Installing a solar photovoltaic system requires securely mounting the solar panels, either on rooftops or ground-based racks. There are three primary mounting techniques, each with advantages and disadvantages that are important to consider:
Roof Mounted
Rooftop mounting directly affixes solar panels to a building's roof structure. This is a common option for residential homes and businesses with pitched or flat roof space available. Roof mounts minimize use of exterior land area. However, roof orientation and panel shading can reduce efficiency. Standing seam metal roofs are ideal for directly clamping solar panel racking without penetration. For composition or tile roofs, additional rails or flashing may be needed to seal roof penetrations. Tilt angles are also limited by the existing roof planes.
Ground or pole mounting secures panels to racks anchored into the ground or embedded concrete footings. By optimizing tilt and direction, ground mounts maximize solar exposure and energy production. This mounting method is popular for solar farms and large commercial systems, though the panels require substantial clearance around the site. Ground mounts avoid roof structural considerations and offer easier panel accessibility but require adequate available land and tend to cost more overall.
Tracking Mounts
Tracking mounts move panels on one or dual axes to follow the sun's changing path throughout the day. Single axis trackers tilt panels east to west horizontally, while dual axis trackers also angle vertically. Trackers generate up to 25% more energy than fixed mounts but have higher hardware and maintenance costs. Tracking mounts are well-suited for locations with inexpensive land and high electricity prices or minimal winter sunlight. Most residential systems use simpler, non-tracking mounts.
Carefully evaluating mounting location, roofing factors, land constraints, and solar tracking benefits helps determine the ideal solar panel mounting approach. An experienced installer can assess site specifics to recommend the most cost-effective, efficient mounting solution for each unique photovoltaic system.