State & Federal Solar Incentives

Who Are They
 SunEarth Inc., established in California in 1978, manufactures industry standard solar water heating collectors and systems for residential and commercial applications.  Each SunEarth product is carefully engineered for a world market that demands simple, durable, and reliable solar water heating components and integrated systems.  We are dedicated to helping our customers reduce conventional water heating costs while minimizing the environmental pollution associated with burning fossil fuels.  SunEarth's focus is on continually crafting new products and strategies that meet emerging market opportunities for solar thermal products worldwide.

Why Choose SunEarth?
SunEarth designs and builds solar components that survive the world's most challenging climates and environmental conditions. Over the past twenty years we have learned what works and, more importantly, why one product or system is superior to another. This experience is built into every component we sell.  The SunEarth Empire and Imperial solar collectors and CopperHeart ICS systems are manufactured for a thirty-year design life. SunEarth products require little or no maintenance and are backed by a solid ten year warranty. Our collectors and systems are marketed throughout the U.S. and Pacific Basin by a network of leading plumbing and solar wholesale distributors.

                 

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 Imperial Series Flat Plate Collector


Cutaway of Imperial Collector



Imperial Collectors Racked for Commercial Installation

The Imperial is SunEarth's flag ship product.  This collector combines high performance, a sleek profile and extraordinary durability.  The Imperial's "I-Beam" construction makes this collector the perfect choice for areas that may experience very high wind loads. The Imperial 4' X 10' has been wind load tested by the Miami Test Lab to withstand wind loads up to 180 mph.  The heavy extruded anodized aluminum framewall protects this collector in the world's harshest environments.

Collector Specifications

SunEarth Model Number

Width (in)

Length (in)

Depth (in)

Gross Area (sq ft)

Dry Weight (lbs)

Fluid Capacity (US gal)

Design Flow (GPM)

ΔP at Design  (psig)

Max Flow  (GPM)

Max Pressure (psig)

Header Width (in)

Header Center to Center (in)

IC/IP24

36 1/4

98 1/8

3 1/4 

24.61

98

0.78

0.62

0.017

12

160

39 3/4 

93 5/8

IC/IP32

48 1/4

98 1/8

3 1/4 

32.79

119

1.00

0.83

0.018

12

160

51 3/8

93 5/8

IC/IP40

48 1/4

122 1/8

3 1/4 

40.81

157

1.20

1.04

0.020

12

160

51 3/8

115 5/8
 Empire Series Flat Plate Collector


Cutaway of Empire Collector


Installation of Empire Collectors on Residence in Boulder CO

The Empire series collectors are our most popular and versatile products. The Empire has the same rated performance as the Imperial, comes in a wider variety of sizes and provides real value for both retrofit and new construction projects where tight budget considerations prevail.

Collector Specifications

SunEarth Model Number

Width  (in)

Length  (in)

Depth  (in)

Gross Area  (sq ft)

Dry Weight  (lbs)

Fluid Capacity (US gal)

Design Flow (GPM)

ΔP at Design (psig)

Max Flow   (GPM)

Max Pressure  (psig)

Header Width  (in)

Header Center to Center  (in) 

EC/EP21

40 1/8

76 1/8

3 1/4

21.21

60

0.60

0.51

0.015

12

160

43 3/8

71 1/4

EC/EP24

36 1/8

98 1/4

3 1/4

24.61

80

0.78

0.62

0.017

12

160

39 3/4

93 5/8

EC/EP32

48 1/8

98 1/4

3 1/4

32.79

106

1.00

0.83

0.018

12

160

51 3/8

93 5/8

EC/EP40

48 1/8

122 1/4

3 1/4

40.81

141

1.20

1.04

0.020

12

160

51 3/8

115 5/8
 SunWise Series Flat Plate Collector


Cutaway of SunWise Collector

The SunWise collector is nearly identical to the Empire.  The sole exception is that the collector framewall is not anodized.  The SunWise has an attractive mill finish appearance.  This product is designed for export markets and large commercial projects. 

