Solar Mini Rails, Cheaper Solution for Your Metal Roof

I. Introduction to Solar Mini Rails

Solar Mini Rails are an innovative mounting solution that offers cost effective installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules onto metal roofs. As a lightweight yet durable aluminium product, Mini Rails present roofers and PV installers with an optimized rail solution that simplifies the installation process.

Key Benefits

Mini Rails stand out through three major advantages:

• Easy Installation with basic mounting hardware and universal compatibility
• Cost Effective pricing, up to 40% cheaper than traditional rail systems
• Lightweight but durable aluminium construction

Easy installation is achieved by the product’s thoughtful design and compatibility features. Mini Rails utilize basic rivets, clamps, fasteners and adhesives that most roofers already have experience with installing. The small size at 68mm tall, fits between roof seams and allows easy handling and positioning.

Additionally, Mini Rail’s spacing and geometry works with almost every model of solar PV module, hence its designation as compatible with all PV modules. This avoids complex custom engineering otherwise required to ensure rail spacing matches a panel’s mounting holes.

Cost Comparisons

When analyzing total project costs, Mini Rails provide substantial savings opportunities in the following key areas:

The lightweight nature of the Mini Rail product leads to reduced material requirements, shipping costs, and labour time – all of which drive cost savings. The product’s well-designed versatility also avoids custom engineering costs.

In total, switching to a Mini Rail system from traditional rail-based solar panel mounts on metal roofs reduces total installation costs by approximately 40%. This provides excellent value for owners, operators, roofers and integrators alike. Reach out today to learn more about this cost effective mounting option!

II. Compatibility

One key benefit of Solar Mini Rails is their universal compatibility across virtually all models of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and metal roof types.

PV Module Compatibility

Solar Mini Rails are designed as a standardized solution for mounting conventional framed PV modules orientated in landscape configuration.

Some key compatibility features include:

• 70mm rail height.
• Works with module frame thickness of 35mm to 50mm.
• Utilizes standard End clamps and Mid clamps.
• Adjustable clamps fit framed modules 180W to 540W in power.

This allows installers to use Solar Mini Rails without concern for matching specific panel brands or custom engineering rail spacing. The system is truly compatible with all PV modules.

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Metal Roof Compatibility

Solar Mini Rails can be installed onto almost all types of exposed-fastener metal roofing utilizing attachment methods like:

• Aluminum Pop Rivets
• Adhesive sealants/tapes
• Non-penetrating clamps

This provides versatility across widespread metal roofing types including trapezoidal, standing seam, screw-down panels, and more. Roofers can have confidence installing panels quickly no matter the roof.

With universal compatibility, Solar Mini Rails simplify the headaches of system design and integration. Contact us to learn more about this versatile mounting system!

III. Other Cheaper Mounting Options

While Solar Mini Rails stand out as an optimized, cost-effective solution for metal roof mounting, two other popular PV installation methods can present cheaper alternatives:

Rail-less (Direct-Attach)

Rail-less, also known as direct-attach, eliminates separate rails by integrating panel attachments directly into the roof mounting hardware. This further reduces:

• Mounting Labour Costs by 30-50%.
• Material Costs by 85-90% weight and volume.
• 50%+ savings in Shipping/Logistics.

However, rail-less does require precise alignment between roof seams and solar panels. Periodic gaps may be required as correction gaps since roof geometry won’t always perfectly match solar panel drill holes.

Micro-Rails

As the name implies, Micro-Rails utilize shorter rail segments only where required. This method can reduce total rail weight, but typically increases complexity:

• More parts to handle and install
• May require more custom engineering
• Can reduce weight-bearing capacity

Micro-Rails deliver moderate material savings but involve more labour. Difficult access and handling longer segments on the roof can also result in higher safety risks.

When evaluating the full picture, Solar Mini Rails deliver an optimal balance of safety, cost, labour savings, and performance. But rail-less and micro-rail approaches present even cheaper options under certain scenarios for solar metal roof mounting.

IV. Cost Savings Areas

Installing solar PV systems with Solar Mini Rails provides excellent value by reducing costs in three key areas:

When analyzing total project costs, Mini Rails provide substantial savings opportunities in the following key areas:

Mounting Material Costs

By utilizing lightweight aluminium components instead of full-length steel rails, Solar Mini Rails reduce material requirements by 85% by weight. This saves dramatically on procurement costs.

Mounting Labour Costs

With small, modular parts that allow flexibility in positioning, Solar Mini Rails simplify and accelerate mounting. This translates to 30% faster installation times compared to conventional rail solutions.

Shipping/Logistics

The reduced size and weight of the Mini Rail system also cuts shipping costs by over 50% compared to traditional long steel rails. This savings applies to both delivery logistics as well as handling on the roof.

Factoring in all cost areas shows switching to Solar Mini Rails reduces PV project expenditures by approximately 40%. Contact us today to evaluate how much our cost-effective solution could save on your next solar metal roof project!

V. Product Specifications

Solar Mini Rails deliver an optimized balance of quality, performance, and value through robust product specifications:

Key Mini Rail Features:

• Aluminium Mini Rail – 70mm height x 300mm length
• Strong yet lightweight 6063 T6 aluminium alloy
• Includes 4 x Aluminium Pop Rivets
• Works with 0.45mm to 0.55mm solar module frame thickness
• End clamps and mid clamps for secured panel attachment
• Mounting fasteners: M8 x 35mm SS304 Allen cap bolts
• Optional EPDM rubber sealing washers
• Tested to withstand wind speeds up to 200 km/h

Additional Accessories:

• Adhesive sealants/tape for non-penetrating attachment
• Tilt legs for angled panel installation

By leveraging high-grade aluminium and stainless steel components, Solar Mini Rails deliver durability while maintaining a lightweight and economic solution.

Precise engineering also enables flexibility – supporting module widths from 180W to 540W power output. The products standardized approach avoids costly custom design requirements as well.

Contact us today to order Solar Mini Rails and accessories for your next solar metal roof project! Our cost-effective solution will save on materials, labour, logistics and reduce total PV system expenditure.

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VI. Conclusion

In summary, Solar Mini Rails present an optimized mounting solution for affordable metal roof solar installations.

Top reasons to adopt Mini Rails:

• Cost Effective pricing – up to 40% savings.
• Lightweight but durable aluminium construction.
• Easy Installation with basic mounting hardware.
• Compatible with all common PV modules and metal roofs.
• Reduces Mounting Material Costs by 85%.
• Cuts Mounting Labour time by 30%.
• Lowers Shipping/Logistics Costs by 50%.

By incorporating smart design and high grade materials, Mini Rails reduce expenditure across key areas:

In a growing solar metal roofing market, roofers and integrators need proven mounting solutions they can rely on to control expenses and accelerate projects to deliver on budget, on time.

Solar Mini Rails answer that need – contact us today to evaluate further how our cost-effective solution can reduce spending and streamline your next PV installation!