The mounting systems of the solar panels are mostly made up of steel or aluminum. They primarily perform the function of securing the solar panels to the roof and provide adequate space between the solar panels and rooftop for the ease in repair and maintenance activities. The solar system installation alsoprotects the solar panels against the winds, rain, snow, and other elements that accumulate on the rooftop. The mounting structures provide a suitable angle to the solar panels so that they can receive the maximum sunlight.
The types of solar system installation include:
Mounting systems for the sloped roofs: The residential buildings and offices, which have a sloped roof, often require the angular roof mounting systems. These can be categorized into railed, rail-less, and shared rail mounting systems. This solar system installation usually requires penetration and anchoring into the rooftop. It may either be attached to the rafters or right into the decking.
- Shared rail systems: In a standard residential system, the rails are usually connected to the roof for supporting the rows of solar panels. The solar panels are placed vertically and each of them is attached to two rails with clamps. A special type of bolt or screw usually secures the rails to the roof and the flashing is placed on the hole for obtaining a watertight seal.
- Rail-less systems: In this system, the solar panels are connected to the hardware, which, in turn, have bolts or screws driven into the roof. The primary benefit of a rail-less system is its affordability and lesser time required for the installation.
- Shared rail systems: Generally, two rows of solar panels are attached to four rails. However, shared rail systems involve the removal of one rail and the clamping of the two rows of panels on a middle rail. The greatest advantage of shared rail systems is that they require fewer penetrations because an entire rail is removed.
Mounting Systems for the flat roof:
The installation of solar panels on large factories and manufacturing plants has become a common practice in recent years. These rooftops may be slightly tilted but they are not completely sloped. The mounting systems for the flat roofs are mostly ballasted and have very few penetrations. This greatly reduces the coordination which is required between the roofer and PV installer. The mounting systems for the flat roofs are installed easily.
The solar energy applications are increasing exponentially worldwide. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the solar panels and the mounting systems thoroughly before installing them at your rooftop. Ensure that you select the correct one from the solar system installation. The mounting system should be well-suited to your rooftop requirements. The roof mounting systems typically come in a variety of materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and plastic, and polymer. However, stainless steel is the most popular as a roof mounting material because of its corrosion resistance. It does not get damaged and protects the entire solar panel from harsh weather conditions.
