Solar Earth Clips Grounding Clip
WANHOS SUS304 Solar Grounding Clips create a conductive bond between compatible aluminum PV module frames and mounting rails. Installed at the designated clamp point, the clip's serrated teeth penetrate the anodized contact surfaces when the module clamp is tightened, supporting electrical continuity within the complete PV equipment grounding system.
Multiple clip sizes and tooth configurations are available for different module frames, rail profiles and clamp assemblies, with OEM and ODM options subject to technical review.
Description
PV MODULE-TO-RAIL BONDING
SUS304 Solar Grounding Clip for PV Mounting Systems
WANHOS solar grounding clips, also called PV bonding clips or grounding washers, are installed between compatible aluminum module frames and mounting rails. When the module clamp is tightened, the clip's serrated contact points penetrate the non-conductive anodized surface and create a conductive module-to-rail bond as part of the complete PV equipment grounding system.
MATERIAL SUS304 / FUNCTION MODULE-TO-RAIL BONDING / CONTACT SERRATED TEETH / OPTIONS OEM / ODM
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
A Small Component with a System-Level Electrical Function
Anodized aluminum normally has a thin, electrically resistive oxide layer. A properly selected grounding clip uses sharp contact points and clamp pressure to penetrate this layer at the designed interface. This creates electrical continuity between the framed PV module and the mounting rail without requiring a separate bonding wire at every approved module-to-rail connection.
01 Module-to-Rail Bonding
The serrated clip is compressed between the PV module frame and mounting rail to establish a conductive connection across the anodized surfaces.
02 Integrated Installation
The bonding interface is formed while the approved module clamp is tightened, reducing separate wiring and fastening operations within a compatible mounting system.
03 Corrosion-Resistant Material
SUS304 stainless steel provides corrosion resistance and spring characteristics for outdoor PV mounting applications. Suitability for coastal or highly corrosive environments requires project review.
04 Compact System Component
Its thin profile fits beneath the module frame at the designated clamp point without adding a separate external cable at every bonded interface.
COMPLETE BONDING PATH
What the Grounding Clip Does-and What It Does Not Do
The grounding clip is one bonding point inside a larger electrical safety system. A typical fault-current path is:
PV MODULE FRAME → GROUNDING CLIP → MOUNTING RAIL → GROUNDING LUG → EQUIPMENT GROUNDING CONDUCTOR
It Bonds the Module Frame to a Compatible Rail
The teeth create metal-to-metal contact between two approved components when correct clamp pressure is applied.
It Does Not Replace the Array Grounding Lug or Conductor
A rail or module grounding lug and the correctly sized equipment grounding conductor are still required wherever specified by the approved electrical design.
It Is Not a Stand-Alone Lightning Protection Device
The clip supports equipotential bonding; it does not by itself provide lightning protection, a grounding electrode or protection against every electrical fault. Those functions require a complete engineered system.
COMPATIBILITY FIRST
A Grounding Clip Is Not a Universal Washer
Reliable bonding depends on the complete mechanical and electrical combination. Before ordering, confirm the clip against the module frame, rail profile, clamp assembly and the required approval or test documentation.
01 Module Frame: Confirm the frame geometry, underside lip, coating, clamp zone and whether the module manufacturer permits the proposed bonding method.
02 Mounting Rail: Confirm rail width, top-surface geometry, material, anodizing and the intended clip contact area.
03 Module Clamp: Confirm the mid- or end-clamp design, bolt size, tightening torque and whether the clamp provides adequate compression at the bonding point.
04 Clip Geometry: Confirm overall dimensions, thickness, hole or slot position, tooth pattern and approved installation orientation.
05 Electrical Path: Confirm how each module row, rail splice and separate rail section remains bonded to the grounding conductor.
06 System Documentation: Request test or certification documents that identify the exact component combination, rather than relying on a generic certificate name.
TECHNICAL AND COMMERCIAL DATA
Product Specifications
Confirm the model drawing and system compatibility before placing an order. Dimensions and performance differ between grounding-clip designs.
Product Type: PV module grounding clip / bonding washer
Primary Function: Electrical bonding between compatible aluminum module frames and mounting rails
Material: SUS304 stainless steel
Contact Design: Serrated teeth for penetrating compatible anodized contact surfaces
Installation Position: At the designated bonding point between module frame and rail
Dimensions: Confirm from the selected model drawing
Installation Torque: Follow the approved clamp and mounting-system instructions
Warranty Reference: 20 years, subject to the confirmed product and written warranty terms
Design Service Life: More than 20 years, subject to environment, installation and maintenance
MOQ: Small orders and sample quantities are subject to model and stock confirmation
Customization: OEM / ODM subject to drawing, tooling and order quantity
Technical Documents: Request model drawing, material information and applicable system test or certification documents
Electrical bonding performance cannot be determined from SUS304 material alone. It depends on the clip geometry, module, rail, clamp, torque and complete tested assembly.
