The secret behind secure solar installations is no secret—it’s the unsung hero of solar energy: the mounting system. A reliable solar mounting system suited to the geographical location can add years to the solar setup’s life. If you’re a solar company owner, investing in a relationship with the right solar panel supplier could be your most critical decision to propel your business forward.
In this article, we’ll look at all the questions you need to ask to find the best solar mounting system to ensure you get the best return on your investment.
Understanding Solar Panel Mounting Systems
A solar panel mounting system, or a solar racking system, is the structure used to support solar panels and secure them to the roof or other mounting surfaces. The system includes components such as mounting brackets, rails, rail joiners and panel clamps.
These systems are essential for installing residential and commercial solar panels, ensuring the solar panels’ weight is evenly distributed and they are securely held in place. Various solar panel mounting systems are available, each catering to different environments, including roof-mounted, ground-mounted, and pole-mounted systems.
Solar racking cost is typically about 8-10% of the total cost of an average solar system, depending on the type of racking.
Why is Getting the Best Solar Mounting System Necessary?
A good-quality solar mounting system holds solar panels in place during extreme weather conditions such as wind, snow, and seismic activities, protecting them from environmental damage and thus extending their life. Did you know that when installing solar system, mostof your time is dedicated to assembling, aligning, and attaching the racking system? Easy-to-use mounting systems simplify the installation process for you and your team, saving labor and time translating into saving cost. They also reduce accidents on the job, as your solar crew will spend less time fumbling with cumbersome parts on rooftops.
The best solar mounting system also maintains the ideal tilt and angle to capture solar energy, thus increasing the panels’ output. By ensuring the panels are positioned to receive sunlight at a 90-degree angle, you ensure they can make the most out of every ray of sunshine!
Investing in a superior mounting system will result in better performance, lower maintenance costs, and greater satisfaction with your solar energy investment.
How To Choose the Best Solar Panel Mounting System
The right mounting system can make your solar installation faster and cheaper, resulting in happier customers and better business. Here, we’ll discuss what you should look for when choosing the best solar panel mounting system for yourself or your business.
1. Type Of Installation Site
The type of solar mounting system you need depends on where you plan to install the panels.
- Roof-mounted systems: Ideal for residential and commercial buildings, these systems are divided into pitched roof mounts for sloped roofs and flat roof mounts.
- Ground-mounted: Perfect for large-scale solar farms and installations with ample ground space.
- Pole-mounted: Useful for small-scale installations and areas with space constraints.
Once you’ve determined the installation site, the next step is to select the mount’s style.
2. Roof Attachment Methods
There are various styles of systems to fix the panels to the roof—fixed, adjustable, portable, etc. The best solar mounting system depends on the roof type, the size of your solar panel system, and the wind and snow load in your area.
Rigid Mounting Systems:
These systems are fixed at a specific angle and can’t be adjusted after installation. They’re sturdy, making them great for roofs with high wind loads or steep slopes. Roof brackets are securely attached to roof purlins and rafters, rails are placed on the brackets, and solar panels are installed on the rails.
Adjustable Mounting Systems
These systems allow you to manually tilt the panels’ direction, letting customers adjust the panels seasonally based on the sun’s position. The rails or frames have adjustable joints or hinges for easy adjustments. This improves efficiency but can be a hassle for busy customers. They’re necessary in regions far from the equator where the sun’s angle changes dramatically throughout the year.
Rail-Less Mounting Systems
These innovative systems use clamps to secure panels directly to the roof without traditional rails. Rail-less products are compact, easy to handle, and cheaper to ship. They reduce material costs and installation time but require more expertise due to their newer design. They’re a good choice the roofing conditions are straightforward and budget is limited.
Ballasted Mounting Systems
Using weights to hold the frame down instead of clamps, these systems suit horizontal ground or roofs with slopes up to 7 degrees. They’re often used on commercial roofs where screws or nails can’t penetrate. Generally square or circular, the mount has a top clamp for the solar panel and a bottom pan. The ballast, made of concrete or sand, is placed on the pan to weigh it down.
Tracking Mounting Systems
These advanced and expensive systems use motors, sensors, and controllers to automatically move the panels and follow the sun’s position throughout the day and year. This can increase the energy output of the solar panels by up to 40%. They’re suitable for areas with long summer and short winter days or, for off-grid systems where high power is needed.
Portable solar mounting system
Portable mounting systems are lower capacity and durability but better for flexible, temporary installations. Especially in scenarios where low power is needed, or remote locations. If you’re traveling, you can easily place them on the ground outside your RV or tent, making them the best DIY solar panel mounting system.
3. Roof Compatibility
Assess your roof type and structure. Different roof types (pitched, flat, metal, tile, etc.) require specific bracing solutions. Look for a mounting system supplier that offers quality framing systems compatible with multiple roof materials and provides engineering reports demonstrating that the system can attach to that particular roof type without compromising structural integrity.
