This document provides installation instructions for the Sigma Pure PV ground mounting system. It includes sections that describe the system components, technical specifications, installation requirements, and step-by-step assembly and installation procedures. Safety warnings are provided throughout. The system uses aluminum rafters and rails to mount PV modules at adjustable tilt angles on galvanized steel pipes that are embedded in concrete or attached to earth screws.
2. SigmaPureâInstallationmanual
Contents
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Short Description 1
1.2 About This Manual 1
1.3 Warnings 2
1.4 Safety 2
2 Technical Description 3
2.1 System Overview 3
2.2 Technical Data 4
3 Sigma Pure Components 9
3.1 Components Included 9
4 Basic Installation Requirements 12
4.1 Tools Required 12
4.2 Tightening Torques 12
4.3 Site Suitability 12
5 Foundations 14
5.1 Concrete Piers 14
5.2 Earth Screws 14
5.3 Concrete Ballast 14
6 Sigma Pure Superstructure Assembly 14
6.1 Install Rafters on Legs 15
6.2 Install Module Bearing Rails 16
7 Module Installation 18
7.1 Installing Clickstones 18
7.2 Landscape Installation 19
7.3 Portrait Installation 20
8 Maintenance 21
8.1 Inspection 21
8.2 Testing 21
8.3 Corrosion 21
Sigma Pure â A specialist in the open field
Sigma-Pure-IM-USA-1606
3. 1Introduction
SigmaPureâInstallationmanual
1. Introduction
1.1 Short Description
Sigma Pure is an economical, open field PV ground
mount system designed to allow for flexible module
configurations in portrait or landscape orientation. It is
designed to be installed on standard, 2-inch galvanized
pipes embedded into concrete piers or attached to earth
screws. The combination of its inexpensive foundation,
preassembled components, and strong but lightweight
aluminum superstructure makes the Sigma Pure a cost
effective PV mounting solution for a wide range of
applications.
1.2 About This Manual
Content
This manual describes the installation of the Sigma Pure
mounting system and provide necessary information
regarding components, system planning and important
safety warnings. Sections 1, 2 and 3 provide an overview
as well as detailed information about the Sigma Pure
system and components. Section 4 provides basic module
layout and planning information. The remaining sections
provide detailed system assembly and installation
instructions.
i
Applicable Documents
Please read this manual carefully. The manual, along
with the relevant project-specific Project Drawings and
Bills of Materials provided by Mounting Systems, contains
the information necessary to complete the assembly and
installation of the product safely and correctly.
It is important that you carefully read these Instructions
as well as all applicable documents prior to carrying out
any installation, maintenance or disassembly work.
These instructions provide you with the information
required for the safe and complete installation,
maintenance and disassembly of the Sigma Pure. Should
you have any questions, please contact Mounting
Systems, Inc.
Pictograms:
This symbol indicates important information
and useful tips.
This symbol indicates tips and tricks to make
the installation process easier.
4. 2
SigmaPureâInstallationmanual
Introduction
1.3 Warnings
The following warnings are used in these Installation
Instructions to indicate safety-related information.
They include:
⢠Warning symbols (pictograms)
⢠Signal words which identify the hazard level
⢠Information about the type and source of the hazard
⢠Information about the potential consequences if the
hazard is disregarded
⢠Measures for the prevention of hazards and the
prevention of injuries or damage to property.
The signal words of the warnings respectively indicate
one of the following hazard levels:
Indicates a potentially mortal
danger, disregard for which may
result in serious injury or death.
Indicates a potentially dangerous
situation which may result in seri-
ous injury or damage to property.
Indicates a potentially dangerous
situation which may result in inju-
ries or damage to the property
if ignored.
Indicates potential danger which
can result in damage to the
property.
WARNING
CAUTION
ATTENTION
DANGER
1.4 Safety
All generally applicable safety regulations for Mounting
Systems products can be viewed in the document
âInstallation Instructions for PV mounting Systems:
General Informationâ. Please read this document
carefully and adhere to the instructions and procedures
therein â use the system only for its intended purpose
and follow both the general and specific safety
instructions. In addition, please observe the specific
safety instructions which precede the process steps in the
present product-specific Mvounting Instructions.
