Silverback Solar Rack

Other Racking Systems

Ballasted Systems

Watertight industry approved penetrations.

Fewer mounting points.

Adjusts to roof pitch.

Patent pending Sprocket Lock creates rigid frame and reduces stress on the roof framing members.

Waterproofing left up to installers to design on the fly often resulting in chronic leaks.

Weaker connection requiring many more penetrations.

Many ballasted systems still need attachments into the roof system at some interval. These penetrations are often done incorrectly resulting in chronic leaks.

Effect on Roofing System

Small footprint allows water and debris to flow through.

Approved by major roofing material manufacturers.

Works with all types of roof systems.

Relies on caulking and sealants, which leak over time.

Creates depressions in roof causing roofing to deteriorate.

Blocks water flow.

Relies on mastics and adhesives.

Prevents access for maintenance and repairs.

P.V. Panel Efficiency

Elevated frames allow air flow around PV panels.

Adjustable design allows installation at correct angles and pitch.

With a high number of attachment points, placement options are limited, reducing the ability to set to proper angles.

Reduces air flow lowers efficiency.

Reduced angles and pitch lower efficiency.

Maintenance

Roofing fully accessible for maintenance and repairs.

Racking and hardware fully accessible for maintenance and repairs.

Requires more frames, reducing accessibility.

Roof not accessible.

Roof Usage

Fewer frames and attachment points allow system to elevate over rooftop equipment resulting in higher density of usable space.

Reduced density due to inability to span over larger rooftop equipment.

Can only be used on wide open roofs with no equipment or pipes in the way.

Installation

Fewer frames equals less installation time.

Parts shipped in assemblies for fast installation.

Simple tubular design with telescoping fittings allows for unlimited adjustment during installation.

Framing elements (tubing) pre-cut at factory to allow for roof pitch and slope.

Many nuts, bolts and hardware pieces to assemble and install.

Limited adjustability during installation.

Longer elements require field cutting resulting in more labor and material waste.

No major challenges for this type of installation.