No Clamps? No Problem.

Creotecc Solar Mounting Systems produces clamp-free designs that can be installed quickly and are better for modules.

Clamping and mounting are two terms usually linked together in the solar industry. It’s difficult to even do a simple Internet search for clamp-free mounting systems, but let it be known — they are out there. Creotecc Solar Mounting Systems, located outside of San Jose, Calif., manufactures both roof- and ground-mount systems requiring no clamps to secure modules. The company says clamping is bad for panel-longevity and slows down installation. Modules “float” between rails in a Creotecc system, and they can be secured much quicker than traditional systems allow. Once more people understand the benefits of going clamp-less, Creotecc believes the solar industry will see more successful projects.

EASY ON THE MODULES
Creotecc Solar Mounting Systems was founded in Germany in 1999 and entered the U.S. market eight years later. Originally a subsidiary of U.S. solar distributor Session Solar, the Creotecc mounting systems became the main focus of the company and the wholesale division was dropped in 2012. Now a subsidiary of BayWa r.e. Renewable Energy, an international holding company for businesses interested in renewable energy based in Germany, Creotecc takes advantage of BayWa’s experience and understanding of the solar industry to grow more aggressively in the United States.

After much research, Creotecc stands behind its claim that clamps do more harm than good. Using basic thermal imaging, you can see the pressure clamps put on modules, which can lead to reduced output and failure, says Cale Garamendi, Creotecc sales manager. The company’s CREOTERRA ground-mount and CREOMOUNT roof-mount systems take clamps completely out of the picture. Instead, the systems use channeled, horizontal insertion rails to secure panels into an array. Modules are slipped into the top rail and then dropped down into the bottom. The panels sit between the rails, and edge-stops secure the arrays in place.

“What we’ve come to realize [is that] this technique is much easier on the modules in general,” Garamendi says. “In no case are these installers climbing up on top of the array to fasten any sort of clamp. You avoid damage to the modules by installing from below with very little pressure on the modules. They’re allowed to float freely in those rails and provide very little resistance as there’s room for thermal expansion and contraction.”

Garamendi says indirect damage to modules has become more of an issue in the industry because many module manufacturers write their warranties so that any damage done during installation won’t be covered. When installers climb on top of an array, a knee or elbow into a panel could leave microfractures not noticeable to the naked eye, but thermal imaging shows very clearly the damage done. Clamping modules restricts thermal expansion and has the same fracturing effect.

“From an O&M standpoint, [the Creotecc mounting system] really helps protect the warranty for the modules and helps to ensure the production that is guaranteed by the manufacturers,” Garamendi says. “Installers can carelessly drop a module, and that could happen regardless of the mounting system type. But assuming that they get the module into place without dropping it prior to the mounting of the module, Creotecc’s installation process is painless for the solar panel.”

LABOR REDUCED
The convenient drop-in feature of Creotecc mounting systems also limits the hard labor installers have to do. No longer does extra time have to be spent screwing, fastening or clamping modules into an array.

Elite Solar in Chico, Calif., has been using the CREOTERRA ground-mount system on projects ranging from farms, municipalities and school districts. Jamie Sanchez, vice president of business development, says Creotecc first approached Elite to try out the new product back in 2012. Elite had been working with Session Solar and its wholesale division, and when Creotecc introduced its clamp-free system design, Sanchez says Elite didn’t think twice about trying the new product.

“We had great respect and trust for the management and sales team (of Creotecc),” he says. “After a couple demonstrations, we knew this was a great product and a great fit for Elite Solar.”

Prior to installing Creotecc mounting systems, Elite Solar has used its own custom-made racking design that used clamps and fasteners to secure modules. The company’s first project with the Creotecc system was a 500-kW ground-mount in California.

“Once changing from our original application to using Creotecc, it cut the install time by 38 percent,” Sanchez says. “Creotecc’s special-designed insertion rail allows our crews to install and secure modules in just minutes.”

LESS COST
Creotecc’s roof-mount system is just as easy to install as on the ground. The CREOMOUNT is ideal for long spaces with room for multiple rows. Having the ability to share multiple rails cuts down on costs.

Freedom Solar, an installer based in Campbell, Calif., switched to Creotecc mounting systems three years ago. Bryan Whitton, Freedom Solar owner, had been using a popular mounting company’s clamped system on residential roof installs when he decided enough was enough and sought out Creotecc.

“I don’t like hard-mounting modules,” Whitton says. “They’re glass, and I don’t like them being hard-mounted. I’ve always thought that was a silly solution. Creotecc uses a shared rail that allows the modules to float rather than being firmly attached. Because there’s a shared rail, there is typically 25 percent fewer penetrations on the roof. With fewer penetrations, there is less likelihood of leaks. The installation process is significantly lower. It looks better, performs better, is less expensive. When you look at the pros and cons, there’s just no comparison.”
Whitton says the Creotecc system works extremely well on awkwardly-designed roofs.

“We have found it to be incredibly flexible,” he says. “Whether you’re going in portrait or landscape mode, you can intermix them very easily and very cost-effectively, and it still looks greats too. That’s something people overlook. Sometimes you have to have a combination of landscape and portrait, and that’s a piece of cake with Creotecc.”

— Solar Builder magazine

[source: http://solarbuildermag.com/featured/creotecc-clampless-mounting/]