Frequently asked questions about our products
Tamarack Solar Products FAQs
Our legacy UNI series mounts were originally based on an 80W BP module (standard size panels back in the old days of solar), so the numbering within the part code is based on a quantity of smaller 12V modules. Most of these mounts are NOT suitable for larger size 60 cell and 72 cell modules that are 39 to 42 inches wide and up to 80 inches long.
UNI (series)-
SA/SP/GR - (Single Arm /Side of Pole/Ground)
Single Arm – UNI-SA/##.#:
##.#: delineates the length of the mounting arm. See the SA sizing document to determine what version is right for your panel.
Side Of Pole ONLY - UNI-SP/0#AXH:
#: Number of 80W modules the mount will hold (1 - 3)
A: Longer rails to mount panels
X: Wider crossmember that mounts to pole for longer modules
H: High wind brace that is added to small side of pole mounts
See the SP sizing document here, or table of rail and crossmember lengths here.
UNI Ground Mount Series - UNI-GR/##:
GR: Ground Mount
##: Length of module mounting rails
Our newer TTP series mounts moved us away from this naming convention, and instead calls out the max number of standard size 60 or 72-cell module the mount will hold.
TTP Series – TTP - # or TTP#-HW:
#: Number of standard size 60 or 72-cell modules the mount will hold
HW: High Wind version for large wind or snow loads. See data sheets for force load capacity of each mount.
First decide if you want a Side of Pole, Top of Pole, Ground, or Roof Mount. If you have questions about the best choice, we suggest contacting one of our retail distributors – they can assist in array design and answer all kinds of solar array related questions.
Sizing Single Arm Mount (SA)
You will need to know the length and width dimensions for the module. See the SA sizing document to determine what version is right for your panel.
Sizing Side of Pole (SP)
You will need to know the length and width dimensions for the module you are using, as well as the distance between the mounting holes. To calculate how many of a specific module will work on each type of SP mount, see the SP sizing document here, or the table of rail and crossmember lengths here.
Sizing UNI-GR
You will need to know the length and width dimensions for the module.
UNI-GR mounts come in module mounting rail lengths of 90-inches and 130-inches. These mounts are designed to hold 2-3 standard sized modules. To determine the module mounting rail length that is best for your application see options below:
For Landscape orientation:
Multiply the width of your modules by the number of modules being used. Then add 0.5 for spacing between each module.
L = (Q x W) + ((Q-1) x 0.5) where Q = module quantity, W = module width
For Portrait orientation:
Multiply the length of your modules by the number of modules being used. Then add 0.5 for spacing between each module.
TTP or PGRM mounts:
The number listed in the part number delineates how many modules the mount will hold.
As a manufacturer we do not sell direct to end users in small quantities. Our distributors buy in volume so you get the best possible price and the best technical support. They have been trained to answer a multitude of questions regarding our product and have technical sales teams in place to work with end users. They also carry many of the additional items that are needed for renewable energy systems, which allows one stop shopping for your solar needs. If you are interested in purchasing our product, please check out our distributor page.
Our user manuals sometimes cover multiple mounts as many of the assembly instructions are the same. Please check the parts list at the beginning of the install manual closely to make sure that you are only referencing those items that are included with your mount.
Our mounts do not include vertical posts/pole and the PGRM does not include the horizontal pipe. Pole mounts are designed to fit on user-supplied schedule-40 steel pipe. Schedule 80 steel pipe, which is required on some of the high wind top-of-pole mounts, will create a stronger mount but is more expensive. Sourcing pipe locally is much more cost effective and allows for lengths that are specific to your application.
You will need to purchase locally the steel pipe, for the vertical mounting pole, in lengths that are appropriate for your installation. The length of the mounting pole will vary depending on the required footing depth. Refer to the install manual for guidelines.
You also need to have tools on hand to dig and prepare the hole for the concrete footing.
Our UNI- Ground Mounts can be mounted on concrete footings, pier blocks, on a structure (either as a flat-roof mount or awning), on a stringer, or using seam clamps on a metal roof. For metal roof installations using a seam clamp, we recommend only a low tilt (less than 15 degrees) and engineering done locally that takes wind load into consideration. We cannot guarantee the roof structures strength and wind shear when UNI-GR mounts are used in this configuration.
All our instruction manuals include guidelines charts for the depth and diameter of the concrete footing for the vertical mounting pole. Installation manuals can be located on individual product pages. Footing calculations are based on the wind speed rating and soil class. For higher wind speeds and looser soil types, please consult a local engineer if necessary.
Ground mount structure footings will depend on tilt angle and wind speed. Please consult a structural engineer to help with footing design.
We are no longer able to offer Will Call service.
We ship internationally for our distributors. We will work with the purchasing distributor to provide what is needed for customs documentation.
Our mounts warranty is 3 years on finishes and 10 years on structure when installed per our guidelines. If you feel that you have a warranty claim, please contact the distributor where items were purchased.
To process a warranty claim we will require:
- Photos of the installation and failure point - please take photos from multiple angles
- Information on the installation itself including modules used, date mount was installed, weather conditions, wind speed, and if applicable description of weather events that lead to mount failure.
If you have a valid warranty claim, replacement parts will be sent to you.
Each series of mounts we offer has its own wind and snow rating. Please see individual spec sheets for details on wind/snow rating and required pier size for the vertical pole.
We are currently in the process of expanding the Flush Mount configurator to accommodate larger modules. If you currently have an array that is outside the scope of the online configurator, please contact support at support@tamaracksolar.com and they will be happy to assist you with your design and BOM.