What are the different types of solar mounting systems?
By now you have a good understanding of what a solar panel is and how a solar photovoltaic system functions. We’ve seen solar panels mounted on roofs, but may wonder how the systems are mounted.
Before solar panels can be installed onto your rooftop, you will need to know what the available solar mounting options are.
A solar mounting system is a component that secures solar panels to your roof and holds them in place. Let’s discover the different solar racking systems available and how to choose the right mounting system for your solar installation.
We can differentiate options based on the roof type. Let’s take a look at some of the options for flat rooftops.
Rail-based mounting system
Firstly, a rail-based mounting system is used for flat roofs. The rails are secured to the roof using a bolt or screw with flashing installed. Each solar panel is then attached to the rail.
At KB Racking, we offer AeroRack 2.0 as a rail-based mounting solution. The AeroRack 2.0 system provides customers with core elements of integrated wire management and simple installation, at a more economical price. Our rail-based design provides stiffness, reducing ballast requirements and roof loads. The system offers customizable solutions with its flexibility in panel orientation, row spacing, and tilt angle.
Ballasted mounting system
Secondly, this system is mainly used for flat-roof mounting systems and is the most common, and widely used system. Using weights i.e. ballasts, on top of the mounting system acts as a support and holds the solar panels in place, which makes it very efficient and easy to install.
Our most popular system, EkonoRack 2.0 is a non-penetrating solar mounting solution that uses ballasts. The EkonoRack 2.0’s innovative design acts as a tray for the ballasts, ensuring the ballasts stay in place. The advantages of this system are that you don’t need penetrations, requirements minimal components and are cost-effective.
Mounting Solar Panels on Roof. IronRidge Kit; Pre-Configured Racking System Costs
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy way to install solar panels on your roof, you might want to check out Ironridge solar panel roof mounting systems. These systems are designed to work with any type of roof, whether it’s asphalt shingle, metal, tile, or slate. They use high-quality components and hardware that are engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions and last for decades. Plus, they come with a 25-year warranty and a comprehensive online design tool that helps you plan and optimize your solar project. With Ironridge solar panel roof mounting systems, you can enjoy the benefits of clean and renewable energy without compromising the aesthetics or integrity of your roof.
Order one roof rack kit for each panel
Checkout Roof Rack 1 Rack Set Per Panel (IE: 10 Panel Kit Requires 10 Rack Sets. Adjust Quantity at Checkout Click Update Grey Button in Checkout Basket. Minimum QTY = 4 EA. We will Configure Parts to Your Roof Layout.
Mounting Solar Panels on Roof. Stronger Using Less Material, Faster Install, Minimized Risk of Leaks. IronRidge. Panel Roof Mounting
IMPORTANT NOTE: Roof Rack 1 Rack Set Per Panel (IE: 10 Panel Kit Requires 10 Rack Sets. Adjust at Checkout to Quantity Click Update in Cart. Minimum Quantity = 6 EA
[See Optional Attachment Solutions Below ] Number of Optional Panel Roof Mounting Attachment/Flashing Solutions for 110 MPH Wind Rating = Number of Attachment Points Depends on Layout. As a Rule of Thumb, Figure One Attachment Point Per 6′ of rail for 110 MPH Wind Zone. EXAMPLE: 10 40 Wide Solar Panels in Portrait = 40 X 10 = 400 X 2 (2 rails per row) = 800 / 72 = 12 Attachment Points in This Example. High Wind Areas Such as Florida or East Coast Would Require Attachment Points (Usually every 4′). (Optional Attachment Solutions Flashing Not Included in Base Price of Roof Rack Kit)
Every component in the IronRidge Solar Powere Flush Mount System has been tested to the limit and proven in extreme environments: rain, wind and snow. IronRidge’s rigorous approach has led to unique structural features, such as curved rails, universal fastening objects and reinforced flashings. All IronRidge products are fully-certified, code-compliant, listed to UL 2703 and backed by a 25-year warranty. Types of roof options, Flat Roof, Tile Roof, Shingle Roofing, Quick Mount PV, Roof Mounting Systems. Stainless Steel, All Roof Types, Solar Array. Ground Mounted Ballast Mount and more