Here’s an overview of the most common roof types and the best solar panel roof mounting systems for them:
Tin and Steel roofs
Depending on the roof type, you can use both penetrative and non-penetrative mounting options on tin roofs.
- Penetrative Mounting Systems
Penetrative mounting systems involve drilling into the roof and securing the mounts with bolts or screws, making them ideal for long-term installations where the roof structure can support this type of attachment. At The NOVA, we offer both rail-based and rail-less systems. The rail-based system provides greater adjustability to accommodate uneven roof surfaces, while the rail-less system offers a cost-effective and quick installation solution.
- Non-Penetrative Mounting Systems
Non-penetrative mounting systems eliminate the need for drilling into the roof using clamps or ballasts. At The NOVA, we stock innovative solutions that clamp securely to various steel roof types without requiring penetrations, thereby reducing the risk of leaks and preserving the roof’s integrity. These systems are compatible with different roof profiles, such as standing seam, Kliplok, and Longline, ensuring an efficient and cost-effective solution for any tin roof type.
Tile roof
Special brackets fit securely under tile roofs. The NOVA uses universal brackets that fit various roofs, from traditional profile tiles to modern flat tiles.
Concrete roofs
Ballasted systems are the best flat-roof solar racking for flat concrete or sloped roofs up to 7 degrees. They’re an affordable, modular, and portable solution while non-penetrative. The NOVA has modular ballasted systems that can be placed in any direction, allowing rapid and effortless installation.
4. Installation Zones
When selecting a mounting system for your solar panels, it’s essential to consider the environmental factors specific to your installation zone, such as wind speeds, corrosiveness and building height. The surrounding landscape—whether it’s open grassland or a suburban/city center—also influences wind speed and turbulence, impacting the structural integrity and longevity of the solar mounting system.
Suppliers will ask for your location, which will fall into designated wind-speed regions, and the terrain type where you plan to install the system. For example, in Australia, there are four wind-speed regions: Region A (inland with the lowest wind speeds), Region B, Region C, and Region D (prone to cyclones and severe wind storms). Other regional classifications might apply if you’re outside Australia or using different standards, but the underlying concept is the same.
Coastal areas experience elevated levels of corrosiveness. Up to 50 meters of the coastline is considered high in corrosiveness. To address these challenges, our products are constructed using 6000 series Aluminum or Zinc Aluminum Magnesium, both of which offer exceptional corrosion resistance.
Terrain categories are similarly important. There are four primary terrain types:
Open Terrain: Grassland with few obstructions.
Suburban Terrain: Low-rise buildings and trees.
Urban Terrain: Densely packed low to mid-rise buildings.
City Center/Industrial Complexes: High-rise buildings and industrial structures.
Open terrain with fewer obstructions experiences higher wind speeds and turbulence, requiring stronger mounting systems. Wind terrain categories are defined by various international standards, such as AS/NZS 1170.2 in Australia and New Zealand and EN 1991-1-4, which covers ‘Actions on structures – Wind actions’ in Europe. In Germany, DIN EN 1991-1-4/NA is the national annex that adapts EN 1991-1-4 for local conditions.
Panel Placement on the Roof
The placement of solar panels on the roof—whether at the center, perimeter, or corners—also affects the type of mount, the placement of panels, and the number of fixings needed. The center of the roof experiences lower wind loads compared to the edge and corner zones. Consequently, higher wind areas allow for fewer panels on roofs, and stronger winds necessitate closer connections between the roof and the mounting system.
By understanding and addressing these factors, you can ensure your solar mounting system is tailored to withstand the specific environmental conditions of your installation site.
5. Installation Speed
Choosing an easy-to-install mounting system reduces labor costs and installation time, allowing more projects per day. Complex racking systems with time-consuming assembly can increase accident risks.
The best solar panel mounting systems should:
- Require minimal tools for setup
- Feature pre-assembled components
- Offer modular designs for scalable systems
Ensure timely support from the manufacturer’s technical support team, which is crucial for handling job site challenges.
6. Strength and Capacity
Load Capacity
Ensure the mounting system adequately supports panel weight, wind, and snow loads. Assess the effectiveness of the wind and array bracing systems for your location’s conditions.
Purlin Support
Purlins play a critical role in rooftop solar panel mounting. Purlins are wooden or steel horizontal beans in roofs that support the roof’s structure and help transfer the load from the roof to the building’s frame.
Solar panel mounting systems are anchored to the purlins with clamps. The span between purlins determines the system’s coverage without additional support. Request engineering reports to compare systems based on their span capabilities. Systems that can span further between purlins are stronger, reducing the number of supports needed. This simplifies the installation, saves costs on attachments and is especially useful for roofs with purlins spaced further apart.