Collector Specifications

SunEarth Model Number

Width (in)

Length (in)

Depth (in)

Gross Area (sq ft)

Dry Weight (lbs)

Fluid Capacity (US gal)

Design Flow (GPM)

ΔP at Design  (psig)

Max Flow  (GPM)

Max Pressure (psig)

Header Width (in)

Header Center to Center (in)

SC/SP20

36 1/8

78 1/4

3 1/4 

19.70

60

0.60

0.51

0.015

12

160

39 3/4 

73 1/2 

SC/SP24

36 1/8

98 1/4

3 1/4 

24.61

80

0.78

0.62

0.017

12

160

39 3/4 

93 5/8

SC/SP32

48 1/8

98 1/4 

3 1/4 

32.79

106

1.00

0.83

0.018

12

160

51 3/8

93 5/8

SC/SP40

48 1/8

122 1/4 

3 1/4 

40.81

141

1.20

1.04

0.020

12

160

51 3/8

115 5/8
 Sunburst & Custom Absorber Plates


Sunburst Absorber Plate

The extraordinary SunBurst all copper absorber plate is the heart of each of the liquid flat plate collectors.  SunEarth manufactures standard  absorbers in five sizes, custom replacement plates, and OEM absorbers to specification.  The combination of 3/8" type M risers and 15% silver brazed joints makes the Sunburst the absorber of choice for solar contractors that repair freeze damage, sediment buildup, or corroded collectors.  Download our custom absorber specification sheet to describe the absorber you need to replace.

Standard SunBurst Plate Specifications

SunEarth Model Number

Gross Area  (sq ft) 

Dry Weight  (lbs)

Fluid Capacity (US gal)

Design Flow (GPM)

ΔP at Design (psig) 

Max Flow   (GPM) 

Max Pressure  (psig) 

Header Width  (in) 

Header Center to Center  (in) 

PS/BS21

19.70

18

0.72

0.54

0.015

12

160

43 3/8

71 1/2

PS/BS24

24.61

20

0.78

0.62

0.017

12

160

39 3/4

93 5/8

PS/BS32

32.79

26

1.00

0.83

0.018

12

160

51 3/8

93 5/8

PS/BS40

40.81

33

1.20

1.04

0.020

12

160

51 3/8

115 5/8

PS/BS40-1.5

40.81

36

1.61

1.04

0.020

12

160

51 3/8

115 5/8
Oasis Pool Panels


Oasis Pool Collector

     SunEarth manufactures all copper pool and spa heating collectors under the trade name of Oasis.  The Oasis pool collectors have standard 1.5" headers.

Oasis Pool Panel Specifications

SunEarth Model Number

Gross Area  (sq ft) 

Dry Weight  (lbs)

Fluid Capacity (US gal)

Design Flow (GPM)

ΔP at Design (psig) 

Max Flow   (GPM) 

Max Pressure  (psig) 

Header Width  (in) 

Header Center to Center  (in) 

OP-32

30.18

33

1.3

3.2

0.018

12

160

45 1/4

93 3/4

OP-40

37.19

39

1.5

4.0

0.020

12

160

45 1/4

115 7/8

OP-48

45.33

48

1.7

4.8

0.022

12

160

45 1/4

142 5/8
CopperHeart Integral Collector Storage (ICS)


Cutaway of CopperHeart ICS Collector




CopperHeart ICS installed on Residence

The CopperHeart integral collector storage system, or ICS, combines thermal collection and storage in a single unit.  The CopperHeart is designed to meet the international demand for a simple, durable and inexpensive domestic water heating system.  The CopperHeart typically serves as a solar preheater to an existing electric or gas water heater, but may be used as the primary water heater in certain climates.  ICS units are excellent choices for residential new construction in the U.S. Sunbelt or other mild climates that do not experience hard freeze conditions.

