What kind of Fasteners are used in the Solar and Green Energy Industries?

Common structural fasteners used to mount the systems (eg wind turbines and their components) to their supports include:

• large high strength structural bolts (eg ASTM A325, A490; metric DIN 6914)
• structural nuts (eg ASTM A563, A194, F594; metric DIN 6915)
• structural washers (eg ASTM F436; DIN 6916)

A myriad of screws are also used to fasten the drive train and internal electronics to the appropriate substructures. These include:

• hex head cap screws (DIN 931, DIN 933, DIN 960, DIN 961
• nuts (hex nuts DIN 934; nylon insert lock nuts DIN 985)
• socket head cap screws (DIN 912)
• washers (flat and lock; DIN 125, DIN 127)

Due to exposure to environmental elements, several of these fasteners must have corrosion-resistant coatings, such as a hot-dip galvanized finish, or be crafted from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel and aluminum. In many cases, high-strength stainless steel bolts and nuts are necessary. A4-80 austenitic, acid-proof stainless steel metric bolts and nuts are often required. These components have undergone significant cold working to enhance their tensile strength for mechanically strenuous applications, while simultaneously providing exceptional corrosion resistance.

Solar Bolts

One type of specialty fastener for solar installations is and all encompassing part called, appropriately enough a Solar Bolt. These bolts are basically hanger bolts (a stud one side machine thread and the other lag thread) with flat washers. sealing washers, hex nut and nylon lock nut attached.