5. 3
e
a
b
c
d
SigmaPureâInstallationmanual
Technical Description
Image 2.1 â 1
a Module bearing rails
b Rafter
c 2â Pipe (not included)
d Seismic brace (not included)
e Diagonal strut (not included)
2. Technical Description
2.1 System Overview
The following is an overview of the major
Sigma Pure system components.
i
NOTE!
For landscape configurations, the PV
modules will share Module Bearing
Rails. It is important to maintain precise
parallel between the Module Bearing
Rails as deviations from parallel can
cause modules to not fit properly.
6. 4
SigmaPureâInstallationmanual
Application Ground mount
PV modules Framed
Module layout 2-high portrait or 4-high landscape;
9 panel maximum table length
Module orientation Portrait or landscape
Module inclination 20°, 25°, 30°, and 35°
Ground clearance Portrait 3â
Landscape 2â
Pile spacing Dependent on module type, foundation options, and site environmental
conditions (wind / snow loading)
Standards International Building Code IBC 2009 / 2012 / 2015
California Building Code CBC 2013
ASCE/EI 7-10 / 7-05
Aluminum Design Manual 2010
ANSI / AISC 360-05
ACI 318-08
Supserstructure Extruded Aluminium (EN AW 6063 T66)
Connection parts Stainless steel 300 Series (V2A)
Foundation 2-in. Sch 40 galvanized steel pipe with either concrete piers, ballasts, or earth
screws
Color Mill finish only
Warranty 10 Years 1
Configuration Module Foundation Clamping
Sigma Pure
2 portrait
CLickstone
Sigma Pure
3 landscape
Clickstone
Technical Description
2.2 Technical Data
1 Please see the Mounting Systems, Inc. warranty document for details.
Framedmodules
Galvanizedsteelpipe
withconcretepiers
orearthscrews
11. 9
SigmaPureâInstallationmanual
Sigma Pure Components
3. Sigma Pure Components
Upon delivery of the Sigma Pure system, check to ensure
that all parts and components as described in the Bill of
Materials and the Project Drawings are present. If an item
is missing or damaged, please document the discrepancy
and notify Mounting Systems, Inc. immediately.
3.1 Components Included
In general, a Sigma Pure system always includes the items
shown in the typical system views as shown in Image 3.1
-1 and Image 3.1 -2.
Image 3.1 - 1 Portrait installation
Image 3.1 - 2 Landscape installation
* Disclaimer
Module length shall not exceed 1670 mm and module width shall not exceed 1046 mm.
Max East-West leg spacing shown on drawing set.
Front Edge Clearance Max: 2 ft for landscape orientation and 3 ft for portrait orientation
Cross brace required at the end bays of EW rear legs as depicted in drawings
12. 10
Image 3.1 - 5 Module bearing rail
SigmaPureâInstallationmanual
Sigma Pure Components
Foundation Components
The Sigma Pure system may be mounted on:
⢠2-inch Schedule 40 galvanized steel pipe
⢠Earth screws, concrete ballasts, or concrete piers
Rafter
North-South rafters are mounted over the top of the
galvanized pipe legs and support the East-West module
bearing rails.
Module Bearing Rails
The Module Bearing Rails run East-West and support the
PV modules. They are mounted to the rafters with Module
Bearing Rail attachments.
Module Bearing Rail Attachment
The Module Bearing Rail attachments clamp the Module
Bearing Rails in place on the rafters. They are supplied
preassembled with a T-bolt and serrated, flange nut.
Image 3.1 - 3 Foundation types
Image 3.1 - 4 Rafter
Image 3.1 - 6 Module bearing rail clamp
Concrete Ballast Concrete PierEarth Screws
13. 11
Image 3.1 - 8
Variable module end clamp
Image 3.1 - 9
Module mid clamp
SigmaPureâInstallationmanual
Sigma Pure Components
Module Bearing Rail Splices
The Module Bearing Rail splice connects segments of the
Module Bearing Rails to form a continuous rail length.
