Seasonal Tilt Ground Mount Solar System
Objective
This SOP explains how to safely reposition the table to the desired tilt angle and secure it using the bolt, nut, and torque wrench. It is intended to help the home owner complete the task without damaging equipment or leaving the table unsecured.
Key Steps
1. Position the wrench and prepare the bolt 0:00
Place the wrench on the bolt on the outside of the table.
Slide the wrench in at an angle and seat it firmly against the frame.
This positioning helps make it easier to remove the nut from the opposite side.
2. Remove the nut, but keep the bolt in place 0:17
On this side, remove the nut only.
Do not remove the bolt yet.
Leave the bolt in place until the other side is also ready to be released.
3. Remove the other bolt to allow table movement 1:27
Once the first side is prepared, remove the bolt on the other side so the table can tilt.
If the table is too far away to reach comfortably, use caution and carefully step onto the frame.
Hold onto a support bar for stability while reaching across.
4. Remove bolts safely without damaging equipment 1:47
Never grab the inverter or the panels.
Use one hand to maintain a secure grip on a frame bar.
Reach over with the other hand and gently remove the bolt.
Avoid applying force that could damage the equipment.
5. Tilt the table to the desired position 2:01
After both bolts are removed, move the table into the desired tilt position.
In this example, set the table to the winter position.
Once the table is positioned, prepare to reinstall the bolts.
6. Reinsert the bolts and secure the table 2:09
Slide the bolts back into place after the table is positioned.
Make sure the bolts are aligned correctly before fastening.
Confirm the table is stable before moving to the final tightening step.
7. Install the nut and tighten to specification 2:33
Set the torque wrench to the proper torque specification before tightening.
Hand-thread the nut onto the bolt first to avoid cross-threading.
Tighten the nut with the torque wrench until it reaches the required setting.
Cautionary Notes
Do not remove the bolt on the first side until the other side is ready.
Never hold onto the inverter or solar panels while working.
Use caution when climbing onto the frame; maintain three points of contact when possible.
Ensure the table is supported and stable before removing or reinstalling hardware.
Verify the torque wrench is set correctly before final tightening.
Tips for Efficiency
Position the wrench firmly against the frame to make nut removal easier.
Keep a secure grip on a frame bar when reaching across the table.
Hand-thread the nut before using the torque wrench to save time and prevent thread damage.
Reinsert bolts immediately after the table is set to reduce the chance of misplacing hardware.