U.S. Solar Mounts USSM-AGM4 Series User manual

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U.S. Solar Mounts
USSM-AGM4 SinglePoleMountInstallation Manual
REV 1
Adjustable -Tilt, Single -Pole Racking Systems
Ultra-Rugged Solar Mounting Solutions
©2014 U.S. Solar Mounts Corp. All Rights Reserved

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INTRODUCTION
The U.S. Solar Mounts AGM series of mounts provides a very rugged and versatile low-profile mounting solution for large area solar
photovoltaic (PV) needs. The elevation angle is very easily adjusted so that it can support installations in a wide range of locations.
The USSM-AGM4 Series racking mounts onto the following:
 4” SCH40 / SCH80 Structural SteelPole ( 41/2” OD)
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
U.S. Solar Mounts makes every effort to ensure your racking system is easy to install. If you need assistance at any point with
your installation or have suggestions on how we can improve your experience, call U.S. Solar Mounts’ customer support. We
would like your feedback…good or bad.
U.S.SolarMounts
3498 Acorn Ave.
Sparta, WI 54656
[phone]
[e-mail]
1. INSTALLER RESPONSIBILITY
The installer is solely responsible for:
 Complying with all applicable local or national building codes, including any that may supersede this manual.
 Ensure that U.S. Solar Mounts and other products are appropriate for the particular installation and the
installationenvironment.
 Ensure that the selected mount can support the array under live load conditions.
 Use only U.S. Solar Mounts parts and installer-supplied parts as specified by U.S. Solar Mounts.
 Ensure proper array/structure grounding , including each module frame, the mounting pole, torque
tubes and each rail. Failure to provide proper grounding may result in damage to your equipment or injury
to personnel.
 Do not rely on the mounting pipe to act as a ground rod! It is not a reliable substitute for a
properly installed grounding electrode system.
 If you are unfamiliar with NEC compliant solar electric installations, consult with the dealer that
supplied your mount. They should have the skill and expertise to supply you with the necessary wiring
diagrams and the appropriate connection wire, grounding equipment, junction boxes and fusing.
Installation or service performed by unqualified
and/or untrained personnel increases the risk
of bodily injury and/or property damage.

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2. SAFETY NOTICES, WARNINGS & CAUTIONS
This chapter contains important safety instructions. You must read, understand, and comply with all of these safety instructions in
order to protect your life and safety, and to prevent equipment problems or damage. Failure to follow the instructions in this chapter
may void equipment warranties.
Types of Safety Notices
Safety warnings are not in this manual for our benefit; they are for you . Please follow them carefully.
We do not want you to become a statistic.
The following notices appear throughout this manual:
WARNING!
Warnings alert you to the possibility of death or personal injury if these instructions are not followed.
CAUTION!
Cautions alert you to the possibility of equipment damage if these instructions are not followed.
Electrical Safety
• USSM AGM installations may require working near high voltage electrical equipment. Shocks caused by electricity can be
fatal. Use extreme caution at all times to avoid creating an electrocution hazard.
•
There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
•
Never work on energized components .Shut off all sources of electric power and follow up with the proper use of lock-out /
tag-out equipment.
DON’T TRUST ANYONE ELSE! Verify for yourself that the equipment is de-energized!!
Electrocution Hazard!
Every piece of the structure is electrically conductive.
Check for clearance to overhead power lines before beginning any install.

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3. FOUNDATION SETUP
The following image is for reference when setting the foundation for the array mount. Standard 4” SCH40 pilings must
have a height of no more than 66” and be capable of withstanding 3200 lb. wind load at grade. Posts must have an OD of
no greater than 4 ½”. The image is shown with the array tilted to its maximum for reference. If the array is in an area that
recieves snowfall, rememeber to allow extra ground clearance to keep the bottom panels from becoming buried during
winter months.
WARNING!
We make every effort to remove sharp edges from our galvanized products. However, we
highly recommend wearing gloves when handling metal parts in order to avoid sharp edges.

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4. AGM SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The U.S. Solar Mounts AGM is a low-profile, ground-mounted racking system for commercially available photovoltaic modules.
The AGM System is ruggedly constructed and very robust. Its design allows for simple and easy seasonal adjustment to
optimize performance at various locations.
5. AGM SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The following chart lists the basic tools that may be required to assemble the AGM Racking System.
Wrenches
Sockets
Other
7/16” CombinationWrench
7/16” Socket
Ratchet Wrench
½” Combination Wrench
½” Socket
ImpactDriver
7/8” CombinationWrench
¾” Socket, Deep
Transit
¾” Combination Wrench
7/8” Socket
Gloves
AdjustableWrenches
Laser Level
Portable Band Saw
Eye Protection
Hearing Protection

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Components:
WARNING! The AGM System is constructed of parts that are very heavy. Use proper liftingequipment
and techniques while moving parts and assembling the AGM Rack. Failure to observe this warning could result in
seriouspersonalinjuryordeath.
CAUTION!
The Main Cradle assembly is, by design, a rotating assembly. Use care while preparing, installing
and rotating the Cradle. Avoid getting your hands or fingers between any of the movable parts. Injury will likely occur
if you do not follow this warning!
CradleAssembly
Fully assembled.
Includes angle locking pin.
One (1) assembly per rack.
TorqueTube Clamps
Includes:
8, ½”-13 HDG Bolts
8, ½”HDG Flat Washers
8, ½”-13 HDG Hex Nuts
One (1) pair per rack.
TorqueTubeStraps
Includes 5/16” Stainless
Hardware.
Two (2) pair per rack.
U-Bolt Set
HDG, ½”-13 w/Nuts &
F latWashers
Three (3) per rack.
Angle Locking Pin
¾”x 8” Pin
Ships installed in the
Cradle assembly.
One (1) per Cradle.
Module Rails, 60”
Extruded Anodized Aluminum
Includes Splice Plates and
5/16” Splice hardware
Four (4) rails per rack.
Torque Tubes
4” Steel Structural Tube
HDG
Two (2)perrack.

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6. ABOUT SETTING THE ELEVATION ANGLE
The Main Cradle has a series of 6 positioning holes that provide a secure angle setting for various array elevations. The Main Pivot
has 2 holes; 1 North, 1 South.
The Angle Locking Pin will be installed through the desired angle selection hole in the Cradle, and through either the North or
South hole in the Pivot, as shown in the figure below.
South Hole North Hole
50 ⁰ 30 ⁰ 10 ⁰ 40 ⁰ 20 ⁰ 0
7. INSTALLATION PROCESS
The following images will guide you through the complete installation of your AGM4 Single Pole Mount. If you find yourself needing additional
assistance, please contact us through one of the methods listed under the Customer Support section above.
South Hole
North Hole
Clamping U-Bolt Holes

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STEP 1: Install the Cradle
STEP 2: Install Torque Tubes
U-Bolts
½” Mounting
Hardware
½” Hex Bolts, Washers and Nuts

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STEP 3: Assemble the Rails (Two Assemblies)
NOTE: Slide bolts into position from ends of rails along side-slots
STEP 4: Install the Rails
NOTE: Leave Rails loose until PV modules have been mounted for easier module positioning and mounting.
5/16” Carriage Bolts and
Serrated Flange Nuts
5/16” Carriage Bolts and
Serrated Flange Nuts

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STEP 6: Install PV Modules
Once the modules have been installed and the Rails have been tightened down, the Angle Locking Pin can be
pulled and the rack can be tilted to the proper elevation, using the angle elevation section as a reference.
5/16” Carriage Bolts and
Serrated Flange Nuts