The splices are secured with four self-drilling and self-
tapping screws on each vertical side of the splice.
Module End Clamps
Variable module end clamps are used to secure the PV
modules at each end of the modules row, which are
adjustable to fit a range of module heights. There are
three size ranges to fit modules 31-40 mm, 35-45 mm,
and 40-50 mm. The clamps are supplied preassembled.
Module Mid Clamps
Module mid clamps secure modules inside the two end
modules in a row. There are two types of bonding mid
clamps: set screw and bonding plate. Mid clamps adjust
to hold a range of module thicknesses. Mid clamps are
available to hold modules from 28-40mm, 33-45mm,
and 38-50mm.
Image 3.1 - 7
Module bearing rail splice
14. 12
Bolt size Recommended torque
M10 30 ft-lbf (40 N-m)
End clamp Clickstone bolt 8 ft-lbf (11 N-m)
Concrete anchors 37 ft-lbf (50 N-m)
Bonding Mid Clamp 12 ft-lbf (16 N-m)
SigmaPureâInstallationmanual
Basic Installation Requirements
4. Basic Installation Requirements
4.1 Tools Required
The following tools are required for proper assembly and
installation of the Sigma Pure structure and PV modules:
⢠Ladder
⢠Power drill / electric screwdriver
⢠Measuring tape
⢠Spirit level
⢠5 mm Allen key
⢠Socket wrenches
4.2 Tightening Torques
A good quality torque wrench should be used to tighten
bolted connections to the torque settings shown below:
i
NOTE!
Torque values other than those specified
here may be required for specific project
requirements. If so, those values will be
specified in the project-specific
documentation supplied with the Sigma
Pure system.
4.3 Site Suitability
Site Preparation and System Tolerances
The project site should be roughly level. Some site
unevenness can be compensated by adjusting the depth
to which the foundations are set by the rafter mounting
positions on the legs.
15. 13
Âą 25 in (64 cm)
40 ft. (12 m)
¹ 3°
Image 4.3 - 2 Site slope tolerances
SigmaPureâInstallationmanual
Basic Installation Requirements
Foundation Tolerances â Average Allowable Deviation
The foundation points of each Sigma Pure frame should
be located within the tolerances specified below:
⢠N-S direction: ¹ 1 in (2.5 cm)
⢠E-W direction: ¹ 2 in. (5.1 cm)
⢠Height: ¹ 0.5 in. (1.3 cm)
⢠Plumb: post center axis may deviate a maximum of
¹ 2° in any direction
Site Slope Tolerances
The Sigma Pure is designed to allow a limited amount of
slope between the ends of the array in the E-W direction.
The maximum allowable deviation from horizontal is
Âą3°. For a typical array length of 30â (9 m), this would be
a possible height variation of up to +7.5â (19 cm) from
end to end and this should be taken into account when
setting the foundations.
Image 4.3 - 1 Foundation tolerances
i
NOTE!
In order to maintain structural strength,
Sigma Pure leg adapters are not height
adjustable.
i
NOTE!
Height adjustment is possible only when
using driven piles or helical/screw-type
piles.
16. 14
Image 5.2 - 1 Orientation of earth screws
Image 5.3 - 1 Orientation of concrete ballast
SigmaPureâInstallationmanual
5. Foundations
Before beginning work on the Sigma Pure foundations, it
will be necessary to procure the necessary quantities of
2-inch, Schedule 40, galvalized steel pipe and cut it to
the length shown in the System Overview drawings for
your desired configuration. It is strongly recommended
that immediately after cutting the pipe, the cuts are
coated with high-quality galvanizing paint.
5.1 Concrete Piers
Please refer to the System Overview drawings for your
Sigma Pure project and prepare holes to accept the
concrete piers per the diamgrams and dimensions pro-
vided in the System Overview drawings. After filling the
prepared holes with concrete, insert the legs, then check
and adjust them for plumb. Brace them in position until
the concrete has fully set.
5.2 Earth Screws
Please refer to the System Overview drawings for your
Sigma Pure project and install the earth screws at the
locations shown. Earthscrews provide 1 1/2 to 3 ft of
range in height adjustability. If the terrain is uneven, it
will be necessary to adjust the length of the galvanized
pipe legs as shown in the System Overview drawings.