Optional Attachment Solutions for your Solar System
IronRidge, Flashing, Flashfoot2 with Cap-foot, 9 x 12, includes: 5/16 x 4.75 SS Lag Bolt and EPDM washer, Mill, UFO series, Qty. 1,FF2-01-M1
IronRidge, Flashing, Flashfoot2 with Cap-foot, 9 x 12, includes: 5/16 x 4.75 SS Lag Bolt and EPDM washer, Black, UFO series, Qty. 1, FF2-01-B1
QuickMount, Flashing for Composition Roof (Asphalt Shingles), E-Mount, 9 x 12, with Hanger bolt, Mill Finish, QBLOCK, Qty. 1, QMSE A 1
Bronze QuickMount, Flashing for Composition Roof (Asphalt Shingles), E-Mount, 9 x 12, with Hanger bolt, Bronze Finish, QBLOCK, Qty. 1, QMSE B 1
QuickMount, Flashing, Tile Replacement, Flat Tile, 3-1/4 Post, Mill Finish, QBLOCK, Qty. 1, QMTR-F3.25 A 1 Includes Base Mount, Mill Finish, QBLOCK, Qty. 1, QMTR-BM A 1
QuickMount, Flashing, Tile Replacement, W-Tile, 4 Post, Mill Finish, QBLOCK, Qty. 1, QMTR-W4 A 1 Includes Base Mount, Mill Finish, QBLOCK, Qty. 1, QMTR-BM A 1
Related Items; Grid-Tie, Off-Grid Wind Turbine Off-Grid Packages
Roof Rack Kit
IronRidge Roof Mounts Rack Kit provides a number of options for solar panel mounting solutions. The first is an adjustable L-foot component. Made of extruded aluminum, these L-feet are strong enough for both residential and commercial solar panel installations. The vertical slots make it easy to level the racking for your solar panel array when there are irregularities in the roof. When increased airflow or roof flashing is required, IronRidge offers two different types of roof mount standoffs. Lightweight aluminum standoffs are available for flush mount solar PV module applications, Heavy-duty, welded steel roof mount standoffs are available for tilt mount solar mounting applications.
These standoffs support common flashing products such as those from Oatey. In addition, the IronRidge standoffs are available in multiple heights. Tilt leg attachments are available for solar panel projects where installers or homeowner do-it-yourselfers wish to optimize power by tilting solar modules more directly at the sun. These extruded aluminum legs attach quickly and directly to XR100 PV rails. The well thought-out and simple design enables adjustability in all three dimensions. The IronRidge tilt legs come in a variety of lengths to cover a wide range of desired tilt angles.
IronRidge clamps provide a universal method for securing most popular solar PV modules in solar racking systems. XR100 PV rails have slots for top mounting. End clamps and mid clamps are manufactured from either 5052-H32 aluminum or extruded aluminum, depending on the clamp size. The mid clamps are uniquely designed to minimize spacing between IronRidge solar roof mount and to help maximize power density. When you choose IronRidge Roof Mounts Rack Kit you can be assured you have purchased the strongest, most aesthetically pleasing racking system on the market today.
Solar Panel Mounting Hardware
Zooming in on a typical solar panel installation, here are four specific pieces of hardware that are usually required to properly mount a new system:
- Mounts: Used to support the entire installation, solar panel mounts such as L-feet (named for their uncanny resemblance to the letter “L”), can be lagged into the roof rafters (named for the large lag bolts that are used) to provide a safe and secure place for the system to sit.
- Flashings: In conjunction with the mounts, solar flashings provide a waterproof barrier to prevent any possible leaks from rain or snow. Flashings are typically made of rubber, aluminum, or galvanized metal.
- Rails: On top of the mounting hardware, rails (or “racks”), are long, aluminum tracks installed horizontally to bear the weight of the panels and prevent them from sliding off of the roof.
- Clamps: To ensure that every component will stay in place, solar panels are also usually secured to the rails with a system of stainless steel screws and clamps.
Choosing the Right Solar Mounting System for Your Home
While the basic components for solar panel mounting are fairly universal, choosing the right hardware for a single installation must be made based on a few specific variables.
