13/16" x 1-5/8" zinc/chromate "gold" strut-channel	13/16" strut-channel with 1/2" slots (recommended)	Different types of strut nuts with 1/4" threads
Strut nuts attached to strut	Strut connector plate bolting two channels together

DISCLAIMER

This Strut channel rack is just a design concept that we offer as a guide only for a basic rack structure.  Although many of my dealers and their customers have used it successfully to mount solar pool panels when additional pitch is desired, ecosystems in no way guarantees its performance or durability over time since we do not sell these components or the racks themselves or can verify it was constructed properly.   We haven't done any testing on any aspect of the components or structure to ensure these can and will withstand the weather, wind load, or snow load you may experience at your location.  Please be advised that you need to consider such issues when building this rack.  It may be necessary to reinforce this structure as needed.  Also, please take every precaution when assembling the structure to avoid injury.    

Building a strut channel ground rack

1. Rack location and layout
2. Building galvanized "sub-rack"
3. Securing angled 1-5/8" x 1-5/8" channel to sub-rack
4. Connecting 13/16" horizontal channels
5. Securing corrugated sheets to rack
6. Securing panels to rack

The following pictures are of a three panel sample rack at our Oregon warehouse.  Most racks would be built to accommodate a larger array of panels depending on geographic location and pool surface area. 

Remember to click on thumbnail photos for a larger view.

Click here for the RACK TABLE to get components list needed to build racks for different number of panels. 

1. Rack location and layout

• It is first necessary to determine where the rack will be located.  Racks can be built on level or pitched ground.  Face the panels to the south or SW for ideal solar collection.  You want the rack location to be free from shade from at least 10am to 4pm daily whenever solar heat is needed.  Generally, 4x12' solar panels are used on rack installation because space is usually not an issue and 12' panels save time and money since they are slightly cheaper per square foot and require less mounting components.  Once the number of panels is determined based on the pool size, the rack space can be readily determined.  Figure 52" per panel for the side-to-side rack spacing and 11' or so for the front to back measurement.  If possible, leave walking space around the rack to access panels as needed.  Put stakes at the corners of your rack area and run a string around the perimeter using a string level if you want the panels to be square and level.
• We recommend that the ground underneath the rack be cleared of vegetation so it doesn't grow up to shade the panels later on.  Use weed control fabric or plastic over the dirt and then cover with gravel or crushed rock.  There is some benefit putting white rock in front of rack to reflect additional solar radiation onto panels, especially during early and late part of the summer season. 

2.  Building galvanized sub-rack

• The sub-rack is built from 1-1/4" galvanized plumbing pipe or "rigid" conduit (do not use EMT conduit) that you can find locally.  You can use 1-1/2" too for a stronger rack.  It consist of short vertical posts in the front spaced every 8-10' (max.) to span the required width of the rack.  There are longer vertical posts in the back also at 8-10' apart and roughly 9' to 10' behind the front posts for 12' panels the height of which will determine the pitch of the rack.  It is usually easiest to use one 10' length of pipe to make both the front and back post (2-1/2' to 3' for the front and the remaining 7' to 7-1/2' for the  back).  
• All posts should be cemented into the ground at least 18-24".  The posts will then be 12-18" out of the ground in front and 5' to 5-1/2' in back.  This give roughly a 25^o pitch which works well with summer heating.  Pitch should be somewhere around local latitude less 15^o for summer use and latitude plus 15^o for winter use (i.e. Hawaii).  Minimum recommended pitch is 6 degrees for drainage purposes.

Front posts 9' apart, 18" out of ground in cement	Longer back posts also 9' apart secure in cement	Sample three panel rack layout showing front and back posts

• Once the cement around the vertical posts sets-up, it is time to put a horizontal member over them.  The length of this horizontal member is relative to the number of panels.  The recommended minimum length of this pipe is # of panels x 52" minus 4'.  Example: 6 panels x 52" = 312" divided by 12 is 26' - 4' = 22' min.  These pipes are typically 10' long, threaded on both ends or with a coupler on one end or readily connected together using a threaded coupling'. 
• They are connected to the vertical posts using an special aluminum tee with set screws.  Dealers can purchase these through us or Grainger Supply (1-1/4" version is part # 4UJ18, 1-1/2" is 4UJ19)  Steel version is available too at a slightly higher price (1-1/4" -- 5A472, 1-1/2" -- 5A473).