Collector Specifications

SunEarth Model Number

Width (in)

Length (in)

Depth (in)

Dry Weight (lbs)

Fluid Capacity (US gal)

Wet Weight (lbs)

Gross Area  (sq ft)

Net Aperture  (sq ft)

Max Pressure (psig)

Connection Pipe Dia. (in)

Connection Center to Center
(in)

CP-20

36 1/2

50 1/4

6 7/8

154

20

321

13.90

10.90

120

3/4

29

CP-30

36 1/2

78 1/4 

6 7/8

210

32

477

21.10

17.40

120

3/4

29

CP-40

36 1/2

98 1/4 

6 7/8

264

40

597

24.60

21.91

120

3/4

29
SunSiphon Thermosiphon Unit


Cutaway of Open-Loop SunSiphon System



SunSiphon Installed on Tiled Residential Roof

Since 1992 SunEarth has teamed with Edward's Energy Systems of Perth, Australia, a world leader in the manufacture of 316L stainless steel storage tanks and boilers, to market a packaged thermosiphon system under the brand name of 'SunSiphon' in North America and the Pacific Basin.  The SunEarth/Edward's collaboration offers the best of two continents – the world's finest thermosiphon storage tank and rugged, high performance SunEarth flat plate solar collectors.  The SunSiphon is available in both open-loop and jacketed closed-loop configurations to serve in any climate. 

 How Does a Thermosiphon System Work?
A Thermosiphon unit is a completely passive design that relies on buoyancy effects to circulate fluid through the collectors as opposed to the pumps and controllers found in active systems.

When sunlight strikes the collectors in the SunSiphon system it heats the food-grade antifreeze within them, which then rises due to buoyancy into the jacket-style heat exchanger on the bottom of the storage tank. Here the antifreeze transfers heat into the tank, becomes cooler, and sinks to the bottom of the collectors to repeat the process.

During periods of no sun, the cool fluid in the base of the collectors is not heated, does not rise, and thereby stops circulation of the antifreeze. In this manner, thermosiphon units achieve the operational characteristics of active systems but without the pumps and controls

Diagram courtesy Edward's Energy Systems

Storage Tank Specifications

Tank Model Number

Capacity (US gal)

Diameter (in)

Length (in)

Dry Weight (lbs)

Booster (Watts)

EPGX48

48

22

48

88

2,400

EPGX80

80

22

75

128

4,800

EPGX116

116

22

108

194

4,800

Total System Specifications

SunEarth Model Number

Collector Model

No. of Collectors

Overall Width (in)

Overall Length (in)

Collector Area
 (sq. ft.)

Max Pressure (psig)

Total Wet Weight  (psig)

EPGX48-21

EP21

1

48

98

21.21

150

564

EPGX48-24

EP24

1

48

120

24.61

150

572

EPGX48-32

EP32

1

48

120

32.79

150

602
 

EPGX80-40

EP40

1

75

144

40.81

150

941

EPGX80-42

EP21

2

82

98

42.42

150

946

EPGX80-48

EP24

2

75 120 49.22 150 963

EPGX80-63

EP21

3

122 98 63.63 150 1,022

EPGX80-64

EP32

2

98

120

65.58

150

1,021
 

EPGX116-63

EP21 3 123 98 63.63 150 1,388

EPGX116-64

EP32 2 108 120 65.58 150 1,389
EPGX116-80 EP40 2 108 144 81.62 150 1,480
 

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CopperStor Drainback Tanks

5.0 Gallon CopperStor Unit

7.5 Gallon CopperStor Unit

The CopperStor represent a cost effective advance in drainback tank design.  Fabricated from spun-end seamless copper tubing with no ferrous metal components, the CopperStor is nearly impervious to corrosion an allows for direct sweated connections without the need for troublesome dielectric unions.  High temperature 15% silver brazed joints ensure high strength and are not affected by lower temperature flames used for sweating the connections.  A 3/4" brass cap on the top of the units creates a simple and cost effective method for checking the fill level with a dipstick. CopperStor tanks are finished with a water-based matte black paint and wrapped in 1/2" Rubatex insulation to minimize heat loss and noise emission.

