We hope to have answered many of your common questions and comments below. If you have additional inquires that you would like to see included here, please send an email to feedback@sunlink.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is SunLink?
SunLink Corporation, based in San Rafael, CA, offers the solar industry’s most comprehensive, highly engineered solar module mounting solutions. The company designs and manufactures rooftop and ground mounted systems for commercial and utility-scale installations, supporting modules from nearly every photovoltaic manufacturer. SunLink has been the chosen solution on more than 60 MW of projects spanning over 400 sites across North America.
What projects are associated with SunLink?
More than 400 sites and 60 MW are supported by SunLink modules. Some of the more notable projects include:
• Atlantic City Convention Center
• Google
• San Francisco International Airport
• Palo Verde College
• Pepsico
• Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
• Whole Foods
• Walgreens
• Pfizer
• Wal-Mart
• Safeway
• AT&T Ballpark
• Sony Pictures
What makes SunLink so roof friendly?
First, many SunLink projects are securely held in place without penetrating the roof. And in those instances where circumstances require positive connections, SunLink’s design calls for far fewer than penetrations than is usually anticipated. Furthermore, the SunLink hardware is a design that roofers are intimately familiar with and are comfortable installing. Fewer penetrations and innovative design means significantly reduced chances for leaks.
Second, there are many features to the design that minimizes impact to the roof including:
• Tilt-Access™ which allows access to virtually every part of the roof top
• Low distributed weight
• Unimpeded drainage to minimize or eliminate ponding
On what kind of roofs can SunLink be used?
SunLink can be installed on any large flat roof with a slope of 2 in 12 or less. Our customers have successfully used SunLink on thermoplastic membranes (PVC, TPO); thermoset membranes (EDPM, CSPE / Hypalon); other single ply membranes; built-up roofs; and metal roofs just to name a few. The mounting system can be customized to meet virtually any structural requirements.
What module brands are compatible with SunLink roof mount products?
SunLink roof mount products work with all crystalline photovoltaic panels. Please contact SunLink sales at sales@sunlink.com to see how our mounting solution will work with the panels you specify.
For thin-film systems, please contact SunLink sales to see when our mounting solution will be available to work with the panels you specify.
How is SunLink secured to the building or site?
Because each installation is unique, our engineers and designers develop the optimized method to secure the system to the site. The SunLink system is highly engineered and aerodynamically designed so that in all but the most extreme wind and seismic zones it can be secured without penetrating the roof. Systems have been installed using ballast, industrial adhesive or a combination. SunLink’s innovative design and robust architecture often requires far fewer roof penetrations than competing products.
What types of sites are best for ground mount solutions?
SunLink ground mount solutions are available in non-penetrating ballasted systems that require no digging or trenching, as well as post-mount systems. The ballasted systems work best on flat sites or tiered sites where the ground can be leveled. The post-mount system can work in virtually any site. Please contact SunLink sales at sales@sunlink.com to see how the SunLink ground mount solution can work for you.
What are the advantages of ballast over post mount?
The ballasted SunLink ground mount solution is ideal for agricultural land, leased land, brownfields, landfills, and even retired airfields that may require system relocation at a later date. There are no footings to dig up if the system or land needs to be reused.
What module brands are compatible with SunLink ground mount products?
SunLink ground mount products work with all crystalline photovoltaic panels. Please contact SunLink sales at sales@sunlink.com to see how our mounting solution will work with the panels you specify.
What engineering services do you offer?
SunLink offers engineering services to support solar bids and proposals. This includes array design layouts for projects over 30kW, as well as shading analysis. Once a bid is won, we offer site-specific design and engineering support for wind-load analysis, seismic reports, and permitting assistance. This allows us to deliver shipments in a coordinated, easy-to-install package with every component pre-cut, pre-drilled, and pre-welded to fit your project precisely. We can even prepanelize the solution if you so desire.
What is prepanelization?
Prepanelization is a process that occurs off-site before anything is moved to the project location. The efficient pre-assembly process mounts three or four photovoltaic panels onto the spars that will hold them together and are conveniently packaged together for shipping. These pre-built panels can then be dropped into place on the mounting brackets for easy assembly on-site. The end result is significant cost and time savings.
Do you distribute SunLink products?
SunLink sells its products directly and does not maintain a distribution channel. Currently, we engineer SunLink mounting solutions to meet the needs of each customer and each project. Please contact SunLink sales at sales@sunlink.com for additional information.
What integrators do you work with?
We work with more than 100 different customers and a wide variety of integrators. Please contact SunLink sales at sales@sunlink.com if you need references.
How is SunLink priced?
SunLink provides an estimate based on the total price of the mounting system for a specific project. Based on this figure price per kW or price per module may be calculated. Factors to consider are project size, tilt angle and array layout.
Does SunLink provide solutions for residential projects?
SunLink is available for commercial or utility-scale roof and ground applications only.
How do I get started?
Call us: 415.925.9650, e-mail us or request a quote. Tell us the site location, the building height, the tilt angle and the panel model and we do the rest. We will provide budgetary pricing and a fully configured, specifically designed array layout in return.