 

Aluminum tee holding horizontal pipe to vertical post	Close-up of tee with three set-screws	Pipe termination with threaded coupling to add on to if needed
Galvanized sub-rack for three panels	Another view of sub-rack

3.  Securing angled 1-5/8" x 1-5/8" channel to sub-rack

• Now that the galvanized sub-rack is complete, you can connect the angled sections, the "rafters", of the strut rack to it using U-bolts.  However, before you do that, you need to make sure it is long enough for the panels you are using.  The recommended panel size for this rack is 12' long to this rafter length needs to be 12.5'.  Since most available strut is going to be 10' long, it will be necessary to add 2.5' by using a strut connector plate and 1" x 3/8" stainless or galvanized bolts to butt connect these two pieces.  Be sure to use washers and lock washers or lock nuts.  You may also want to consider putting another plate on top of the strut channel butt joints using strut nuts to make it even stronger.
• Now you can connect the angled strut to sub-rack using U-bolts.  U-bolts come in a variety of lengths.  They must fit inside the strut and not extend above the top of the channel itself.  Stainless steel U-bolts seem to be a little shorter than standard U-bolts and are probably a good idea anyway.
• The accompanying pictures show that this angled member should be located in the center of each panel.  Since then, we have modified the rack somewhat and so they can be at 4' to 5' apart depending on snow loading. The closer together they are, the stronger the rack will be.  

 

Underside of strut showing connector plate with bolts	Upper side of strut view	With odd-number panels start in the middle of the sub-rack
U-bolt secures strut to horizontal pipe of sub-rack	U-bolt around pipe	Another view of U-bolt
Be sure U-bolt is shorter than top of strut. Use washers and lock nuts.	Install all angled member 52" on center.	Three angled struts installed for three panels

4.  Connecting 13/16" horizontal channels

• Once the angled members are installed and securely tightened, start installing the 13/16" strut to them.  You can use the strut connector plates and bolts to connect 10' section together as with the larger strut for a stronger rack, however securing these together is not always needed. 
• The top horizontal strut should be at the very top edge of the diagonals.  Again, this is a modification of what is shown.  The bottom should be about 6" above the end of the 12' panel.  Secure the 13/16" strut to the angled strut using 3/8" strut nuts and 1" bolts with lock washers.  Install the next two channels 2' inside and the fifth one one in the middle.  These will be used to secure the panel strapping. 
• Make sure the edges of the horizontal members are wide enough to accommodate minimum of about 4.25' per panel.
• This completes the actual rack installation.

Strut nut inside angled strut member	Horizontal strut secured to angled strut	Side view showing strut nut locked into angled strut
Another view of strut nut holding horizontal strut to angled strut	Connector plate holding two horizontal struts together	Upper and lower horizontal strut installed
Side view of upper channel	Rack with all horizontal channel attached	Underside of completed rack

5.  Securing corrugated sheets to rack

• Once the rack is built and before the panels themselves are attached, we recommend the use of corrugated sheets under the panels to offer more long-term support.  Over time and especially during stagnation periods, plastic panels will conform to the surface they are mounted to.  They will tend to sage between the 24" and wider gaps between the horizontal strut.  To keep a clean, tight appearance and avoid these issues, lay inexpensive corrugated fiberglass, or polycarbonate sheets (recommended) under the panels.  Avoid using PVC sheets since they will readily deform with warmer ambient air temperatures plus the weight of the panels with water. 
• Corrugated sheets are available at any hardware or building supply such as Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.  They typically come 8,10, or 12' long and  26"  wide so you will need two per panel overlapped to get the recommended 45-46" in width to fit just inside the panel width.  Their overall  length should be trimmed to fit inside the panel header, about 136" for 12' panels.  Keep this corrugated material out of UV radiation if not rated for such exposure.  These sheet will also minimize convection cooling off the back-side of the panels if any wind blows from that direction.  Convection cooling can reduce the performance of the solar panels. 
• For a rack with an odd number of panels lay two overlapped sheets together and and center them on the rack and attach them to the rack in two places using 1/4" strut nuts and 1" SS bolts with fender washers to keep them from sliding out from under the panels.  The panels "belly-band" strapping will secure them along with the panels. 
• Simply drill a hole through the sheet where the nut is located on the lower outer corner of the two overlapping sheets.  Don't tighten just yet because it may be necessary to shift the sheets around somewhat to fit neatly inside the panel edges. 
• For a rack with even number of panels, place on edge of the two sheets about 2" from the rack center. 
• It is probably easiest to install the first panel now on these sheets and then install the remaining corrugated sheets under the panels as you go.  Go to section #6 to learn the panel installation procedure.

