Solar Panel Mounts
Solar panel mounts are necessary for a solar panel system to secure the solar panels in place and ensure that they are capturing sunlight as effectively as possible. The types of mounts that are used can be installed just about anywhere, with some being more common per installation type than others. Residential and commercial systems using roof mounts have two primary options: one for assembly on flat roofs and the other for pitched roofs. At ground level, open-air spaces can serve as the foundation for a large ground-mounted solar array. Pole-mounted systems can be installed in many spaces that are too small for a horizontal ground-mounted array, and they can also be used where adjustable angle mounts would serve the system better.
More Information about Solar Panel Mounts
Materials in solar panel mounts, like anodized aluminum, not only ensure durability but also offer resistance to the kind of environmental conditions that can span from wind and rain to intense, year-round UV exposure. Mounting systems for solar panels are engineered with safety and simple installation in mind. They include fasteners, adjustable elements, and an overall way of arranging components that allows for securing the solar panels in a guaranteed way that's also user-friendly. Increasingly, solar panel mounts are designed for ground or pole mounting, allowing for seasonal adjustment of the panels in order to maintain optimal angles for energy production. They do this while also maintaining a seemingly low-profile aesthetic as soon as one gets a certain distance away from the mounts and panels.
When selecting appropriate mounting systems for solar panels, one must consider not only the type of mount best suited to the desired solar installation but also the availability and kind of space—roof or ground—to neatly fit in solar panel arrays of various sizes. Mounting systems are almost always built to order and to certain project specifications. They are intended to provide a reliable structural support system, one that ensures the long-term stability of the solar system and thus the usability of the space over the life of the system.
Sizing a Solar System Tips and Tricks
Tips that can help save time and money when installing a solar powered electrical system
Always start with a site survey
This is one of the most commonly overlooked steps when planning a solar powered setup. Too often, solar systems are installed only to find out that the sun's light is limited in the location the panels were installed or the angle in which they were installed will not generate enough power for the hardware needs. Sometimes there simply isn’t enough room anywhere on site to install this type of system. Doing a proper solar site survey can assist in preventing some of these common challenges.
Take inventory of all of the electrical components and hardware for the system
By identifying what the maximum power requirements are for each component, the total power requirements for the entire system can be calculated. It is important to always look at the maximum power draw for each particular piece of hardware. If this is not accounted for, it is likely that the system will be sized too small and can run into issues down the road. Once the power calculations for the system have been completed, a safety factor should be added on top of that calculation of at least 10 to 20 percent. This will ensure that the solar hardware will provide plenty of power, with room to spare for future hardware expansion, without needing to replace the solar panels.
Make sure that the solar hardware meets the power requirements of the system
Pay attention to the supply voltage from the solar panel. This can vary from 12, 24 or 48 volts, depending on the panel and how it is made. Make sure that the charge controller can handle the current loads. Some charge controllers are very simple and don’t allow for much configuration, while others are quite complex and allow for monitoring and changes to be made on the fly. Also make sure to account for proper battery backup.