7. Material Quality and Durability
Solar racking material affects durability and maintenance requirements. Look for bracing systems made from durable and corrosion-resistant materials like aluminum or stainless steel.
- Aluminum: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to install
- Galvanized Steel: Strong and corrosion-resistant due to zinc coating
- Stainless Steel: Offers strength and corrosion resistance, though at a higher cost
- UV-Resistant Plastics: Used for components like end caps to protect against sunlight
- Anodized Coatings: Enhances durability and corrosion resistance of aluminum components
NOVA’s mounts are made from premium alloys, which combine the best of each material to offer enduring durability even in corrosive environments.
8. Aesthetics
While solar panel appearance may not always be a top priority, once installed, a bulky panel can stand out conspicuously. Considering panels remain on the house for 20 years and are a source of referrals, it’s crucial to opt for a minimal and sleek mounting system. Rail-less mounting systems or mini-rail systems offer a low-profile design, such as The Nova’s MINI Rail Penetrative Solution, which provides a low-profile, modern mounting solution for tin roofs.
9. Safety Features
Ensure the mounting system is certified by a structural engineering firm. These firms independently test products to ensure they meet industry standards for structural integrity and performance, verifying their ability to withstand environmental stressors over their lifespan. Certification validity is valid as long as conditions such as wind terrain category and regional regulations are met.
Familiarize yourself with local building codes and regulations to avoid potential legal issues. Some regions stipulate specific requirements for solar panel installations, including bracing systems. Refer to government resources like the Eurocodes or Australia’s National Construction Code website for detailed information.
10. Warranty and support
Look for comprehensive warranties that cover material defects and structural integrity for an extended period. Offering customers a longer guarantee than competitors can enhance your position in the solar installation market. For instance, our warranty lasts an impressive 25 years, which surpasses the industry standard of 10-15 years.
You also want to work with a supplier who understands your challenges as a solar installer and provides technical support during installation and throughout the system’s lifetime. A cooperative supplier will offer guidance on proper installation, maximizing system effectiveness, and minimizing potential failures and legal issues.
11. Cost-Effectiveness
When evaluating cost, consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) rather than just the upfront price.
Opting for cheaper mounting systems with shorter warranties might initially save you money. However, callbacks and maintenance issues could impact your profitability over time.
However, offering your customers competitive prices is also essential. The key is to find a balance between quality and cost-effectiveness. An honest supplier will be upfront about the pros and cons of their mounting systems, helping you make informed decisions.
12. Sustainability
As a solar company, you are pivotal in advancing the transition towards renewable energy and ensuring a sustainable future for future generations. It’s crucial to align with partners who share your commitment to sustainability. When vetting potential collaborators, inquire about their environmental practices and efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.
Key Takeaway: Quality Saves You Money In The Long Run
Investing in reliable mounting systems not only ensures peace of mind and happier customers, but also enhances customer satisfaction, solidifying your reputation as a trustworthy solar provider. While many contractors may stick with familiar systems, embracing more advanced and efficient options can significantly benefit your business.
At The NOVA, our team of solar mounting experts is dedicated to providing excellent service to help you grow your solar business, and become an industry leader. We’ve helped thousands of solar companies like yours. For inquiries regarding solar mounting solutions, fill out this form, and we’ll contact you as soon as possible.
People Also Ask
How do I choose the right solar mounting system?
Selecting the optimal solar mounting system involves evaluating site suitability, compatibility, structural integrity, material quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Considering these aspects ensures a successful and sustainable solar installation that maximizes efficiency and minimizes long-term costs.
What is the most efficient way to mount solar panels?
Depending on your location, fixed, adjustable, or tracking mounting systems can be utilized. Tracking systems follow the sun’s movement, maximizing energy capture and efficiency. However, fixed solar mounts will work just as well for locations with consistent sun exposure (such as the equator). Adjustable mounts are ideal for locations with seasonal sun angle variations.
What are the three types of solar panel mounting?
There are many types of solar mounts, but the three primary types of mounts, (based on the location) are roof-mounted, ground-mounted, and pole-mounted systems.
How to choose a solar panel installer?
To choose a solar panel installer, look for certified professionals with strong industry credentials and positive customer reviews. Ask if they have experience with similar projects and offer comprehensive warranties. Additionally, request detailed quotes and look at their ability to provide ongoing support and maintenance.
What is the difference between ‘solar mounting’ and ‘solar racking’?
“Solar mounting” and “solar racking” are often used interchangeably, but they can have nuanced differences based on context. Generally, ‘Solar Mounting’ refers to the entire structure or framework that supports solar panels, including the rails, framework and any necessary hardware like rails and brackets. ‘Solar Racking’ refers only to the framework (the rails and mounting hardware.)