Tank Specifications

SunEarth Model Number

Width (in)

Length (in)

Depth (in)

Dry Weight (lbs)

Fluid Capacity (US gal)

Wet Weight (lbs)

Max Pressure (psig)

Connection Pipe Dia. (in)

DB-5.0

12

50

5

42

5.0

82

160

3/4

DB-7.5

18

50

5

56

7.5

117

160

3/4

DB-10.0

24

50

5

84

10.0

164

160

 3/4

Typical Applications

CopperStor drainback tanks can be seamlessly coupled with the Ruud HE tanks to create a drainback version of our popular SolaRay closed loop design.  Using the Ruud HE tank eliminates the need for the second pump on the potable water side that adds both cost and complications found in other drainback designs.  The CopperStor drainback tank can easily be hung from the wall adjacent to the Ruud HE tank for easy and unobtrusive installation.

For retrofit applications where it is not economical to replace the existing storage tank, the Copperstor may be used in combination with our SunTherm heat exchangers to convert existing solar systems to freeze-proof drainback designs.  The SunTherm may be used as a natural-convection heat exchanger as shown below or may be coupled with a pump on the potable water side for enhanced performance.
 

New Installation

Retrofit Installation

 

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 Tube-in-Shell Heat Exchangers



Tube-in-Shell Heat Exchanger

Cutaway of a tube-in-shell Heat Exchanger

Tube-in-shell (Tube) heat exchangers are constructed entirely from 316 L marine grade stainless steel to offer extreme durability and protection from corrosion.  The compact design of these units allows for more surface area to be packed in a shorter length, making them an ideal candidate for natural convection sidearm designs.  Heat transfer is enhanced through low profile grooves rolled into the tubes that creates moderate turbulence on the potable water side without the problematic mineral deposition often found in finned units.  Tube heat exchangers are available in two sizes: the smaller ST-2.6 is ideal for residential systems with up to 64 sq. ft. of collector area, and the larger ST-4.7 is well suited for larger systems and small hydronic heating applications.

Heat Exchanger Specifications

SunEarth Model Number Diameter (in) Length (in) Surface Area
(sq ft)		 Tubeside
Volume
(gal)		 Shellside
Volume
(gal)		 Dry Weight (lbs) Max Pressure (psig) Tubeside Connection Shellside Connection

ST-2.6

3 1/8

15 7/8

 2.64 0.080 0.244

6.2

250

 3/4" NPTF 1-1/2" NPTF

ST-4.7

5 5/8

15 1/4

 4.70 0.224 0.340

7.2

250

1" NPTF

1-1/2" NPTF

Typical Applications

Tube heat exchangers are typically used as a sidearm style heat exchanger in retrofit applications, or where cost and availability of indirect fired water heaters such as the Ruud HE tank are a concern.  In such situations, the tube heat exchangers allow for any conventional electric water heater to be converted to use with solar.  If the tank is to be used as a pre-heater for a gas fired unit then it is suggested that the elements be removed from the electric water heater and the tube heat exchanger plumbed between the element holes for optimal performance.  If the water heater is to used as the auxiliary heater, then the tube heat exchanger may be plumbed between the drain and a tee placed on the hot water outlet leaving the elements intact.  In either scenario, a second pump may be placed in the potable water line for increased performance. 

Closed-Loop Glycol

Drainback

 

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 Flat Plat Heat Exchangers



Flat Plate Heat Exchanger




Cutaway of Flat Plate Heat Exchanger





Flow Paths in a Flat Plate Heat Exchanger

The flat plate heat exchangers are copper-brazed flat plate heat exchangers constructed entirely from 316 stainless steel.  The plates within the unit are embossed with a chevron pattern that creates a lattice of interwoven flow channels to promote turbulent flow.  Individual heat exchangers may contain anywhere from 10 to 200 plates creating a large number of parallel flow paths for low pressure drops on the order of 2-3 psi.  Stacking of the embossed plates allows for highly compact units that can pack well over 200 sq. ft of heat transfer surface area in a unit that has a footprint of only 1.2 sq. ft.

The small footprint of our flat plate heat exchanger makes it economical to obtain very effective heat transfer in closed loop systems on par with open loop designs.  Our flat plate heat exchangers are available in two footprint sizes: the SPL31 and the larger SPL110.  The smaller SPL31 contains up to 150 plates and the SPL100 has a capacity of 200 plates.  Both units are available in 10 plate increments and come standard with male NPT fittings (sweat fittings may be custom ordered).

