Information is abundant on solar panels, reviews of leading brands, and installation processes; however, finding information specific to Solar Panel mounting and racking installations can be harder.
Solar panel mounting involves connecting racking rails with roof attachments via module clamps; these clamps then hold and support solar panels during their installation process.
Importance of Proper Solar Panel Mounting
If you're planning on installing solar panels at home, a high-quality and safe mounting system is absolutely necessary. Racking and mounting of a solar panel system can make or break its success; improper setup could result in roof damage, substandard equipment installation, or void warranties - the upfront cost may be higher but in the long run, the savings far outweigh them!
There are various choices when it comes to solar panel mounting systems, depending on the roof type and style of panel that you want to install. A classic roof-penetrating rack is often the choice when mounting residential PV systems; ground mounts may also be suitable for use with commercial PV installations; stand-alone pole mounts can be secured directly onto a pole or building wall, and trackers automatically adjust throughout the day in order to capture as much sun as possible.
IronRidge or Unirac rail-based systems are among the most commonly used solar panel racking solutions, consisting of a set of rails attached to roof attachments via module clamps that connect directly with solar panel module attachments drilled directly into roof attachments. Installers tend to favor this mounting option due to its versatility in accommodating different roof angles more easily.
Once your racking rails are in place, it's time to install roof attachments. The process varies depending on your roof type; in general, though, mark where your rafters are with chalk or another marking tool and drill appropriate holes into each rafter before drilling more deeply than necessary - taking extra precaution when drilling into them as over drilling can cause water leakage or structural damage.
After this step is completed, module clamps will be connected to the roof attachments using stainless steel screws and bolts; then solar panels will be secured using stainless steel bolts and screws to complete your solar panel installation correctly. Although this step requires patience and hard work, you're guaranteed a successful solar panel installation!
Types of Solar Panel Mounting Systems
Solar panel mounting systems are frameworks designed to secure solar panels so they capture maximum sunlight and optimize energy production. While their design depends on your solar system needs, style options vary according to roof layout, array size, climate conditions, and more - with two common options being roof mounts and ground mounts.
Roof solar panel mounts are specifically designed to secure directly onto your roof during installation, keeping them out of the way and making maintenance or cleaning much simpler. They're an excellent way to add solar energy without making major structural modifications to your property.
To create a more permanent fixture, a ground-mounted solar system may be ideal. Although more costly to set up initially, such installations allow solar panels to be placed anywhere on your property without restrictions from roof shading - perfect if your property lacks sunlight!
Pole mounts offer another alternative. By employing a sturdy and tall pole to support your solar panels, they provide more installation space than would fit on roofs alone and help prevent snow accumulation by keeping panels several inches off the ground.
When researching various solar panel mounting systems, it is essential to pay attention to quality and compatibility. A reliable installer should be able to show images from previous installations as well as explain which hardware options work with your roof and solar panel setup.
Make sure your solar panel mounting system can withstand wind and snow loads in your region, or it could come crashing down during a storm and damage property or injure someone nearby.
Installation Guide for Solar Panel Mounts
As much as you might see on television or the Internet, mounting solar panels is no simple matter of screwing a few brackets into your roof and calling it done. Instead, this process is complicated and involves using special tools and expertise in order to guarantee the long-term performance and safety of renewable energy systems.
An expert solar panel installation specialist must first identify the rafters on your roof. This step is vital since roof-mounted arrays must withstand wind loads expected in your region; if an installer detects that one or more rafters aren't sturdy enough, they may recommend alternative methods of anchorage to ensure your system stays firmly secured.
Once your racks are in place, it's time to mount your solar panels. There are various methods for doing so depending on which panels and designs are chosen and your chosen racking design - typically, solar panel mounts are lagged into roof rafters (a process called lagging), providing strong support. Flashings should then be added for rain or snow protection before rails can be added for added support of panels in position.
Most solar panels are intended to be mounted in specific positions on specific rails, so it's vital that you understand how to install them correctly. To make things easy, the best approach is usually following the manufacturer's instructions - in most cases, these include step-by-step guides detailing how to fasten panels to the mounting structure as well as diagrams with information on where and how to drill holes for mounting them.
Before beginning work on your roof, all other household electricity should be shut off to avoid accidental electrocution during the installation of the solar panel system.
Plan the electrical runs from your solar panel to your breaker box ahead of time in order to ensure there is sufficient wiring capacity and prevent any potential overvoltage issues. A back feed breaker should also be installed to help protect against power outages in case an outage arises.
Tips for Optimizing Solar Panel Mounting
Installing solar panels correctly requires selecting an effective racking and mounting system. A quality solution will protect your panels during high winds or weather events while keeping leaks out and producing maximum energy production from them. When selecting your racking and mounting system, consult a qualified installer as they should have access to various products that match up with your roof type and offer advice about which hardware might work best based on past installations using their hardware. They should also be able to show photographs from previous solar installations using it!
Optimize the output of your solar panels by positioning them facing true south in the Northern Hemisphere or true north if you live in the Southern Hemisphere. As the sun moves across its path each day and year, having your panels pointed in an ineffective direction won't allow enough light into your panels for maximum production of electricity. Consider investing in a tracker system that follows its movement across the sky so as to maximize the production of electricity.
Your solar panel inclination (tilt angle) should be adjusted four times each year in order to capture as much sunlight and produce as much power. Calculating an optimal tilt angle involves adding or subtracting 15 degrees from your latitude, with the assumption that you live near sea level; for those located above or in mountains, adjustments may need to be made as necessary.
Your racking rails must be placed on a firm foundation such as concrete or gravel, with at least a one-week waiting period after setting piers to allow them to cure before continuing installation of your array. Once in place, attach solar panels using module clamps that fit over roof attachment points drilled in. Ensure the spacing of each rail meets the exact measurements specified in your racking report; each component should also be grounded using grounding lugs.