Critically, solar mounting should not be a simple matter of finding the lowest-cost option. While high-quality materials may be more expensive upfront, a safe and secure installation is 100% worth it when considering the potential consequences of roof damage from shoddy parts, poor craftsmanship, or voided warranties.
When you work with a company like Palmetto, here are four key things that are considered when selecting the best roof-mount system.
Aesthetics
With a minimal amount of visible equipment, most solar panel racking systems look more or less the same to the untrained eye, as the majority of the hardware is hidden below the panels. From the street below, passersby will usually only be able to see the panels, parts of the rails, and a small fraction of the mounting materials themselves.
While some solar options may include a “skirt” over the edge of the panels to hide the underside of the solar array, skirts are typically not recommended as they can collect debris and encourage animal nesting.
If you have visibility concerns from your HOA about what a system may look like on your roof, we encourage you to talk to your installer about solar access laws in your area. There are many parts of the country with legislation in place that prevents HOAs from barring renewable energy systems, no matter their appearance.
Of course, to comply with local aesthetic guidelines, experienced solar companies may be able to adjust various aspects of the system installation. This includes special mounting materials to level panels on an uneven roof, installing wiring conduits away from the street, and painting select system components in dark or neutral tones when required.
Leak Protection
To protect against pooling, leaks, and physical property damage, solar panels are installed with a small, intentional gap between the modules and the roof. With horizontal rails sitting on top of the mounting points, properly installed solar panels will not prohibit debris or water from traveling down and off of a roof, helping to prevent the possibility of mold, rot, and even electrical fires.
Leak protection is important, and every experienced solar installer should have a clear plan to meet local building standards and best practices for waterproofing and flashing. For the best results, flashing and sealant choices should be selected based on roofing materials, as well as typical local weather conditions. Leak protection for metal roofs will be a lot different from the process for asphalt shingle or wood shake, for example.
Installation Ease
The longer a professional solar installation takes place, the more you may end up paying for labor costs. So for the efficiency of their operations and value to their customers, most trustworthy solar installers prefer a mounting solution that is easy to install and proven to withstand the test of time.
Here, we almost always suggest allowing a professional installer to supply their own mounting equipment, as many companies will not even consider third-party materials. By allowing a reputable installer to handle the installation end-to-end, it is more likely that the entire process will be handled with speed, efficiency, and consistent quality throughout.
Roof Shape Attributes
Finally, the shape of your roof and its physical attributes can also influence your solar panel mounting system choices. Dramatically sloped roofs with a steep tilt angle may require a bit of extra care when it comes to safety, and rail-based systems are almost always recommended to add a layer of protection against high winds and heavy weather systems anywhere in the world.
Depending on your roof’s attributes, installers may be limited to a few creative solutions to roof mount all of the panels safely. While working around chimneys, air conditioning units, and other obstructions, mounting materials must be able to properly support the panels wherever they fit for maximum sun exposure.
When working with your installer, you can ask them how well their mounting materials will work with the unique aspects of your specific roof. If there are limited obstructions, most solar panels can be installed in uniform lines, while sharing long rails mounted with ease and security. Otherwise, more creative systems may be necessary for oddly shaped roofs.
The Top Brands for Solar Panel Mounting Hardware
While it never hurts to research solar panel mounting hardware, most solar power companies prefer to supply their own equipment to ensure a high-quality installation. Of course, when choosing the right installer for your system, asking about solar panel mounting hardware can help differentiate professionals from amateurs.
No matter what brand a company carries, you can ask about the following aspects of their mounting hardware to ensure that it is sturdy, safe, and reliable:
- Warranties: If a manufacturer offers both parts and craftsmanship warranties on their solar panels, that’s a good sign that they believe in the quality of their product and their ability to install it. High-quality solar panel mounting hardware should be durable, resistant to corrosion, and fit for life outdoors.
- Compatibility: Before an installation, it is important to make sure the solar mounting is compatible with your roof and panel type. Different mounting hardware will be better suited for different kinds of roofs, so you can ask a company about their previous installations on shingles, tile, or whatever materials are on top of your home.
