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The solar energy industry continues to grow, with more systems and panels coming onto the market every year. As solar panel OEMs research and develop new and improved designs, consumers benefit from better quality systems with higher levels of efficiency and lower levels of maintenance. Solar panel fasteners contribute to the maintenance level of your system, and OEMs should pay careful attention to the fasteners used in prototypes and specified in final products. How Fasteners Affect Maintenance Well-designed fasteners help to keep joints tight and secure, even when settling and temperature shifts occur. Bolts, nuts and washers, clips, brackets and mounting blocks all need to maintain their position, despite pressures, friction, loads, tension and conditions. When fasteners loosen, wear away or fail the panel systems can be damaged or even destroyed. Ensuring your solar panel system is held in with high quality fasteners reduces the need for maintenance post-installation, which in turns increases the value of your product. How Do Consumers View Maintenance? Most homeowners and business-owners accept that certain levels of maintenance are unavoidable. Solar energy systems need to be inspected on a regular basis and may need to be cleaned or cleared off every so often. But with low quality, ill-fitting or weak fasteners, regular maintenance will also include tightening the racking systems, panel frames and other components. Fastener replacement may also be required after a few years of use. This amount of maintenance can easily deter the average consumer, making them reconsider installing solar or cause them to overlook your product in favor of another brand with lower maintenance (and likely higher quality fasteners). This minor component of your overall system has major influence for most of the market. Dangers of a Loose Panel or Loose Joint Assume that even one panel on the average solar energy system becomes loose. How much damage could that inflict on the balance of the system, as well as the surrounding area? If only one joint becomes loose, how far can the damage reach in terms of monetary value, lost time and inconvenience? OEMS that consider the potential fall out of poorly chosen, inadequate or weak fasteners soon come to realize the value of quality fasteners. Stainless steel and high-grade aluminum fasteners are the optimum choices, both in terms of weight and corrosion-resistance. Certain washer and nut designs also resist loosening, based on tension or friction. Locking nuts often use friction to maintain a tight joint, while washers can be designed to utilize friction or tension in an effort to resist loosening. Mounts and brackets are specifically designed to produce a tight, dependable fit. Create a higher demand for your solar energy systems and products with well chosen, well-designed fasteners made to reduce maintenance levels. Consumers are willing to invest in products that they can benefit from without hassle or worry. If better quality fasteners cause your productions to rise, recoup those costs with a higher ticket price and marketing targeted at the low maintenance and dependable design angle. Quality fasteners promote longevity, efficiency and low maintenance. OEMs are wise to invest time and money in finding the ideal fasteners from a reputable manufacturer, creating solar panel systems that meet current market demands. Mike Moore is published on more than 300 websites. He writes about industrial fasteners and building, commercial building, and home building projects . He is published on various website including http://www.melfast.com
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