Solar Mounting Hardware Guide: Rails, Clamps, Hooks & Lugs
A plain-English guide to the parts that hold a PV array together — rails, rail clamps, end and mid clamps, roof hooks, grounding lugs and fasteners — and what each does.
Request a Custom Quote Find My Mount →The Anatomy of a PV Mounting System
A solar array is held up by a kit of standard parts. Knowing what each does helps you spec a complete, compatible order.
The Key Components
- Rails: aluminium tracks that carry the panels, fixed to the roof or frame.
- Roof hooks / L-feet: attach the rails to the roof (tile, slate, metal).
- Rail clamps / splices: join and anchor rail sections.
- End clamps: fix the outer edge of a panel to the rail.
- Mid clamps: fix two adjacent panels between them; bonding types help grounding.
- Grounding lugs: bond modules and rails to the grounding conductor.
- Cable clips: route and protect DC cabling.
- Fasteners: stainless bolts, T-bolts and screws that hold it together.
| Part | Job |
|---|---|
| Rail | Carries the panels |
| Roof hook / L-foot | Attaches rail to roof |
| End / mid clamp | Fixes panels to rail |
| Grounding lug | Bonds array for safety/code |
| Cable clip | Routes DC cabling |
| Fasteners | Holds it all together |
Spec a Complete Kit
For a typical roof you'll need rails, roof hooks, end and mid clamps, grounding lugs, cable clips and stainless fasteners — all in matching material grade for the site. We supply the full accessory range factory-direct; see Solar Mounting Accessories.
Common Questions
What hardware do I need for a solar installation?
Typically rails, roof hooks/L-feet, end and mid clamps, grounding lugs, cable clips and stainless fasteners, all in matching material grade. We supply the full range factory-direct.
What's the difference between end and mid clamps?
End clamps fix the outer edge of a panel to the rail; mid clamps fix two adjacent panels between them. Bonding-type mid clamps also help ground the array.
Do I need grounding lugs?
Most codes require bonding the array to a grounding conductor — grounding lugs (and bonding mid clamps) do this. We supply UL 2703-style bonding hardware.
Need Mounting Hardware for Your Project?
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