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There are various stages to an alternative energy project and building fasteners play an important role in every stage. From assembly to transportation, construction and maintenance, structures such as wind turbines and solar panels rely on quality fasteners to operate well. Assembly Stage Alternative energy projects are assembled to a certain extent before being offered […]

There are various stages to an alternative energy project and building fasteners play an important role in every stage. From assembly to transportation, construction and maintenance, structures such as wind turbines and solar panels rely on quality fasteners to operate well.
Assembly Stage
Alternative energy projects are assembled to a certain extent before being offered to the public. Heavy duty bolts, nuts and washers that adhere to ASME, ASTM and SAE standards are used to pre-assemble wind turbines, while aluminum clips and brackets are seen on solar panel sections.
Transportation Stage
After being assembled these projects need to be transported to the retailers and installation contractors. Packaging often includes soft surfaces, wraps and plastic, but building fasteners are also used to keep the components safely together. Clips keep panels held down and brackets are often screwed in place to protect fragile parts.

Construction Stage
Using building fasteners is obviously necessary at this stage. The fasteners used during the assembly stage may need to be inspected and possibly tightened, while those used during the transportation stage may be disposed of.
The fasteners used for installation and construction will depend on what type of alternative energy project is being erected. Wind turbines and wave power structures are often installed in extreme conditions and require heavy duty building fasteners that will stand up well. Stainless steel is often used, as is the lightweight and corrosion resistant aluminum.
Solar panels use many different specialty fasteners on the panel itself, but the frame and mounting components also require dependable fasteners that are more common, such as bolts and screws.
Maintenance Stage
After the structures have been assembled, transported and installed the energy will begin to flow. But maintenance is inevitable and replacement fasteners will be required. When age and movement wear out the bolts, nuts, washers and screws that are part of the structure, the maintenance crew will need to have strong and reliable products to replace them.
At every stage of the game alternative energy projects such as solar panels and wind turbines rely on building fasteners for operation. These tiny components play a major role in this ever expanding industry.
 

About the Author

Larry Melone
By Larry Melone
President

Started my career in the fastener world in 1969 at, Parker Kalon Corp. a NJ based screw manufacturer located in Clifton, NJ working in inventory control, scheduling secondary production and concluding there in purchasing. In 1971 I accepted a sales position at Star Stainless Screw Co., Totowa, NJ working in inside sales and later as an outside salesman, having a successful career at Star I had the desire with a friend to start our own fastener distribution company in 1980 named: Divspec, Kenilworth, NJ. This was a successful adventure but ended in 1985 with me starting Melfast in August 1985 and have stayed competitive and successful to date. Melfast serves the OEM market with approximately 400 accounts nationally.

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