Collection: Solar Panel Mounts

More Info on Solar Panel Mounts

Mounting your solar panel array is an important aspect of setting up a solar power system. The structure has to meet code regulations and be stable enough to weather harsh environmental factors such as wind, snow, etc. Various methods exist which can help you find an ideal location for installing the panels depending on what you need.

Introduction to Solar Array Racking

Are you new to solar electric racking? Check out our intro video above to learn all about the basics about solar racking. In it we cover the high level types of solar racking and the info you'll need to get started. We also cover the optimal angle of the of the array to maximize performance—generally for fixed mount it’s equal to your latitude—and how to compensate for changes in the season.

Set up the appropriate ground mounted solar panel system, roof system or pole mounted system and save money while you generate your own power. Enjoy the freedom of the making your own energy and powering your RV or boat with solar panels rather than expensive fossil fuels.

Types of solar panel mounting for a roof

• Shingle Roof Mount (asphalt or tile with flashing required)
• Standing Seam Metal Roof (clamps onto seam)
• Flat Roof (No roof penetrations or ballasted)

S-5! Metal Roof Solar Mounts Interview at SPI 2017

Roof mounting for metal roofs is made easy with S-5! clamps that attach to the standing seam of a metal roof without any roof penetrations. Check out our interview with the S-5! team at the 2017 Solar Power International conference to learn about mounting a solar array to a standing seam metal roof. For roof mounts that do screw in through the roof (metal or otherwise), flashing ensures decades of leak free power.

Types of Ground Mounted Solar Array Racking

• Pole Mount (top of pole or side of pole)
• Ground Mount (fixed tilt or seasonably adjustable)

When it comes to solar panel mounting options, you really have many from which to choose. Plenty of people opt for simple solar panel roof mounts, but if you live in a heavily wooded area or different kind of climate, rest assured you have other options. If you are ready to mount your solar panel, make sure you investigate all of the options available.

IronRidge Ground Mount Racking Solutions

IronRidge, one of the leading producers of solar racking, covers the basics of their SGA ground mount solution. The system is modular and can be built according you your needs, much like an Erector Set. Using 3” steel pipes, each column can fit from two to five full size solar panels high, in landscape, and three to five columns wide, giving you up to 5000W to 7000W in solar panels on only four poles. Larger systems can be designed with more than four legs.

Smaller solar arrays can be mounted on the side of a pole. This can be a great option for one or two solar panels, for example for a small cabin or water pumping system, or any remote system with unique location challenges. A top of pole mount can hold from 1 to 15 solar panels on a single pole.

Pole mounting gives you the advantage of being able to change the tilt of the solar array seasonally to maximize the output. Pole mounting can be a more flexible option than roof mounting depending on the location.

MT Solar pole mount solutions

We sit down with Joel, the owner of MT Solar, to discuss their solar pole mount options. MT Solar has mounting options for as few as 1 panel, and can be expanded as large as needed. Its unique chain hoist eliminates the need to hire a crane to install your solar panels. Additionally, the hand crank allows homeowners to easily adjust the tilt of the solar array to maximize the solar energy seasonally.

Clamps

IronRidge UFO Clamps - Solar Mounting and Racking

Learn a little more about some of the specific components that make a solar racking system work. In the video above we look at the UFO Clamps from IronRidge. UFO, you ask? Universal Fastening Objects, of course! This is an extremely versatile product that reduces the amount of componentry needed and is available in multiple sizes. Click now to learn more.

If you are mounting solar panels on your home, solar tiny house, cabin, or for a solar powered water pump for agricultural use, altE is here to help meet your solar panel mounting needs. No matter what tilt angle you need for your solar panels, contact us today to get started!