A KeyRex Bolt is seen on a SnapNrack module mid clamp at an REC Solar Ground Mount Installation. Photo Courtesy of REC Solar

Top Solar Dog REC Solar Chooses Key Rex Fastener

The best security deterrent thus should work remotely, last 30 years, and stop the professional thief. Unfortunately what most people pick does not meet these criteria, REC Solar wanted something better for their commercial ground mount solar installations, but knew what everyone else was picking was not the best answer.

"When REC began looking for a better security solution, they approached Bryce Fastener to explore what they could offer," said Greg McPheeters, Senior Design Engineer with SnapNrack. "REC routinely uses security fences, but knew in remote sites this would not be enough. They had considered electronic alarms but rejected them for their drawbacks. Electronics have too high a failure rate, are given to false alarms, have short life expectancies, and must be supported by continual monitoring. The hidden costs were too high. Finally an alarm may not prevent a theft in a remote area because response times would be too slow. Security cameras offered no better results. REC solar found the right solution was high security fasteners from Bryce. These were better than breakaway bolts which make future maintenance very difficult. They are better than tamperproof fasteners which have bits sold at retail. The Bryce fastener is a custom keyed locking bolt only removed by their private key They found this solution the best, for it not only was it economical, it lasted the life of the panel, and stopped even the professional thief."

REC Solar purchased its own exclusive keyed fastener and began using them on their commercial ground mount installations. Their systems are installed on SnapNrack mounting components, where the standard 5/16" stainless hardware is simply upgraded to the REC Solar Specific KeyRex fastener. REC Solar has installed MegaWatts of ground mounts using the KeyRex solution including a recent installation on the island of Kauai, Hawaii which at 1.21 MegaWatts is the largest installation on the island. "The customer was particularly happy with the KeyRex solution, knowing that the modules will be nearly impossible to remove without the keyed driver bits" explains Greg McPheeters, "and REC is happy with the installation process using the hardware. I spoke at length with the installers after the project was completed and they were very positive about the Key Rex hardware. They noted some additional installation time due to the extra time needed to align the drivers within the keyed bolt heads, but the keyed bolt solution remains faster than other options we have looked at. They also reported a number of broken driver bits but this has been traced to the use of impact drivers, which is not recommended by Bryce Fastener." Bryce Fastener has committed to replacing any driver bits that come back broken from the field

REC Solar, based out of San Luis Obispo, CA, is a top 3 solar electric systems integrator in the United States. Among the many keys to the company's success has been their commitment to innovative technologies, high quality installation work, and outstanding customer service. Their teams provide complete turn-key solutions for commercial, government, utility, and residential applications.

"We have tested our screws successfully against every tool a crook might have. We sold Key Rex hardware to 800 different customers last year, without a reported security breech. You get an exclusive keyway with more security options than a padlock. We feel our "locks" supply cost effective security, ideal for the solar industry," Mark Miller, Sales Director for Bryce Fastener Inc.

As solar panels continue to grow in popularity, effective security solutions will become increasingly critical to system design. Of the many options, it seems a low tech solution may be the best. A keyed locking fastener may be all that is needed to insure the panels produce quietly for the next 30 years with little maintenance; as intended.


Bryce fastener can be viewed at www.brycefastener.com. Telephone 480-503-3801 Fax 480-503-3834. Email info@brycefastener.com
REC Solar www.recsolar.com telephone 805-540-5467 Fax 805-528-9701
SnapNrack www.snapNrack.com is sold through distribution by AEE solar.

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