Heat Exchanger Specifications

SunEarth Model Number

Width (in)

Height (in)

Capacity Sizing
(sq. ft. collector per plate)

 Plate Capacity

Depth
(in)

Connections 

Max Pressure (psig)

SPL31

4.8

11.3

 9.0 10-150 0.36+0.09NP

1", 1-1/2"

232

SPL110

9.8

18.2

 50.0 30-200 0.39+0.09NP

1-1/2"

232

Typical Applications

 The flat plate heat exchangers are typically used in double pumped configurations for commercial scale glycol or drainback systems.  Our flat plate heat exchangers offer higher performance and typically lower cost than immersed tube bundles for larger commercial scale systems.  Although the requirement of a potable side pump adds to mechanical complexity, our flat plate heat exchangers can boost collector output by 10-15% over immersed bundles by dropping the collector loop temperature closer to the temperature of the storage tank.  Although this increased output may not outweigh the added cost and complexity of the pump in smaller installations, the higher output in larger systems often outweighs the disadvantage of the second pump.

Arrays of anywhere from 2 to 240 collectors can be accommodated with the two frame sizes of the SPL31 and SPL110.  Because of their extremely compact size, the units have very low heat losses and do not need to be insulated.  Additionally, the heaviest SPL31 weighs only 48 lbs. and the heaviest SPL110 is 190 lbs. meaning that they can be wall-hung to minimize demands for space in tight mechanical rooms.

Closed-Loop Glycol

Drainback

Sizing SunPlate Units for Commercial Arrays

Sizing of the heat exchanger is critical to overall system performance.  If the heat exchanger is undersized then the operating temperature of the collector loop will rise and cause the performance of the array to suffer.  On the other hand, oversizing a heat exchanger can mean spending a lot of money for only marginal performance gains.  The figure on the left shows how the solar fraction of a typical commercial system is affected by the effectiveness of the heat exchanger.  An effectiveness of 1.0 represents 100% efficient heat transfer where the closed loop system performs the same as an open loop system with no heat exchanger.  Flat plate heat exchanger sizing guidelines are based on an effectiveness of 0.70-0.80 that provides the optimum balance between system efficiency and unit cost.  In this range of effectiveness, the solar fraction is only 2-4% less than that of an equivalent open loop system.

Example: Array of 24 EP-40 Collectors

At 40.8 sq. ft. gross area per collector, 24 EP-40's have a total array area of 979.2 sq. ft.  Referring to the heat exchanger specifications in the table above, we see that the each plate in an SP31 can handle 9 sq. ft of collector and each plate in the SP110 can handle 50 sq. ft.  Therefore, we would need either 108.8 (979.2/9) plates for the SPL31, or 19.6 (979.2/50) plates for the SPL110.  Because the units come in 10 plate increments we would round the numbers up to 110 plates and 20 plates respectively.  Since the minimum number of plates in the SPL110 series is 30 we would opt for the SPL31 series with 110 plates for which the PART NUMBER would be SPL31-110.

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SolaRay Series Closed-Loop Systems


Layout of SolaRay System
Courtesy Solar4U

The SolaRay system is SunEarth's closed-loop system design that can be deployed in any climate.  By using DowFrost HD food-grade propylene glycol, the SolaRay can tolerate ambient temperatures down to -60 F without damage.  The integrated wrap-around heat exchanger on the Rheem tank provides efficient heat transfer and a double-walled design guarantees no cross contamination between the glycol and potable water, thereby allowing the system to meet even the strictest plumbing PART NUMBER s.  The SolaRay system is available in both AC and PV driven DC pumping options.

