Introduction
The BOQ was approved.
Material was delivered.
The crew was ready.
Yet the mounting rails wouldn’t sit correctly.
Not because the fasteners were wrong in size.
Not because the grade was incorrect.
The issue was simpler and costlier:
The orientation of fasteners was wrong.
And one entire day was lost fixing something that could’ve been avoided on paper.
What Actually Went Wrong?
In many solar projects, the BOQ only specifies:
- • Bolt size
• Grade
• Coating - But ignores:
- • Orientation
• Washer type
• Assembly logic
This is where projects start bleeding time.
Example from real sites:
- • Flanged bolts supplied where hex bolts + separate washers were required
• Circular washers replaced by rectangular washers
• Nut tightening pattern didn’t match bracket load design
All parts were “as per BOQ”.
But the structure refused to align.
Why Orientation Matters in Solar Structures
Fasteners are part of structural design, not just hardware:
• A flanged bolt distributes load directly on the material surface.
• A hex bolt depends on washer design for load transfer.
• A rectangular washer spreads load across a bracket slot.
• A circular washer concentrates force.
When mismatched:
- • Rail alignment shifts
• Clamp pressure reduces
• Brackets flex incorrectly
• System fails torque testing
• Audits raise red flags
Common Solar Fastener Orientation Mistakes
- • Flanged bolts where washer-based design was required
• Washer outer diameter too small for slot width
• Flat washers used where spring washers were mandatory
• Nut supplied without knowing tightening sequence
• Mixed assemblies packed together in the same carton
The Fix: Do This Before Dispatch
✅ Add assembly type to your BOQ
✅ Mark washer style and orientation
✅ Insist on pack labeling per assembly set
✅ Ask for sample photos before bulk dispatch
✅ Do one real-world mock fit
A BOQ should describe how to assemble, not just what to order.
Final Thought
Most delays don’t come from suppliers.
They come from unclear instructions.
If fasteners are misunderstood, the site pays the price.
And no amount of stock can fix orientation errors.