SnapNRack TopSpeed mount system seems genius

[jakepusateri]

Just came across this new listing for the SnapNRack TopSpeed system, and it seems pretty awesome. https://signaturesolar.com/snapnrack-topspeed-mount/.

1. No rails. This is a huge cost saver. $1500 vs $4000 for e.g. 35 panels IronRidge.
2. Screws into deck, so maximum ultimate design flexibility and tight array packing regardless of rafters.
3. One piece and on-ground attachment to panels.

Seems like they really thought about how to optimize install times. I'm installing these https://signaturesolar.com/asphalt-mini-rail-w-flashing-roof-mount-for-panel-6in-black/ right now and they're way more restrictive and have a lot of parts to manage on the roof. I think I'll be recommending these for any neighbors or friends that get curious and want solar of their own.

What do people think?

 

[pvgirl]

SnapNRack has good resources on their site for this system: https://snapnrack.com/resources/ Includes engineer stamped cover letters for the entering report which has design table for all different roof load and wind conditions. There are a limited set of modules that have listed compatibility for bonding with this system.

 

[Cowdog360]

Wouldn't the downside of the topspeed mounts be the sheer number of holes in the roof? If you're talking 3 per mount vs a single on the mini rails. That would be my concern in terms of water leakage in a rainy environment.

 

[extragoode]

Wouldn't the downside of the topspeed mounts be the sheer number of holes in the roof? If you're talking 3 per mount vs a single on the mini rails. That would be my concern in terms of water leakage in a rainy environment.

I would agree there are a lot of holes, which initially concerned me, but Snap'n'rack mitigate the roof penetrations with a neoprene gasket over every lag screw and vents that confirm enough sealant has been used for each clamp. Their instructions state that if sealant isn't squeezed out of every vent pull it up and apply more sealant. What all those penetrations give you though is a lot more contact with the structure, so the wind and snow loading are more distributed. I was more concerned with the wind and snow than a couple small leaks in my garage, so I went with the top speed system.

The issues that I didn't anticipate are that they are required to be installed from the bottom up and if you ever move or replace panels that aren't exactly the same size you've got a lot of holes to patch. My Dad gave me a good solution for the holes issue, don't. As in, just don't ever move or replace any panels. We'll see how that works out. As for installing from the bottom up, I knew that before I bought it, but my roof is about a 42 degree pitch, so I'm going to rent a lift to install the panels. Once they're installed if I have to do any maintenance on anything I may have to rent a lift again to get to the top even if my problem is just with a bottom panel.