   

Construction Features of Rheem Solaraide HE Tank


Cutaway of Ruud Heat Exchange Tank
Courtesy Ruud/Rheem
   1 R-Foam Insulation
   2 Glass Lined Ruud Tank
   3 Solar Collector Supply & Return Lines
   4 Cold Water Dip Tube
   5 Anode Rod
   6 Fittings for: Cold Water, Hot Water, Relief Valve, Anode Rod
   7 Thermostat Opening
   8 All Copper Vented Heat Exchanger Jacket
   9 Electrical Connection Junction Box
   10 Screw-in Heating Element
   11 Settable Temperature Thermostat
   12 High-limit Cutout Thermostat
     Rheem Solaraide HE Tank Specifications (25 kb)  
   

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Cascade Drainback System

New Installation

   The Cascade Drainback solar system is SunEarth's OG-300 certified drainback system.  A drainback system is protected from freezing damage without the use of antifreeze.  The water in the collector array and solar loop piping drains back by gravity into the CopperStor storage reservoir when the pump stops circulating.  Air replaces water in the collector array and solar loop piping to prevent freeze damage when the pump is turned off.  

The system uses our popular SunEarth Empire Collectors together with CopperStor storage reservoirs.  

The Cascade Drainback System with Side-Arm Heat Exchanger (for Retrofit Installation) is still in the process of becoming certified and is not yet available as a certified system.

 

Retrofit Installation

 

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Standoff Mounting

Standoff mounting is the simplest and most cost effective way to install SunEarth solar collectors on sloped roof surfaces.  Standoff mounting components are designed to lift the collectors from 1 5/8" to 2 1/2" from the roof surface to facilitate drainage of rainwater under to units and prevent clogging from debris and leaf scatter.  Standoff mounting of collectors is typically limited to asphalt shingled roofs and other flat roof surfaces that can provide a flush surface for attachment of mounting feet or flanges without additional flashing.  For tile roofs and other uneven roof surfaces, collectors must be mounted using SolarStrut components.
 Empire & SunWise Collectors

Empire and SunWise collectors are mounted on small foot sections of our SolarStrut (100%0-###-4) that are placed near the four corners of the unit, directly over roof rafters.  These foot sections are secured to the rafters using 3/8" stainless steel lag bolts (10110-38#).  The collectors then clamped onto the foot sections using mounting clips (MTG-C-100) that fit into the extruded mounting channel on the framewall.  Our SolarStrut stainless steel sliding nut assembly (SSN-3/8") is then used to clamp the mounting clip firmly to the foot sections.  The feet, mounting clips, and strut nuts may be puchased together as a package (MTG-EC-FK).
 Imperial Collectors

The standoff mounting clip for the Imperial series collectors is a two-part unit (MTG-I-SOC) that secures to the extruded shelf on the bottom of the I-beam framewall.  The use of a two-part clip facilitates easy tool-free installation of Imperial collectors on the roof.  Once the lower and upper section of this clip are slid together over the framewall, a stainless steel lag bolt (10110-38#) is placed through both sections and into the roof rafter thereby holding the entire assembly firmly in place.
 Copperheart ICS (asphalt shingles)

To support the weight of the CopperHeart units, small foot sections of our SolarStrut (100%0-###-7) are placed near the four corners of the unit, directly over roof rafters.  These foot sections are secured to the rafters using the same 3/8" stainless steel lag bolts (10110-38#) used to mount our flat plate units.  The CopperHeart unit is then clamped onto the foot sections using the CopperHeart mounting clips (MTG-C-100) that fit into the extruded mounting channel on the framewall.  Our SolarStrut stainless steel sliding nut assembly (SSN-3/8") is then used to clamp the mounting clip firmly to the foot sections.
 CopperHeart ICS (tiled roof)

Since mounting feet cannot rest on tiled roofs (they'll crush the tile!), mounting standoffs must be used in combination with a flashed roof boot.  SunEarth recommends the use of 1" pipe nipples and floor flanges as the standoffs.  The bottom flange can be directly lag bolted into the rafter and the upper flange serves the same purpose as the mounting foot in supporting the collector framewall.  The CopperHeart mounting clip (MTG-C-100) can be fastened through one of the bolt holes in the upper flange.  To eliminate galvanic corrosion, SunEarth recommends the use of brass standoff components with SunEarth stainless steel mounting hardware.

