails, including snap-in attachements, free-standing mid and end clamps, and structural splices is intuitively user-friendly. This simplicity significantly reduces the installation time.

Reduction in Installation Errors

Minimizing installation errors is another key benefit of Tamarack rails. In solar installations, precision is paramount. The straightforward design and ease of use of Tamarack rails help in reducing the likelihood of mistakes during installation. This is crucial, as errors can lead to increased costs, project delays, and potential safety issues. By simplifying the installation process, Tamarack rails help ensure a smoother, more reliable setup.

Compatibility with Various Solar Modules

Tamarack rails also offer versatile compatibility with a wide range of solar modules. The flexibility in rail spacing and layout allows installers to adjust the system according to the specific requirements of different solar modules.

This adaptability ensures that Tamarack rails can be effectively used in diverse solar installation projects. Adhering to the specifications of the solar modules and aligning them with Tamarack rails is key to achieving optimal performance and compliance with industry standards.

Heavy Duty Rails vs. Roof Rails

Heavy-duty rails are important in many solar installations, especially in environments where wind and snow loads are significant factors.

Unlike roof rails, which are designed to be supported by the underlying roof structure, heavy-duty rails are built to withstand environmental pressures from all directions. This strength is largely due to the thickness of the aluminum used, the way it’s extruded, and the overall height of the rail. These factors collectively contribute to the rail’s ability to handle heavy loads without compromising on stability or safety.

An Innovative Approach to Shipping Rails

Our team is excited to have improved the shipping process for our installers over the last several years. How? By addressing one of the most significant challenges in our industry: freight damage. This approach not only enhances the safety of the rails during transport but also streamlines the installation process for solar installers.

Strategic Rail Lengths to Minimize Damage

Traditionally, shipping long aluminum rails, often up to 230 inches, posed a high risk of freight damage. We have adopted a strategy of shipping Tamarack rails at a maximum length of 84 inches. The use of a structural splice bar in the Tamarack rail system allows for rails of shorter length, to be shipped directly to the customer. This reduces the likelihood of damage during transport, ensuring that the rails arrive in pristine condition.

Integrated Packaging for Enhanced Protection

Tamarack rails are packaged directly with all the steel components onto the same pallet. This not only consolidates the shipment but also provides additional protection to the rails. Encased in I-beams of steel, the rails are well-guarded against potential damage from external forces during transit.

Eliminating Freight Damage Concerns

Since implementing the Tamarack rail system, our team has seen a significant decrease in feedback regarding freight damage. This change marks a stark contrast to the experiences with traditional longer rails, where damage was a frequent concern. The new system effectively eliminates the common issue of rails arriving bent, scarred, or otherwise compromised.

Comprehensive Certification and Jurisdictional Compliance

An added advantage of the Tamarack system is the availability of stamped letters and extensive calculations that certify the compatibility of these rails with MT Solar mounts. This certification is crucial for meeting jurisdictional requirements, which can often be stringent and vary significantly.

Solar Installation Finishing Touches

Rail End Caps

End caps create a finished look.

Rail end caps serve a dual purpose in solar installations. Firstly, they provide a finished look to the solar array, much like hubcaps on a car. They cover the open ends of the rails, preventing them from being just bare, exposed metal. This finishing touch can significantly enhance the visual appeal of the installation, making it look more professional and complete.

However, the benefits of rail end caps extend beyond aesthetics. They also play a vital role in safety. Open rail ends can be sharp, posing a risk of injury. By installing end caps, these sharp edges are covered, reducing the risk of cuts or scrapes for anyone who might come into contact with the array, such as maintenance personnel or curious children.

Wire Management Clips

Clips keep wiring organized

Wire management clips are another critical component in solar installations. Their primary function is to neatly secure and organize the wiring, preventing it from hanging loose or getting tangled.

This organization is not just about keeping the installation tidy; it also enhances safety by reducing the risk of electrical hazards and physical obstructions.

Neatly managed wires can protect the cables from damage due to environmental exposure or physical contact. This protection can extend the lifespan of the wiring, ensuring the solar system operates efficiently for a longer period.

Longevity and Durability

MT Solar’s custom extruded rails are designed with longevity and durability in mind. These rails are not just functional components; they are crafted to withstand the test of time, which is important given that solar installations are long-term investments. The quality of materials used in these rails, including their UV resistance and robust construction, ensures that they remain effective and visually appealing for at least 25 years, the typical lifespan of a solar installation.

Open Channel Design

The open channel design of our rails plays an important role in wire management. Traditionally, wires in solar installations are secured with UV-resistant zip ties, which, while effective, can sometimes detract from the overall look of the installation. Our open channel design offers a more elegant solution. Wires can be neatly tucked away in these channels, eliminating the need for numerous zip ties and presenting a cleaner, more streamlined appearance.

This design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the installation but also contributes to safety and wire longevity. By protecting the wires from environmental exposure and physical damage, the open channel design helps maintain the integrity of the electrical connections, ensuring the system’s functionality over time.

Aesthetic Integration

One of the most noticeable benefits of the Tamarack rail design is the cleaner and more polished look it provides. The ability to conceal wiring within the rails creates a sleek, uncluttered appearance, making the solar installation more visually appealing. This attention to detail can be particularly important for installations in visible locations, where the appearance of the solar array can impact the overall aesthetic of the building or landscape.

Tips for Ordering Accessories

When you’re getting ready to order, it’s important to keep the following considerations in mind:

• Use of Microinverter Adapters: We provide specialized adapters for microinverters, which are also suitable for rapid shutdown devices and optimizers. These adapters facilitate the attachment of these devices to the rails.
• Ordering the Correct Kits: Installers need to order the appropriate number of microinverter kits based on the number of modules in their array.
• Compatibility Assurance: It’s crucial to note that these kits are specifically designed for Tamarack rails and may not be universally compatible with other rail systems. This specificity ensures optimal functionality and compliance.

Are you a solar installer? Ready to price out your next project?

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