Secure the legs to the earth screws according to the
directions provided by the earth screw supplier, ensuring
that the legs are plumb. Additional hardware is needed
for this option.
5.3 Concrete Ballast
Please refer to the System Overview drawings for your
Sigma Pure project and prepare holes to accept the
concrete ballast per the diagrams and dimensions
provided in the System Overview drawings.
6. Sigma Pure Superstructure Assembly
Speed and safety of the Sigma Pure superstructure
installation will be greatly expedited and facilitated by
having at least two people for the installation.
Foundations ⢠Sigma Pure Supertstructure Assembly
Image 5.1 - 1 Orienataion of concrete piers
17. 15
SigmaPureâInstallationmanual
Sigma Pure Supertstructure Assembly
6.1. Install Rafters on Legs
Items required for each rafter provided by Mounting
Systems:
⢠Rafter
⢠M12 x 100 hex head, stainless steel shoulder bolt
⢠M12 stainless steel flat washer (2 each)
⢠M12 stainless steel split (lock) washer
⢠M12 stainless steel hex nut
Items required for each rafter provided by other supplier:
⢠Diagonal strut
⢠3/8-in. stainless steel U-bolt*
⢠3/8-in. stainless steel flat washer (2 each)
⢠3/8-in. stainless steel split washer (2 each)
⢠3/8-in. stainless steel hex nut (2 each)
*Size of U-bolt is contingent on the diagonal of the strut
Installation steps
⢠Slide the rafter over the top of each leg and position
it so that the front (lower) edge ground clearance is
as shown in the System Overview drawing.
⢠With the rafter held in place, drill a 10 mm hole
through the rafter and the vertical leg at the center
of the vertical leg.
⢠With one of the M12 flat washers under the head
of the bolt, insert the M12 x 100 bolt through the
rafter and vertical leg.
⢠Place one end of the diagonal strut over the bolt and
secure it loosely with an M12 flat washer, M12 split
washer, and M12 hex nut.
⢠Hold the lower end of the diagonal strut 6â from the
ground and insert the U-bolt around the vertical leg
and then through the diagonal strut.
⢠Secure the U-bolt and diagonal strut to the leg with
two 3/8-in flat washers, two 3/8-in split washers,
and two 3/8-16 hex nuts.
⢠Secure the upper end of the diagonal strut by
tightening the bolt. Torque to 30 ft-lbf / 40 N-m.
Image 6.1 - 1 Pipe and rear leg connection
Image 6.1 - 2 Diagonal strut and rafter connectio6
Image 6.1 - 3 U-bolt
18. 16
SigmaPureâInstallationmanual
Sigma Pure Supertstructure Assembly
6.2 Install Module Bearing Rails
Items required:
⢠Module Bearing Rails
⢠Splice with self-drilling and self-tapping screws (8
per splice)
⢠Module Bearing Rail clamps (preassembled from the
factory)
â˘
Installation steps for Module Bearing Rails
Module Bearing Rail installation can proceed from West
to East or from East to West, and they can proceed from
top to bottom or bottom to top of the Sigma Pure table.
The directions below assume installation of the rails from
West to East and bottom to top as this is generally the
easiest installation method.
⢠Using the System Overview drawings, locate and
mark the position of the lower Module Bearing
Rail on both end rafters (the easternmost and
westernmost rafters).
⢠Snap a chalk line between these two points to mark
the rail position on the rafters.
⢠Install a preassembled Module Bearing Rail clamp
on each rafter just below the marked line by turning
the T-head bolt so that it can be inserted into the
channel on top of the rafter. Do not tighten the
clamp at this time.
⢠Place a Module Bearing Rail section on the rafters
and align it with the chalk line. The end of the
rail should protrude beyond the end rafter by the
amount shown on the System Overview drawing.
