press release: solardock raises bar for solar racking mechanical strength

PRESS  RELEASE:  SolarDock  raises  bar  for  solar  racking  mechanical  strength  

Product  easily  passes  proposed  UL  2703  Mechanical  Load  Test    

May  14,  2014  –  SolarDock  has  successfully  completed  the  Mechanical  Load  Tests  required  in  the  proposed  UL  2703  standard  for  solar  mounting  and  racking  systems.  SolarDock’s  load  ratings  far  exceed  the  minimums  currently  proposed  in  UL  2703.  

The  tests,  conducted  by  TUV  Rheinland,  demonstrate  SolarDock’s  ability  to  withstand  excessive  forces  placed  on  the  system,  in  both  the  downward  and  upward  direction.  The  tests  were  designed  to  match  the  mechanical  loads  used  to  test  solar  modules  under  IEC  61215  and  IEC  61646.  The  SolarDock  successfully  withstood  the  following  Mechanical  Loads:  

• Positive  (forces  pushing  downward  on  the  system):  113  lbs/sf  (5400  Pa)  • Negative  (forces  pushing  upward  on  the  system):  50  lbs/sf  (2400  Pa)  

“Our  goal  was  to  further  demonstrate  the  mechanical  strength  of  the  SolarDock  product,”  says  Scott  Johnson,  Partner  at  SolarDock.  “We  didn’t  want  to  just  meet  the  proposed  UL  2703  requirements,  we  wanted  to  raise  the  bar  for  what  it  means  for  a  racking  system  to  be  strong  and  durable.”      

Evaluating  the  mechanical  load  capabilities  is  an  important  step  in  selecting  a  racking  system  for  a  solar  array.  Since  the  racking  supports  and  secures  the  solar  modules,  it  should  be  capable  of  withstanding  the  variety  of  forces  placed  on  it  throughout  the  year,  such  as  high  winds  and  large  snow  falls.    

The  results  of  the  recent  Mechanical  Load  tests  show  that  SolarDock’s  customers  can  use  the  product  with  full  confidence  that  the  racking  is  built  to  last.  

Learn  more  about  the  tests  performed  and  download  additional  info  at:  http://www.solardock.com/051414-­‐solardock-­‐mechanical-­‐load-­‐testing    

About  SolarDock:    

With  more  than  400  projects  and  40  MW  of  projects  installed  in  the  United  States  and  Canada,  SolarDock  is  recognized  among  leading  integrators,  distributors  and  site  owners  as  the  premier  choice  in  custom  tilt  solar  mounting  system.  SolarDock’s  commitment  to  safety  and  durability  is  demonstrated  by  its  TUV  Certification,  25  year  warranty,  and  extensive  wind  testing  and  analysis.  SolarDock  is  available  in  Canada  through  a  licensing  agreement  with  Sunrise  Power  (www.sunrisepower.ca).  

SolarDock  can  be  found  online  at  www.solardock.com  and  on  major  social  media  sites  under  the  name  SolarDock.    

Address  all  inquiries  to  Kate  Bayard,  Director  of  Marketing,  at  kbayard@solardock.com.