Description
Built for the Modern Slim-Frame Solar Panel
The SFS-MC3N2-30/33AL is a precision-engineered 30mm solar mid-clamp designed for the new generation of slim-frame solar panels that have become the standard across modern PV installations in Kenya. As panel manufacturers have pushed cell efficiency upward, panel frame thickness has come down — most current Tier-1 modules now ship with 30mm or 33mm frames rather than the older 35mm and 40mm profiles. This clamp is dimensioned to seat correctly on both 30mm and 33mm frames, giving you a single SKU that covers most of the panels in our catalogue.
Manufactured from 6005-T5 structural-grade anodized aluminum and supplied with SS304 stainless steel hardware, the clamp delivers Tier-1 European installation quality at an affordable Kenyan price. The Omega-profile body distributes clamping force evenly along the panel frame, eliminating the stress concentrations that cause cheaper clamps to dent the aluminum frame edges over time.
Detailed Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part Number | SFS-MC3N2-30/33AL |
| Product Type | Mid-Clamp (Omega Profile) |
| Compatible Panel Frame Thickness | 30mm and 33mm |
| Clamp Length | 40mm (L=40mm) |
| Clamp Body Material | Aluminum alloy 6005-T5, anodized |
| Bolt | DIN912 M8×40 SS304 stainless steel |
| Washer | M8 spring washer, SS304 |
| Nut | Nut-2Module (6005-T5 anodized), pre-fitted to slide along rail |
| 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 (no relevance to Kenya — included for spec completeness) |
| Service Life | 25+ years in tropical and coastal climate |
| Warranty | 10 years structural |
Which Panels Use 30mm and 33mm Frames?
Before ordering, confirm your panel frame thickness. The current Bicity Solar panel range breaks down as follows:
- 30mm frame panels: Most current Jinko Tiger Neo N-type panels (475W, 480W, 580W, 585W), Canadian Solar TOPHiKu7 series (580W, 585W bifacial), and similar high-efficiency Tier-1 modules.
- 33mm frame panels: Some Jinko 545W and 550W variants, plus several Canadian Solar HiKu6 and BiHiKu6 models.
- 35mm frame panels: Older monocrystalline PERC modules and some current bifacial designs — these need the 35mm mid-clamp (SFS-MC3N2-35AL), not this one.
- 40mm frame panels: Heavy-duty 670W+ commercial panels — these need the 40mm mid-clamp (SFS-MC3N2-40AL).
If your panel datasheet doesn’t list frame thickness clearly, measure the side of the aluminum frame with a vernier caliper or send us the panel model number through the quote form and we’ll confirm the correct clamp size.
How Many Mid-Clamps Does My Installation Need?
The rule is simple: you need 2 mid-clamps for every panel-to-panel joint in your array. For a row of panels, count the gaps between panels — that’s the number of mid-clamp pairs you need. Some quick reference numbers:
| Panels in a Row | Panel-to-Panel Joints | Mid-Clamps Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 2 panels | 1 joint | 2 mid-clamps |
| 3 panels | 2 joints | 4 mid-clamps |
| 4 panels | 3 joints | 6 mid-clamps |
| 5 panels | 4 joints | 8 mid-clamps |
| 6 panels | 5 joints | 10 mid-clamps |
| 8 panels | 7 joints | 14 mid-clamps |
| 10 panels | 9 joints | 18 mid-clamps |
End-clamps (sold separately) are needed at the ends of each row — typically 4 end-clamps per row regardless of panel count. The solar calculator will give you an exact bill of materials based on your panel layout.
Building a Complete Solar Mounting System
The 30mm Solar Mid-Clamp is one component of a complete mounting system. To finish the installation you’ll also need:
- End-clamps: Sized to match your panel frame thickness — the SFS-ECN2-30AL is the 30mm-compatible end-clamp.
- Mounting rails: Aluminum rails that bridge between roof anchor points and panels.
- Earthing components: Earth lug (ELN2-20AL) and grounding clips (GC-01) for electrical safety compliance.
- Solar panels: Browse the Jinko and Canadian Solar range from 410W to 670W.
- Inverter and battery: Pair with a Vestwood hybrid inverter and lithium battery to complete the system.
- Get a quote: Request a tailored quote for the complete bill of materials including the right mid-clamp count for your project.