⢠Move the Module Bearing Rail clamp on the end of
the rafter into positon over the lip on the Module
Bearing Rail and, ensuring that the edge of the
Module Bearing Rail is aligned with the chalk line,
tighten the clamp into place with a 13 mm socket
wrenth. Tighten to 15 ft-lbf / 20 N-m as shown in
Images 6.2-1 through Image 6.2-4.
i
NOTE!
The installer is responsible for
determining and setting the correct
torque for fasteners not supplied by
Mounting Systems.
1 Module Bearing Rail 2 Rafter
3 Module Bearing Rail clamps
Image 6.2 -2 Install long Module Bearing Rail clamps
Image 6.2 -1 Module Bearing Rail installed on rafter with
two Module Bearing Rail clamp
3
1
2
19. 17
SigmaPureâInstallationmanual
Sigma Pure Superstructure Assembly
⢠Repeat the above procedure at each rafter the long
Module Bearing Rail crosses.
⢠Install Module Bearing Rail clamps on the upper side
of the Module Bearing Rail and tighten them to 15
ft-lbf / 20 N-m.
⢠Repeat the above procedure for the remainder of the
Module Bearing Rails, taking care to ensure accurate
placement of the rails, especially if the array wil be a
landscape configuration.
Installation steps for Splice
After the first Module Bearing Rail is installed, attach the
splice to the next Module Bearing Rail before placing it
into position on the table.
⢠Using four of the self-drilling and self-tapping screws
supplied, secure the splice to the end of the rail as
show in Image 6.2-4.
⢠Align the edge of the short Module Bearing Rail with
the chalk line and secure it with Module Bearing Rail
clamps as above.
i
NOTE!
It will generally be easier to install
all the longer Module Bearing Rails
bottom to top, then attach the shorter
Module Bearing Rail to the longer
Module Bearing Rail from top to
bottom. The procedure is the same no
matter which method is used.
Image 6.2 - 3 Install short module bearing rail splices
Image 6.2 - 4 Completed rail splice
20. 18
SigmaPureâInstallationmanual
Module Installation
7. Module Installation
7.1 Installing Clickstones
Mounting Systems' patented Clickstone is a special clip
with which the module clamps are fastened in the base
rail. You need only a 5mm Allen key for the installation.
The Clickstone is inserted from above into the top chan-
nel of the base rail.
Installation Steps:
⢠Insert the Clickstone at a slight angle into the rail
channel.
⢠While holding it firmly in place, rock the Clickstone
upright until it clicks into place.
i
NOTE!
The shape of the Clickstone corresponds
exactly to the profile of the rail channel.
It has been deliberately designed
not to slide easily in order to prevent
unintentional slipping in vertical rail
installations. To move the Clickstone,
loosen the bolt so that it is not
contacting the spreaders in the Clickstone
body. Then, while pressing lightly on
the bolt, squeeze the Clickstone legs
together and slide the Clickstone along
the channel.
⢠For Clickstones in end clamps, tighten
the bolt to 8 ft-lbf (11 N-m). For
Clickstones in bonding mid clamps,
tighten the bolt to 12 ft-lbf (16 N-m).
Image 7.1 - 1 Mounting Clickstone steps
1
3
2
21. 19
Image 7.2 - 1 Install module end clamps
SigmaPureâInstallationmanual
Module Installation
D
7.2 Landscape Installation
⢠Beginning with the first module, insert two end
clamps into the lower (south) Module Bearing Rail,
one at each module clamping point as specified by
the module manufacturer.
⢠Place the first module on the lower rail set, sliding
the module frame flush against the end clamps just
installed. Tighten the clamp bolts to 8 ft-lbf (11
N-m).
⢠Continue as above until the module row is complete.
⢠Insert module mid clamps into the Module Bearing
Rail at the upper (north) side of the module row just
installed. Position the mid clamps at the module
clamping points.
⢠Place the modules of the upper (North) row flush
against the mid clamps. Align the module with the
lower module and tighten the mid clamps to 12
ft-lbf (16 N-m). If the set screw mid clamps are
being installed,use a 2mm Allen key to turn each set
screw until the set screw point just penetrates the
anodized module surface.
⢠Repeat the above steps for each of the remaining
modules in the row.
