Choosing the right solar mounting systems is one of the most important decisions to make when installing solar on your property. After all, this is what will keep your system in place for the next 20+ years, and it must be able to withstand the most extreme loads that mother nature can throw at it. You should also consider the available space on your property when deciding where to locate your solar array.
Solar installations have increased at an astounding rate all over the world. Global demand for solar solutions has risen rapidly as the cost of solar systems has continued to fall in comparison to higher grid rates. Solar is without a doubt the future and one of the most important renewable energy sources.
To assist you in making the best decision, we've answered the most frequently asked questions about solar mounting systems below. This will be your guide for determining what will work best for you!
What are solar mounting and racking?
Solar panel mounts and racks are pieces of equipment that secure solar panels to a variety of surfaces, including rooftops, parking lots, and land. Mounting systems aid in the retention of solar panels or arrays and serve as a support structure for solar modules.
Mounting enables the panels to be adjusted for an optimal tilt based on latitude, seasons, or even time of day — ensuring maximum solar energy production. Mounting is most commonly done on the roof with solar roof mounts, or on the ground with ground-mount options.
The cost will be determined by the type of racking used and the manufacturer of the solar mounting structure chosen. The most common method of module attachment is via a solar panel mounting bracket. Heavy-duty mounting brackets are frequently made of stainless steel or aluminum.
What effect do solar mounting and racking have on performance?
Sturdy solar panel mounts, when properly installed, will secure your panels in inclement weather and protect your solar panel installation.
If your solar panels are properly installed, they will generate efficient, clean energy while lowering your energy bills. Solar panels, however, can be inefficient and produce less energy if installed incorrectly or on the wrong tilt. Your choice of racking and mounting will have an impact on the efficiency of your solar panel system over its entire lifespan, so make the best choice for your solar project!
What are the most common types of solar mounting systems?
The precise and proper selection of solar mounting structures for solar system projects is critical in terms of the overall production, efficiency, and lifetime of solar panels. Because it is such a large investment, selecting mounting systems should not be taken lightly. Solar modules must be secured, installed, and clamped to a very stable and long-lasting structure that will protect the array from wind, hail, rain, snow, and even moderate earthquakes. They can be installed on the ground, on roofs, or on poles.
Utility-scale solar mounting systems are classified according to their installation method and intended use.
Roof Mounted Racks
Ground Mounted Racks
Top-of-pole Mounted Racks & Side-of-pole Mounted Racks
Tracking System Mounted Racks
Roof-mounted racks are typically the least expensive method of mounting a solar panel system because the foundation for your panel already exists - your roof! This method saves money on racking materials and labor costs for solar installations.
When using a roof-mounted structure, you must ensure that there is no shadow cast by trees or other structures in the optimally free airflow path of your solar panels.
Ground-mounted racks are typically used to install solar panels on your property's grounds. This is an option if your roof lacks space for a roof mount or is heavily shaded by trees.
These mounts are adjustable and can be tilted up or down to maximize sunlight absorption at various times of the day. The disadvantage is that ground-mounted structures are susceptible to vandalism, dirt, leaves, and snow accumulation at the array's base. As a result, ground-mounted racks should only be used in secure, clean, and stable environments (with little snow or dirt on the ground).
A standard fixed ground mount supports the weight of the solar panel system with a simple metal frame. They are typically secured and set on a concrete slab at a fixed angle and position.
Pole mounts are used to secure solar panels to utility poles. The two main types of pole mounts are "top-of-pole" and "side-of-pole." The former allows the solar panel to be mounted several feet above ground level on top of a pole. The latter secure the solar panels to the sides of the poles. This is useful if you live in a snowy area because the steep angle of the pole mounts causes snow to naturally fall off the face of the solar panels. The advantage is that it is less vulnerable to vandalism and the accumulation of dirt, leaves, and snow. However, it is difficult to clean. Solar systems with a small number of modules are frequently installed on mounted racks.
Another advantage of pole mounts is that they are adjustable, allowing you to tilt your panels seasonally to face the sun at the best angle.
Tracking system-mounted racks can be used for both solar tracking and solar water pumping systems. They are extremely useful in hot climates. Tracking systems are available with one-axis and two-axis mounted structures. One-axis trackers measure the sun's movement from east to west, whereas two-axis trackers, which are commonly used with PV concentrator systems, track the sun's daily and seasonal path.
They are best suited for large-scale solar panel systems or for unique situations where space efficiency dictates your solar panel installation.
If you need more output from your solar panels, adding an extra panel or two to your system is usually more cost-effective than using tracker mounts.
What are the solar racking components?
Flashings
Flashing is a material that is used to prevent water from leaking through your roof. Flashing is typically in the shape of an aluminum rectangle, and it is installed beneath the shingles on a traditional asphalt tile roof. If you have a tile, metal, rubber, or wood roof, you will need flashings that are specially designed to fit the shape of your roofing material.
As you might expect, roof installation is a popular option for solar panel installation. This entails mounting solar panels on your roof, which necessitates drilling holes. However, if the holes are not properly covered, these can leak, so solar installers use flashing as part of their solar mounting solution.
Mounts
Mounts, also known as "feet," are used to secure solar panel systems to your roof. Mounts are typically secured to your roof with a bolt that passes through the flashing and into a rafter, securing your entire solar panel system. There are numerous mounts used in various racking systems.
The solar panel installers will need access to your attic or the underside of your roof when preparing to install panels or solar panel kits on your roof. They can then ensure that your rafters are structurally sound and that the mounts for your solar panel system are properly spaced.
Rails
Rails are the components of solar racking that your solar panels sit on and are supported by mounts. Rails are typically long aluminum tracks that are installed on your roof plane either vertically or horizontally.
Rails also provide a clear space for your solar panel system's wiring, which helps to reduce clutter and improves the safety of your installation.
Clamps
Clamps secure your social panels to the racking by connecting solar modules to the rails below. End-clamps are typically larger and sit at the ends of solar arrays, while mid-clamps sit between solar modules and hold panels in place on two sides. In most installations, both types of clamps are used.
What is the importance of choosing the right solar racking system?
A solar mounting system is critical because it is how a solar panel system connects to your rooftop. Solar mounting systems must be able to keep the system in place for an extended period of time. The main concern with racking systems is whether or not attaching the panels to the roof will cause leaks through the roof penetration. Second, consider whether the racking system is strong enough to support the weight of the solar panels. Finally, it is critical to devote a significant amount of installation time to ensure that the racking systems are properly measured and installed.
Our solar experts at JOG International will work with you to determine the best solar mounting solution for your rooftop. We take pride in providing tailored solutions. Our team will provide you with a simple and easy-to-install racking system based on the conditions of your rooftop, ensuring that the solution you receive from us is strong enough but at the most affordable price.
Send us an email if you have any questions about your solar racking system. Please provide your address so that we can find the best racking pieces for your area. All solar racking systems have weather grades that indicate how much snow, rain, hail, and other natural elements the pieces can withstand.
Conclusion
Always keep climate, common weather patterns/conditions, and how much roof space you have available versus how much you need for your system in mind. These factors play a significant role in determining whether a roof mount or ground mount is best for you. Whatever type of roof you have or the mounting system you require for your solar system, JOG International has everything you need to make your sourcing simple and stress-free.
Check out JOG International's extensive selection of solar products such as solar panels, solar panel kits, and solar racking accessories to assist you with your solar panel projects.
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