Jan 18,2024
So, you have decided to switch to solar power? That is a wise decision not only for the environment but also for your budget, seeing that solar power is cheaper than coal or fossil fuel-generated power. Solar energy has become increasingly popular as solar setup and operation costs have fallen significantly over the years. A Solar setup consists of a mounting system that usually fixes the solar cells securely and allows them to withstand the winds and rain. Without an adequate mounting system, the solar cell array can become dislocated and useless as the solar cells do not face the sun.
Solar systems can be mounted on a roof or ground, and since the ground can be uneven and roof shapes vary, the mounting system design needs to suit the surface to provide stability to the solar cells. Choosing the right mounting system is essential if you want to prevent your solar panel structure from toppling over and breaking apart. Solar setups are an expensive replacement. In this guide, we will take a detailed look at various solar mounting systems available in the market, so let us dive in.
Solar modules or solar cells need to be placed adequately to face the sun, and this inevitably means that you can only put them in specific places. The mounting system is a support structure that ensures that the solar cells are attached securely on various surfaces like rooftops, grassy ground, as well as concrete pavement.
A mounting system is also required to keep the solar cell in the correct position to receive sunlight.
The solar mounting setup's primary purpose is to give the solar panels stability and protect them from rough weather. However, a solar mounting system is vital for placing solar cells in such a way that they get maximum sunlight, as they are responsible for keeping the solar panel fixed at a tilted angle to generate maximum electricity by receiving the most sunlight. A wrongly tilted mounted system will inevitably mean lower power generation figures since the solar cells will not be exposed to sunlight for an adequate time. Considering carefully the correct mounting system types and choosing the right one is immensely vital if you aim to get the most out of your solar panels.
Solar setups are an expensive investment, so choosing the correct mounting system that suits your needs should be taken seriously. In a typical solar setup, the solar modules are attached to a mounting structure, which is a robust structure designed to protect the setup from torrential rain, fast winds, snow, and moderate earthquakes.
Installation method and mechanism determine the type of mounting system, and based on this, there are four kinds of mounting systems, namely,
• Ground mount solar racking
• Metal roof solar mounting systems
• Pole mounted racks
• Tracking System Mounted Racks
If you are someone who lives on a property that has a small roof that does not allow the installment of solar panels or if a tree canopy obstructs the sunlight on the roof, then a ground-mounted rack is the suitable option for a mounting system. Ground-mount solar racking or ground-mounted racks allow a person to adjust and tilt the mount up or down to catch the sunlight at different times of the day. The downside of this type of mounting setup is that it can be tampered with by people and also tends to accumulate dirt and leaves at the bottom of the setup, which can be difficult to clean up regularly, so if your solar setup requires ground mounted system than only fix it in a place that is clean and has no dirt or snow on the ground.
The most popular kind of mounting system is roof-mounted racks for short. This kind of mounting system is the cheapest mounting system type. Unlike ground-based mounts that require a pole and concrete base, the roof-mounted system does not need a base since the roof itself acts as a base. The roof as a base significantly saves the installation cost, and the lack of any additional base structure means that the price is also low. However, in roof mounts, the solar panel frames should be free from any shadows of objects that might block sunlight.
The roof rack solar panels are made of several components that can be installed on the roof to hold the solar panels. These are
The mounts attach to the surface of the rooftop. The installation process involves reaching the underside of the roof to install the panels. Alternatively, a solar kit can be installed on the roof without drilling.
This part of the mount is where the solar panels are stuck or fixed. The rails are supported by the mounts. Visually, rails are long aluminum tracks that are placed on the roof. The solar panel rails have an inbuilt space for wiring, which is concealed by the panel itself.
Clamps fix solar panels to the rails that are beneath them.
This kind of mounting system is available in two variations, namely, top-of-pole and side-of-pole. Top-of-pole. Top-of-pole mount systems can mount the solar panel at a high elevation of several feet above the ground. The other variant of the pole mount enables the solar panel to be fixed on the sides of the pole. This mounting system design is best suited for snowy climates. The nearly vertical angle of the solar panel makes the snow slide off the surface.
Moreover, no one can damage them as the panels are high up. Another benefit of pole racks is that their position and tilt can be adjusted to face the sun as the season changes. However, the negative aspect is that cleaning the panels can be tiresome. If the solar modules are few, this mounting mechanism can be a good fit, but pole-mounted racks are not advisable for large module poles.
Exploring the realm of solar panel mounting systems in 2024 provides valuable insights into the ongoing advancements and innovations within the renewable energy sector. This guide has offered an overview of the diverse mounting options available, emphasizing key factors such as efficiency, durability, and adaptability to varying environments. As solar technology continues to evolve, the importance of selecting the right mounting system tailored to specific needs and geographical considerations becomes increasingly apparent. From fixed tilt to tracking systems, the evolving landscape offers solutions that optimize energy generation and installation ease.
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