Help
The solar industry is booming thanks to growing concerns about climate change and an increasing demand for alternative energy sources. The increased demand for solar panels and commercial solar installations is also creating a new demand for specialty fasteners that are easy to install and durable.
Solar arrays must withstand extreme weather conditions, including extreme heat, rain, snow, and wind. The fasteners that hold those arrays together must be rugged, reliable, and weather-resistant. They also need to be simple to install on-site using handheld fastener tools.
This blog post will provide an overview of the emerging lines of fasteners and tools used to install commercial solar systems.
Ongoing Demand for Solar Power
Solar power continues to make a growing contribution to the nation’s energy grid. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, solar-generated electrical power accounted for 64 percent of new electricity added to the grid during the first three quarters of 2024. The International Energy Agency reported that the U.S. installed 15.6 gigawatts of alternating current of solar capacity in the first two quarters of 2024, up 55 percent from the first two quarters of 2023.
Several factors continue to drive demand for clean solar energy, including:
- Continued reduced cost of solar technology and products
- Ongoing state and federal government incentive programs
- Increased consumer demand for clean solar power
- Growing concerns about greenhouse gases and climate change
The increased demand for solar power drives demand for more solar installers and arrays. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that demand for solar installers is expected to grow by 48 percent between 2023 and 2033, with approximately 4,100 new solar installer job openings each year. Sales of solar panel mounting structures hit $15 billion in 2o23 and are expected to reach $45 billion by 2033.
Along with the growth in solar demand, fastener makers such as Huck and STANLEY Engineered Fastening are seeing more demand for solar fasteners and tools.
The Unique Challenges of Solar Fasteners and Tools
Fasteners used to install solar systems must be weatherproof and have specific characteristics. Many preferred solar fasteners are made from aluminum because they are strong, lightweight, and perform well in harsh weather conditions.
Solar panels and frames require different types of fasteners. For example, solar panel fasteners may need to be conductive for grounding systems or isolated using rubber washers. Vibration-resistant fasteners may also be necessary for applications such as tracking solar mounts.
Specialty fasteners must also be considered. Tools must be lightweight for prolonged use but with sufficient power to do the job. Adjustable tools allow you to set the pull power to prevent damaging the solar panels. Some fasteners also require specific nose pieces.
Fasteners for Solar Installations
Howmet Aerospace offers the Huck®Solar System of fasteners and tools explicitly chosen for solar installations. Unlike conventional nuts and bolts, the Huck bolts used for solar racking systems have no reported failures and require no maintenance. These fasteners include:
-
BobTail®: Ideal for solar installations, the BobTail is a pintail-less fastener that delivers five times the fatigue strength of conventional nuts and bolts. It is also fast to install and highly resistant to vibration.
-
Self-Grounding BobTail: Designed to cut through the surface of joined metal surfaces and grounds itself, the Self-Grounding BobTail eliminates the need for complex grounding assemblies and is easy to inspect for proper installation.
-
Magna-Lok® Hole Filling Rivet: This gap-pulling blind fastener has a unique circle-lock design and is available in steel, stainless steel, and aluminum with diameters up to 1/2 inch.
-
BOM®: This versatile, extremely strong fastener is frequently used instead of welding. Its unique push/pull installation design takes seconds to complete.
STANLEY Engineered Fastening also has fasteners ideally suited for solar systems. The AvdelⓇ NeoBolt® lockbolt is a non-breakstem fastener designed for heavy-duty applications. The NeoBolt offers a high-strength, vibration-resistant joint, which is why it’s popular for railways, trucks, commercial vehicles, and solar systems. Since there is no pin to break off, the NeoBolt isn’t susceptible to corrosion at the breakpoint.
Avdel POPⓇ rivets are also popular for solar installations. Initially designed for aircraft manufacturing, these blind fasteners are fast and easy to install and deliver lasting performance.
The Right Tools for On-Site Installations
Manufacturers are introducing new battery-powered fastener tools that are ideal for solar system installations. Cordless tools are essential for field installations because they eliminate the need for hydraulic systems, which have long fluid lines and require a generator to power the pump. Hydraulic lines create a trip hazard and can be easily punctured on a job site.
The Huck BV17 is a new cordless fastener tool with a 40-volt battery that delivers more pulling force. The BV17 is a large-diameter tool that can set up 1,000 fasteners on a single charge. The tool is also electronically adjustable for more efficient installation of pintail-less lockbolts.
STANLEY Engineered Fastening also offers a complete line of solar products, including battery-powered tools. The PB2500N is a cordless fastener tool with an 18-volt battery designed to install ¼-inch NeoBolt lockbolts. The PB2500 Smart rivet tool can install 1,100 open-end fasteners with a single charge. The tool’s onboard process monitoring system immediately detects incorrectly installed fasteners. It also has adjustable pull settings to prevent crushing solar panels.
Shop Solar Fasteners and Tools from Bay Supply
Bay Supply is an expert in solar fasteners and fastening tools. It provides white-glove service to solar installers to minimize downtime and help commercial installers stay on schedule. Bay Supply is also one of the largest Huck distributors in North America and a service center for Huck parts, tools, and tool repairs.
To find the right fasteners and tools for your next solar installation, visit the Bay Supply Marketplace.
Comments