 

Label on corrugated sheet	Two sheets overlapped	Sheets laying on the rack
1/4" bolt with fender washer holding sheet to rack

6. Securing panels to rack

• The following panel installation procedure is in more detail in the "System Installation" section of this site.
• Lay a panel on the first set of corrugated sheets. 
• Slide two ST brackets onto the upper header of each panel.  These first came in a single piece version but now come in a two-piece version.  Place them about 30" apart and secure to the uppermost horizontal strut with a 3/8" strut nut, 3/8" x 1" SS bolt and a lock washer.  These brackets are the only thing holding the weight of the panel, which will be about 70 lbs. with water.  It is very important to tightly secure them to the rack.  Now you can secure the next set of corrugated sheets for the next panel.
• Slide rubber couplers onto all four corners of the panel.  As you can see, this is part of the modifications.  Initially, only one ST clamp was used per panel.  It was increased to two to add more support and strength to the panel mounting. 
• Use #40 SS band clamps to tighten the rubber coupler onto the header.  Notice that the "spin-weld" at the end of each header acts as a barbed-end.  This creates a bulge on the rubber coupler.  Put the clamp on the panel side of this bulge.  Tighten securely but don't over-tighten or the clamp will strip.  Slide an open second clamp onto each coupler, slide an ST bracket onto the upper header of the next panel, and slide this panel header into the coupler on each side of this panel.  Tighten the clamps as before. 
• Do this sequence of corrugation first then panel, and so on until all panels and together and secured with their ST bracket to the rack. 
• Square panels to the rack and the corrugated sheets under the panels.  Tighten all bolts.  You don't need to put too much pressure on the bolt holding the corrugated sheets since they are just to keep them from sliding out.   

Lay panel on corrugated sheets from center of rack	Secure upper header of panel to angled strut using ST bracket	Side-view of ST bracket

• Connect the base of the tie-down cleat on the ends of and in between each panel on the horizontal strut two feet up from the bottom header and two feet down from the top header and the center strut.
• Tie a single knot on the end of the Dacron strap leaving 6-8" of strap excess on each end of the bank. 
• Lay a strap in groove of the tie-down base and hand-tighten the caps as you go putting moderate tension on the strap each time.  At the end of the bank, cut the strap again tying a knot at the loose end.  Do this for the other two straps.  If you need to add onto the strap, tie two together.
• The rack should be strong enough to stand on but it would be better to stand on the horizontal sub-rack pipe instead of the horizontal strut.  Be careful with panel edge when you do this.  Reach the upper cleats from a ladder over the top header.

Tie-down base connected to horizontal strut with strut nut and SS bolt	Tie-down base between panels	Tie-down bases between panels
Tie-down base with cap and strap. Note knot is strap.	Tie-down between panels with cap and strap.	Other end of strap.

• The panels are now secure to the rack. 
• If this rack is in a wind area, it may be necessary to secure the bottom header more firmly.  If so, you can run another strap along the bottom horizontal strut.  This will keep the header from lifting.
• Finally, you can install the panel termination fittings:
• Put coupler on all remaining corners if you haven't already done so.
• You want to feed the panels to the bottom header at the farthest corner.  Install a CPVC female adapter here.
• Put the other female adapter on the opposite, upper corner.
• Install the vacuum relief valve (the end cap-looking thing with two hole in it) on the other upper corner.
• Install the end cap on the remaining lower corner.
• The panels are now installed and ready for piping to and from the pool equipment area.

CPVC female adapter on lower left end of panel bank.	The other female adapter in upper, opposite corner	Vacuum relief valve in other upper header - not used in Hawaii
End cap in lower left corner	Completed panel installation.