Mid Clamps
Verified by SOLBE Structural Engineering Board
Definition
Mid clamps (also known as inter-clamps) are structural fasteners installed between two adjacent solar modules to secure them firmly to the underlying mounting rail, maintaining a uniform thermal expansion gap.
Technical & Structural Breakdown
Mid clamps sit in the narrow gap between two panel frames, clamping both simultaneously with equal downward pressure. They establish a standard spacing (usually 15mm to 20mm) between panels, which accommodates thermal expansion and contraction without stressing the solar cells. High-quality mid clamps incorporate integrated grounding pins or teeth to pierce the anodized coating of the aluminum module frame, creating electrical continuity across the entire array.
Engineering Specifications
| Compliance Standard(s) | AA 6063-T6, SS304 / SS316, UL 467 Grounding |
|---|---|
| Primary Use Cases | Inter-module clamping and grounding for contiguous rows of panels on rooftop and ground systems. |
| Engineering Category | Hardware |