Silverback Solar^TM Frequently Asked Questions


What kind of materials are the black fittings made of?
The Silverback fittings are mild steel. They are welded, then zinc plated and powder coated for longevity and a sleek, clean look.

Is Silverback Solar^TM tubing galvanized?
Yes, but not just ordinary galvanized material. Our tubing is Gatorshield® by Allied Tubing. This triple coat process has shown in tests to last more than 4 times longer than standard galvanized pipe.

Do you provide Engineering?
Yes. Silverback provides a custom engineered solution for your PV or Solar Thermal installation. We provide a comprehensive, job specific structural calculation packet, stamped by a licensed structural engineer, with each project. You will also get AutoCAD shop drawings on 24" x 36" sheets. The shop drawings include the frame and panel layout (roof plan), and a detail sheet.

How tall can a Silverback Racking System go?
This depends on many factors including the wind load for the project. We have built rooftop frames as high as 22' above the roof.

How high of a wind load can the Silverback Solar^TM system take?
The Silverback system is so flexible it can be used in any wind load. The modular design allows the frames to be installed closer together, making the system stronger, when the wind load is higher.

How long is the installation learning curve?
If you have a solar installation crew leader that has experience with other mounting systems, this will be a breeze. Silverback was created to take time out of the installation process, going from profitable speed to only even faster from there.

Who can install the Silverback Solar^TM Mounting system?
The system is very user friendly. With our instruction manual, anyone with basic construction experience can handle the installation.

What angle or tilt can the system be built to?
Silverback is flexible by design. By sliding the fittings on the tubing, any degree of slope can be created.

What happens when I need to do maintenance on my solar system or re-roof in the future?
One of the great features of the Silverback racking system is that it is open and accessible for repairs, cleaning and maintenance. Or in the instance of a re-roofing, can be completely or partially dismantled. Then simply put back in place.

How does Silverback mount over tapered roof insulation?
The roof insulation must be cut out so the Base Supports can mount to the solid roof framing substrate. The Base Supports, which are available in 5", 9" and 12" tall, need to extend through the insulation by at least 3 to 4 inches to allow proper roofing. If the insulation is too thick for the Base Support to extend through, a Spacer Hat is needed. For more information, please contact us at 1-877-765-2659.

What type of roof flashings are available with Silverback?
Our roof attachment system works with all types of roofing. We have multiple types of flashings available. Please see our Flashing Selection Guide for more information. silverback_flash_select.pdf

How Silverback racks attach to metal roofing?
The Silverback Base Supports can be flashed in by the metal roofing installers the same way they would flash in a skylight, fan curb or any other type of square penetration. Alternatively, a flexible rubber pipe flashing can be used if it can be installed in a way that doesn't block the water flow. View a technical bulletin on using a flexible rubber pipe flashing here.

What do I do if I have HVAC equipment?
The Silverbacksystem is designed to mount to the roof with our patented watertight Roof Attachment system. It can be mounted over anything that is sitting on top of a roof. That's the beauty of a Silverback Rack, more of the roof is made available for PV panels.

What is the normal lead-time for the materials?
A quote can be completed in a day, if all of the project information is provided on our Request for Quote form on our website.

Engineering and shop drawings take about 1 to 3 weeks depending on the complexity of the project.

All of the component parts including the tubing are stocked at our facility in Santa Cruz, CA and we can typically ship within one week of receiving an approved order.