Are you planning to install a solar panel system at your home or cottage? Many DIY enthusiasts and homeowners are investing in solar energy and realizing the vast benefits of these alternative energy systems. Installation is straightforward as long as you have the right tools and all of the stainless steel solar fasteners required. Get a grip on what you'll need with this basic list of solar fasteners commonly used for residential systems.
Standard Hex Bolts
Hex bolts are used in a vast range of products and structures, and must be paired with a corresponding nut. Always use stainless steel nuts for your stainless steel hex bolt solar fasteners. If you opt instead for hot-dipped galvanized hex head bolts, use hot-dipped galvanized nuts instead.
Hex bolts require a predrilled or tapped hole, and can be used to assemble portions of your solar panel systems, attach mounting clips and secure stationary panels to racking systems. Hex bolts come in short lengths for solar applications, including 3/4-inch, 1-inch and 1 1/2-inch lengths. Diameter often depends on the length; shorter bolts come in smaller diameters, anywhere between 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch.
Lag Bolts
Lag bolts are used with wood, and often provide the necessary strength for framing or structure. Stainless steel lag bolts may be used along with carriage bolts to create a wooden ground-mount frame, and may also supply the strength necessary for attaching the racking system to wood roof trusses.
Lag bolts have a sharp tip and do not require the use of a nut. Shorter lag bolts (3-inches long) come in both 3/8-inch and 5/16-inch diameters, ideal for solar panel applications.
Socket Head Cap Screw
This type of solar fastener can be used in place of a hex head bolt, or for other components on the panels or mounting system. Socket head cap screws are formed with a round head and hex-shaped drive hole. This design allows for higher levels of torque and possibly quicker installation.
Socket head cap screws also work in recessed holes, with a drive hole to allow for easier installation and replacement. Stainless socket cap screws for solar panel systems are most often found in 5/16-inch or 3/8-inch diameters and a 1-inch length.
Hanger Bolts
Stainless steel hanger bolts are made with one self-tapping end and one blunt end formed with machine threads. This design works to combine or attach metal (machined threads) to soft materials (self-tapping).
These solar fasteners are often used with metal roofs, and are most common on commercial applications. The fastener design allows a standard solar panel system to be installed on various types of roofing, providing a stable joint and mounting point with adequate space below for airflow. Stainless steel hanger bolts come in both 5/16-inch and 3/8-inch diameters, with lengths ranging from 4-inches to 8-inches.
Solar panel systems also require a decent selection of nuts, washers, tapping and self-drilling screws. Security fasteners help to protect your solar panel systems from theft and vandalism. Talk to your local fastener distributor about obtaining high quality, affordable stainless steel solar fasteners, including hex head bolts, lag bolts, socket head cap screws and hanger bolts. With the right fasteners, your alternative energy system will be up and running before you know it.
Mike Moore is published on more than 300 websites. He writes about industrial fasteners and building, commercial building, and home building projects . He is published on various website including http://www.melfast.com