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Redefining Solar Panel Installation 
Worldwide with Innovative Rivets
FATOR introduces innovative solution, Steptail™, the Spanish-engineered rivet designed to 
revolutionise solar panel installation in PV plants globally.
In the highly competitive solar energy 
sector, efficiency and durability are 
paramount. Headquartered in Barcelona, 
Spain, FATOR saw a client need for 
a new and efficient solution in the 
fastener and fixing industry. Recently 
developed, Steptail™ is a rivet specifically 
engineered for securing solar panels 
onto trackers. This innovative fastening 
system provides both installers and 
manufacturers with a new option that 
is both highly durable and effortless             
to install.
Innovation over tradition
Traditionally, mounting solar panels to 
trackers has relied on bolts, washers, 
and nuts. While functional, this method 
presents significant drawbacks, including 
installation complexity, high labour time, 
and the risk of loosening due to vibrations 
and adverse weather conditions.
Providing an answer to solar          
industry demands
FATOR explains, “Steptail™ is more 
than just a rivet; it is a comprehensive 
solution designed for the specific rigors 
of the solar sector. Unlike generic 
market alternatives, Steptail™ was 
conceived specifically for this application, 
guaranteeing peak performance and 
exceptional durability.”
The company’s Barcelona-based 
engineering team, backed by extensive 
expertise in fastener manufacturing, 
has accounted for every requirement 
and environmental factor involved in        
utility-scale PV construction. 
The result is a rivet that delivers solutions 
to common problems:
•	
Fast and easy installation: The new 
solution drastically reduces installation 
time compared with traditional methods, 
resulting in significant cost savings and 
increased assembly efficiency.
•	
Vibration resistance: Its robust and 
secure design ensures a firm, permanent 
bond, even in environments with high 
winds and constant structural vibration.
•	
Anti-corrosive properties: 
Manufactured from high-grade 
aluminium, Steptail™ resists corrosion 
and wear, ensuring a long service life in     
demanding climates.
•	
Electrical conductivity: The solution 
provides excellent electrical conductivity, 
optimising the grounding and overall 
performance of the solar panels.
FATOR ST64XL: Purpose-built for the 
solar sector
To complete the Steptail™ solution, the 
company developed the FATOR ST64XL, 
the fastest riveting tool on the market for 
this application. Lightweight, ergonomic, 
and equipped with a long-lasting battery, 
this tool features an electronic calibration 
system that ensures maximum precision 
and consistency with every set.
Unlike other tools originally designed 
for the aerospace industry, the FATOR 
ST64XL was engineered specifically for 
the solar industry. FATOR has prioritised 
real-world working conditions where tools 
face harsh environments and intensive 
use. Feedback from their clients who 
previously used competitor tools allowed 
them to identify and resolve common 
industry pain points.
What sets the FF-ST64XL apart?
•	
Ruggedness and durability: Built 
to withstand the harsh conditions of 
solar sites, such as dust, humidity, and 
extreme temperatures, ensuring reliable 
performance in the field.
•	
Ease of use: Despite its power, the 
tool is highly intuitive; Its ergonomic 
design minimises operator fatigue, 
allowing for comfortable and efficient 
work during long shifts.
•	
Simplified maintenance: Designed 
with a modular structure, the ST64XL 
allows for easy access to internal 
components, streamlining maintenance 
and minimising downtime.
On-site training and supervision
“At FATOR, we want to ensure our 
clients maximise their potential. We 
offer complimentary on-site training, 
where our experts train installers on the 
correct use of Steptail™ rivets and the                   
FATOR ST64XL tool.
“Furthermore, during the initial weeks of 
assembly, our technical supervision team 
remains on-site to support the installation 
process. This ensures our products are 
used correctly, guaranteeing an optimal 
and lasting installation.”
A close up of the 
Steptail™ rivet
The Steptail™ rivet 
fixed to a solar panel
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