The mounting system holds panels in place and provides some physical protection for the panels and electrical connections. It also puts them at correct orientation for absorbing the Sun’s energy. These must be designed and installed correctly for wind loads, the weight of the system, rain, temperature variations, etc.
These may be installed on a rooftop, on the ground, or on top of a pole, depending on what is available and required at the installation site.
Robert Morse
BSEE, MSEE, NABCEP Certified PV Solar Installer
CA State Licensed Electrical Contractor (C10) & Solar Contractor (C46)
SunCal Solar, Incorporated
Have a Question? Contact Us at: blog@SunCalSolar.com
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[...] Racking or Mounting System: This is the aluminum (sometimes steel) rack that is used to physically mount the solar panels. Most urban and suburban installations are roof mounted because this is usually the only available space to mount solar panels in a city. If there is space available on the ground then the racking system can be mounted on the ground. This is usually only a possibility outside of cities. Ground mounted systems may have “trackers” that track the sun on one-axis (less expensive) or on two axes (more expensive, more maintenance). However, most systems do not track the sun and work very well. Trackers add expense and maintenance while improving system performance. [...]