Description
The Workhorse Clamp for Kenya’s Most Common Panel Frame Size
The SFS-MC3N2-35AL is a 35mm solar mid-clamp engineered for the panel frame thickness that has powered the majority of Kenyan solar installations over the past decade. While newer Tier-1 panels are migrating to thinner 30mm frames, the 35mm frame remains the most widely-installed standard across Kenya — covering classic Jinko Cheetah and HiKu series modules, Canadian Solar HiKu6 and BiHiKu6 ranges, and countless industrial-grade panels in commercial deployments. If you’re maintaining, expanding, or repairing an existing solar array, the chances are high that 35mm is the clamp size you need.
Built from 6005-T5 structural-grade anodized aluminum with SS304 stainless steel hardware, the MC3N2-35AL delivers the same Tier-1 European specification used by professional installers worldwide. The Omega-profile clamp body grips both adjacent panel frames simultaneously, distributing clamping force evenly to prevent the frame deformation that compromises cheaper clamps.
Full Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part Number | SFS-MC3N2-35AL |
| Product Type | Mid-Clamp (Omega Profile) |
| Compatible Panel Frame Thickness | 35mm (exact match) |
| Clamp Length | 40mm (L=40mm) |
| Clamp Body Material | Aluminum alloy 6005-T5, anodized finish |
| Bolt | DIN912 M8×45 SS304 stainless steel |
| Washer | M8 spring washer, SS304 |
| Nut | Nut-2Module (6005-T5 anodized), pre-fitted to slide along rail channel |
| Compatible Rail Profile | SunRack Rail-12, Rail-19, and other 38mm-channel rails |
| Tightening Torque | 18–22 Nm |
| Required per Panel-to-Panel Joint | 2 clamps (one per rail line) |
| Wind Load Resistance | Rated for 60 m/s wind speed |
| Snow/Pressure Load | 2400 Pa (Kenya-irrelevant but included for spec completeness) |
| Service Life | 25+ years in tropical climate |
| Warranty | 10 years structural |
Which Panels Use 35mm Frames?
The 35mm frame thickness has been the dominant industry standard for solar panels in the 350W to 550W range over the past several years. Common 35mm-frame panels you’ll find on Kenyan rooftops include:
- Jinko Solar: Cheetah HC series (350W–410W), HiKu Mono PERC 470W–540W variants, certain Tiger Pro 535W–555W models, and selected bifacial designs.
- Canadian Solar: HiKu6 monocrystalline range (450W–460W), BiHiKu6 bifacial range (455W–470W), KuMax CS3W series, and HiKu CS3L commercial modules.
- Other Tier-1 brands: Most Trina Vertex S, JA Solar JAM72S, LONGi Hi-MO 5, and Risen Titan Plus modules from the 2020–2024 manufacturing window use 35mm frames.
- Industrial-scale panels: Many commercial solar farms in Kenya were built between 2018 and 2024 using 35mm-frame panels exclusively.
If your panel datasheet doesn’t list frame thickness directly, the panel model number, manufacture year, and wattage are usually enough for us to confirm the right clamp. Send those details with your quote request and we’ll specify the correct hardware.
When You Need 35mm Mid-Clamps
The MC3N2-35AL fits three common scenarios:
- New installations using 35mm-frame panels: Many Kenyan installers still prefer 35mm frames for their proven durability and broad spare-parts availability.
- Array expansion: Adding panels to an existing 35mm-frame array — you must match the existing clamp size to maintain uniform rail spacing and load distribution.
- Panel replacement: Swapping a hail-damaged, vandalised, or warranty-replaced panel in an existing array. The replacement panel must match the original frame thickness, and the clamps must match accordingly.
Mid-Clamp Quantity Calculator for 35mm Installations
The MC3N2-35AL installation rule: two mid-clamps per panel-to-panel joint. Quick reference for common array sizes:
| Panels in a Row | Panel-to-Panel Joints | Mid-Clamps Needed | End-Clamps Also Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 panels | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 3 panels | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| 4 panels | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| 6 panels | 5 | 10 | 4 |
| 8 panels | 7 | 14 | 4 |
| 10 panels | 9 | 18 | 4 |
| 12 panels | 11 | 22 | 4 |
| 16 panels | 15 | 30 | 4 |
For multi-row arrays, multiply by the number of rows. The solar calculator generates an exact bill of materials based on your roof layout.
Completing the Solar Mounting Hardware Set
- Matching end-clamps: The SFS-ECN2-35AL is the matching 35mm end-clamp for the row extremities.
- Aluminum mounting rails: The rails the clamps slide along — bridge between roof hooks and panels.
- Roof hooks for mabati: The Sunforson TRG-series clamps anchor rails to corrugated, box, or tile-profile mabati without drilling.
- Earthing components: Earth lug (ELN2-20AL) and grounding clip (GC-01) for EPRA-compliant electrical bonding.
- Solar panels: Browse the Jinko and Canadian Solar range from 410W to 670W.
- Power conversion and storage: Pair with a Vestwood hybrid inverter (3.5kW to 15kW) and lithium battery for the complete system.
- Custom quote: Request a tailored quote for the full bill of materials.