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SolarStrut Mounting

Although the standoff mounting method is the least expensive and simplest choice, there are many instances where it is not practical.  Standoff mounting becomes impractical where mounting brackets cannot be directly centered on rafters, or where mounting hardware must penetrate tile roofs.  For such situations, SunEarth has developed it's own proprietary SolarStrut structural mounting and racking hardware.  At the heart of every SolarStrut installation is the extruded structural channel and sliding nut assembly, which allow for ultimate flexibility in rack construction.  All SolarStrut components are manufactured from bronze anodized aluminum and utilize stainless steel fasteners to provide galvanic compatibility with all SunEarth collectors and the ultimate in strength and corrosion resistance.
     SolarStrut can be suspended from the roof surface using short footing sections (shown above), or through the use of hangar bolts that are ideal for tiled roof applications (illustrated below).  In addition to solar-thermal collectors, SolarStrut provides an ideal and extremely cost effective way to mount PV modules. 
 Empire & SunWise Collectors

The most popular way of suspending SolarStrut off the roof surface is to use hangar bolts that are easily flashed or sealed against the roof material.  SunEarth stainless steel hangar bolts come in diameters of 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" (HBA-038#, HBA-12##, and HBA-34##) to support almost any size array.  Strut sections are available in the standard height of 1-5/8", and a higher 2-1/2" section to support greater weight or longer unsupported spans.  Clips that slip into the groove on the collector framewall are available in bronze anodized finish (MTG-C-100). The mounting clips are clamped to the SolarStrut using stainless steel sliding nut assemblies (SSN-3/8")
 Imperial Collectors

Strut mounting of the Imperial collector is identical to that of the Empire, SunWise, and SolarStar units with the exception of the collector mounting bracket.  The Imperial flush mount clip (MTG-I-100) clamps firmly over the mounting shelf on the I-beam extrusion.  The flush mount clips are secured to the SolarStrut usi

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Rack Mounting
     In instances where the slope of the roof surface is insufficient to attain the proper solar gain, or where the collectors are ground mounted, SunEarth offers tilt rack kits.  Tilt rack kits typically consist of hinged front and rear mounting feet coupled with rear legs of various pre-cut lengths form 19" to 60" to achieve the desired collector slope.  All hardware in the tilt kits is the same high quality stainless steel and bronze anodized Aluminum found in all of SunEarth's mounting components.
 
 Empire / SunWise / SolarStar Collectors

Pre-punched Aluminum channel forms the front and rear feet of this tilt mount kit, and comes standard in a bronze anodized finish or mill finish.  Hinged mounting clips are screwed into the collector framewall in the same manner as the mounting brackets used in direct and strut mount applications.  Sturdy 2" U-channel forms the rear legs and is pre-punched to hold the 5/8" stainless steel bolts that form the hinged joints of these units.  Tilt mount kits contain all the hardware mentioned above and come in a variety of leg lengths (MTG-E-0## or MTG-S-0##).
 Imperial Collectors

Rack mounting of the Imperial series is identical to that of the Empire, SunWise, and SolarStar units with the exception of the collector mounting clip.  Similar to the Imperial direct mount clip, the rack mount clip is a two-part unit that slips over the extruded mounting shelf on the I-beam framewall.  Tilt mount kits for the Imperial  collector contain all mounting hardware and come in a variety of leg lengths (MTG-I-0##).
 Copperheart ICS

CopperHeart units may be rack mounted using a combination of 2" U-channel and SolarStrut.  The 2" U-channel forms the base and rear legs of the tilt rack with the SolarStut forming the actual racking surface.  The U-channel base is directly lagged into the roof rafter and connected to the rear leg and spanning SolarStrut with 5/8" stainless steel hinge bolts.  The CopperHeart unit is then fastened to the SolarStrut using the same mounting clips used for direct mounting (MTG-C-100).  Tilt mount kits for the Copperheart are available with 12" (MTG-C-012) or 24" (MTG-C-024) rear legs.

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RexRack™ Industrial-Grade Mounting Hardware


With the introduction of RexRack, SunEarth has made significant strides in the area of standardized mounting hardware for commercial applications.  