⢠Complete the module installation by inserting end
clamps into the top Module Bearing Rail at each of
the module clamping points and tighten each end
clamp to 8 ft-lbf (11 N-m).
Image 7.2 - 2 Landscape installation
Image 7.2 - 3 Module end clamps in landscape orientation
22. 20
SigmaPureâInstallationmanual
Module Installation
Material damage due to incorrect
mounting
Incorrectly fastened modules can
fall and become damaged.
⢠Ensure the Clickstones click in se-
curely.
⢠Ensure the modules are flush against
both sides of the clamp.
⢠Observe and adhere to the recom-
mended torque specifications.
CAUTION
i
NOTE!
Use of a spare module clamp Clickstone
or other item as a spacing gauge
between the top of one row of modules
and the bottom of another can help
provide a neat, aesthetically pleasing
array.
Image 7.3 â 2 Portrait installation
7.3 Portrait Installation
The procedure below describes the installation of
modules on a single row. This procedure begins on the
west end of the array and moves east. Modules can also
be installed from east to west if desired.
⢠Insert the Clickstone of an end clamp into each rail.
⢠Place the first PV module on the rails and slide the
module frame against the end clamp. With the
moduleâs clamping points correctly positioned under
the end clamps, tighten the end clamps onto the
module frame. Torque the Clickstone bolts to 8 ft-lbf
(11 N-m).
⢠Insert a mid clamp into each Module Bearing Rail.
Push it flush against the module, ensuring the clamp
body rests on top of the previously installed module
frame.
⢠Place the next module on the Module Bearing Rail
and slide it against the mid clamps. Tighten the mid
clamp bolts to 12 ft-lbf (16 N-m).
⢠Repeat the above steps for the rest of the row of
modules. At the end of a row, install an end clamp
on the outside of the last module to complete the
row.
C
Image 7.3 - 1 Portrait installation clamp locations
23. 21
SigmaPureâInstallationmanual
Maintenance
8. Maintenance
When properly assembled, the Sigma Pure is a reliable
and trouble-free system and should require little in the
way of ongoing repair. Nevertheless, Mounting Systems,
Inc. recommends maintaining a regular inspection and
maintenance program. Such a program can detect and
address potential problems before they become serious
and help ensure the systemâs excellent long-term
durability and reliability.
The following procedure pertains only to the Sigma
Pure mounting system structure. Maintenance and
repair of other PV system components should be carried
out in accordance with the respective manufacturersâ
recommendations.
8.1 Inspection
At least annually the system should be visually inspected
for obvious loose connections, missing components,
modules which appear to have shifted, vegetation
overgrowth, wind-blown debris and other indications of
abnormality. Any problems detected at this time should
be addressed and repaired as necessary.
8.2 Testing
After one year in service, it is a good practice to check
the torque settings of a representative sample of system
connections including module clamps and rail clamps.
Do not exceed the recommended torque settings. If a
disproportionate number of loose connections (more
than 10% of connections) are found, it may be an
indication of improper assembly and it may be necessary
to take comprehensive corrective action.
A smaller sampling of connections can be tested annually
thereafter. Mounting Systems recommends keeping
records of the connections sampled each year and
testing and, if necessary, adjusting previously untested
connections in succeeding years. After all connections
have been tested, sample sizes and test frequency can be
reduced.
8.3 Corrosion
Mill finish aluminum may develop some scaling and
pitting in harsh or wet environments. This is normal and
will not affect the structural integrity of the system.
Galvanized components, especially if scraped or nicked
during the assembly and installation process may begin
to show rust or staining. Immediately following the
completion of the installation process, any areas where
the galvanized coating has been breached should be
sprayed or painted with galvanizing paint. As with
aluminum, it is normal for galvanized metal to exhibit
surface stains and rust after extended periods in service.
These surface imperfections will not impact the structural
integrity of the system.
No other routine maintenance or service is required.
24. Subject to change without notice
2016 Š Mounting Systems, Inc.
Mounting Systems, Inc.
820 Riverside Parkway
West Sacramento, CA 95605
Phone 1 855 731 9996
info-us@mounting-systems.com
www.mounting-systems.us