INSTALLATION LOGIC
Correct Placement, Compression and Verification
Installation must follow the approved module, rail and clamp instructions. The sequence below explains the general logic and does not replace the model-specific manual or electrical design.
STEP 1 Verify the Approved Combination
Confirm the clip model, module frame, rail, clamp, fastener and required bonding layout before installation.
STEP 2 Inspect the Contact Surfaces
Contact areas must be clean and free of paint, heavy contamination, damage or foreign material that could prevent the designed teeth from making contact.
STEP 3 Position the Clip Correctly
Place the clip at the designated module-to-rail bonding point with the tooth faces oriented exactly as shown in the model-specific drawing.
STEP 4 Seat the Module and Clamp
Keep the clip from shifting while the module frame and approved mid or end clamp are positioned.
STEP 5 Tighten to the Specified Torque
Use a calibrated torque wrench. Under-tightening can produce unreliable contact; over-tightening can deform the clip, clamp, rail or module frame.
STEP 6 Inspect and Test the Bonding Path
Visually confirm the clip position, complete the grounding-lug and conductor installation, and verify electrical continuity using the approved commissioning procedure.
COMMON INSTALLATION ERRORS
What Can Compromise the Bonding Connection?
Wrong clip or rail profile: The teeth may miss the contact surface or receive insufficient pressure.
Incorrect tooth orientation: The clip may not penetrate both intended conductive interfaces.
Contaminated or damaged surfaces: Paint, debris, thick oxidation or incompatible coatings can increase contact resistance.
Incorrect clamp torque: Too little compression may not form the bond; excessive torque may damage the assembly.
Missing row-to-row bonding: Rail breaks, expansion joints or separate rows may interrupt the electrical path and require approved jumpers or additional lugs.
Reusing a deformed clip: Once the teeth have been compressed or the clip has moved during removal, reliable contact cannot be assumed unless reuse is expressly permitted by the manufacturer.
INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR SELECTION
What to Provide for an Accurate Grounding-Clip Proposal
Provide the module manufacturer and model, frame cross-section and coating, rail profile drawing, clamp model, bolt size and specified torque. Also identify the grounding and bonding standard required in the destination market, requested test or certification documents, system quantity and expected clip layout.
For purchasing, specify the clip drawing or sample, material grade, thickness, tooth pattern, hole or slot dimensions, order quantity, packaging, destination and whether OEM tooling is required.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Solar Grounding Clip FAQ
What is a solar grounding clip?
It is a serrated conductive component installed at an approved module-to-rail interface. Clamp pressure drives its teeth through compatible anodized surfaces to bond the aluminum module frame to the mounting rail.
Where is the grounding clip installed?
It is normally positioned between the PV module frame and rail at a designated mid-clamp or end-clamp bonding point. Exact placement and tooth orientation must follow the approved mounting-system instructions.
Why does the grounding clip have sharp teeth?
The teeth are designed to penetrate the electrically resistive anodized layer and contact the conductive aluminum beneath it. Tooth geometry and contact pressure are therefore critical to performance.
Can a grounding clip replace the grounding wire?
It may replace a separate bonding jumper at an approved module-to-rail connection, but it does not eliminate the grounding lug, equipment grounding conductor or other bonding components required by the complete system design.
How many grounding clips are required per solar panel?
There is no universal quantity. It depends on the approved bonding layout, module orientation, rail arrangement, clamp type and whether rail splices and adjacent rows maintain electrical continuity.
Do all PV rails and module frames use the same grounding clip?
No. The clip must match the module-frame geometry, rail contact surface, clamp assembly and tightening requirements. Similar dimensions do not prove electrical or certification compatibility.
Can solar grounding clips be reused?
Treat them as single-use unless the exact product instructions explicitly permit reuse. Previously compressed teeth or a deformed clip may not recreate the tested contact condition after removal.
Is the grounding clip IP65 waterproof?
IP ratings apply to enclosures and their protection against dust and water ingress, not to a bare stainless steel bonding washer. Outdoor suitability should instead be evaluated through material, corrosion, installation and complete-system documentation.
Does the clip protect solar panels from lightning?
No single clip provides complete lightning protection. It contributes to equipotential bonding, while lightning protection, surge protection and grounding electrode requirements must be addressed by the project electrical design.
What documents should a B2B buyer request?
Request the model drawing, material information, installation instructions, compatible module/rail/clamp list, tightening torque, bonding-layout guidance and applicable test or certification report identifying the complete component combination.
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