RexRack represents a grounds-up engineered approach to the design and construction of commercial racks.  Gone are the days of custom fabricating racks for each application on site.  

RexRack is a completely modular system with telescoping front and rear legs to accommodate uneven roof surfaces, and to provide a range of slope adjustment for the array.  

Whereas most custom racks are made from steel and pressure treated lumber that can rust and dry rot, RexRack components are made from anodized 6063-T6 structural Aluminum and 316 Stainless Steel.

 

One aspect that differentiates the RexRack package from traditional mounting systems is that there are no runners on the roof surface.  In the RexRack system, the runners are fabricated from our SolarStrut material and are located on the underside of the collectors.  

By relocating the runners to the backside of the collectors, a reinforced lattice is created between the two strut runners and the collectors that are clamped to them.  The array itself becomes a single unified rigid body, much like unibody construction in newer automobiles.  When the array itself is rigid, the rear legs need only carry the vertical load of the array, which means that less extensive cross-bracing for lateral loads is required.

   
 Flush Mount Front Foot (MTG-FF)
The flush mount front foot is the simplest manner of anchoring the toe of the array and consists of the strut hinge piece pivoted inside 2x2" channel.  This front foot may be used when only an inch or two of clearance is required between the collectors and roof or mounting surface.  These feet may be appropriate when multiple collectors are installed on a residential roof, or when the array is installed on top of pre-existing runners.
 10-16" Front Telescoping Front Foot (Little Foot)
The 10-16" front telescoping  foot consists of a 3/16" thick 5752 aluminum gusseted base with holes that allow for 1/2" bolts for securing the base to the roof.  A section of Solar Strut is then TIG welded to the base as a standoff and a custom extruded telescoping section is inserted into the strut base to provide height adjustability between 10 and 16".  The swivel hinge for the strut runners under the array is attached to the top telescoping section with a 5/16" stainless bolt and hardware.  Once the front feet have been adjusted across the rack to accommodate the unevenness of the roof surface, their height is fixed by driving a tek screw through the outer strut section and inner slider on all three sides.  At full extension there will always be several inches of slider inserted into the strut base for a combined support thickness of 1/4" to bear the weight of the array!
 10-16" Front Telescoping Foot (Big Foot)
The 'Big Foot' is similar to it's smaller sibling but simply includes a 6" square base plate that provides increased lateral support and two additional attachment points.  The 'Big Foot is created by TIG welding a 3/16" base onto the 'Little Foot' for a combined base thickness of 3/8" under the center channel.. Four holes are located at the corners of the base to accept up to 1/2" bolts for securing it to the roof.
 Telescoping Rear Legs
Telescoping rear legs consist of the same strut and slider assembly as the telescoping front feet except they are hinged inside a 2x2" channel instead of welded to a pad base.  Rear legs are available in three ranges specified by their minimum compacted length and maximum allowable extended length
 

Part No

Minimum Length (in)

 Maximum Length (in)

MTG-RTL-2441

 24 41

MTG-RTL-3865

 38 65

MTG-RTL-5897

 58 97
 Sizing Charts for RexRack

For each combination of front feet and rear legs, there is a range of slopes possible for the array depending on the extension of the rear legs and the collector used.  The tables on the right are calculated with the assumption that the rear strut runner is set in 25% from the end of the collectors per our recommendations. 

 

3x8' and 4x8' Collectors

Front Foot

Rear Leg

MTG-RTL-2441

MTG-RTL-3865

 MTG-RTL-5897

MTG-FF

 18-30°

28-42°

39-53°

MTG-FTF-1016-LF

 6-19°

17-33°

29-46°

MTG-FTF-1016-BF

 6-19°

17-33°

29-46°

 

4x10' Collectors

Front Foot

Rear Leg

MTG-RTL-2441

MTG-RTL-3865

 MTG-RTL-5897

MTG-FF

 15-25°

23-36°

33-47°

MTG-FTF-1016-LF

 5-15°

13-28°

24-40°

MTG-FTF-1016-BF

 5-15°

13-28°

24-40°

 

         RexRack Drawings

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 Last up-dated on January 04, 2012

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