- Aesthetics: Although most mounting hardware will end up hidden beneath your panels, ask your installer whether or not there will be any exposed equipment. Often, reputable installers will be able to show you images of previous installations to get a better idea of expected aesthetics.
IronRidge Solar Racking and Mounting
When it comes to high-quality solar panel racking and mounts, you need a company that manufactures its products with simplicity and strength in mind. IronRidge solar racking and mounting offers excellent products with long-lasting warranty periods, and solutions for every kind of roof system.
Based in California, IronRidge is among the top choices for installers and manufacturers in the United States today, with an attentive domestic customer service team constantly ready to help. Including two unique flush mount systems that include every necessary hardware component, IronRidge makes it easy to install a new solar system or expand on an existing array.
Unirac Solar PV Racking
Also manufactured in North America, Unirac is another reputable solar panel mounting hardware brand with industry-leading quality standards and commitment to its customers. Supporting installers with constant innovation, Unirac solar PV racking offers a wide range of support options, including full-color installation manuals, video tutorials, a phone hotline, and an online chat feature for their catalog of hardware choices.
Today, Unirac has a full suite of mounting options including rail-based systems, railless systems, and a variety of attachments for both solar panels and supporting equipment.
SnapNrack
With systems designed for speed and ease of installation, SnapNrack is a third great solar panel racking system manufacturer based in the United States. The company has a few main racking options, including a “universal” system for roofs of any pitch or material, as well as rail and modified railless choices.
All sold with competitive warranty periods, SnapNrack, Unirac, and IronRidge are all high-quality solar panel mounting systems supported by today’s leading installers.
Solar Carport Mounts
The manufacturers we provide are designed to offer reliable solar panel mounting structures for residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects and often include stamped engineering. At Solar Electric Supply, we assure customers with the satisfaction of knowing that these manufacturers have designed mounting structures with the intentions of making installation cost effective and easy.
Professional Solar Products (ProSolar) has been manufacturing solar equipment for more than 20 years, longer than any other PV mounting provider. Being the original patent holding U.S. manufacturer of the Rooftrac® Top-Down solar mounting system, one can be confident knowing they are being provided with nothing but exceptional solar equipment products. All products are proudly made in the U.S. by U.S. workers, promising overall product quality and safety.
Quick Mount PV was founded in 2006 to bring code-compliant, cost-effective, waterproof rooftop mounting systems to the solar industry. By being able to recognize the need for fast installation and the demand that every attachment be absolutely watertight, the company innovated the patented Qblock Elevated Water Seal which would ultimately result in the Classic Composition Mount. Their proven track record to deliver effective products in a market hungry for mounting solutions is undeniable.
Unirac delivers industry-leading technology solutions designed to meet the needs of any type of solar installation. Since delivering its first PV mounting system in 1998, Unirac has experienced remarkable growth of its superior racking systems. They continue to invest heavily into advancing solar energy worldwide.
SnapNRack is a manufacturer of photovoltaic module mounting products and systems. They have mounting systems available for pitched roofs, flat roofs, ground mounting options and non-penetrating standing seam metal roof solutions. They have both residential and commercial solutions for any size.
Renusol America is considered a leading innovator in pitch roof and flat roofed solar mounting systems. By combining a heritage of excellence in German engineering with American innovation, in 2011 Renusol America introduces the groundbreaking, American-made Renusol CS60- the first one piece mounting system for PV panels.
DPW Solar, popularly known for their POWER-FAB® product line, provides easy-to-install mounting systems and enclosures. Founded in 1993, their lean manufacturing capabilities combined with their PV solar industry experience promises reliable solar products.
Schletter encompasses over 40 years of experience in the design and manufacturing of steel and aluminum products. They are internationally recognized to be a manufacturer of a diverse product mix including solar mounting systems for small to utility scale applications, waste management solutions, and customized bracket manufacturing.
Upsolar’s consistent growth is a testament to it’s superb product quality and strong customer relations. Founded in 2006, the company has served to provide the world’s PV market with products of market-leading quality. Upsolar is committed to providing a variety of high quality mono- and polycrystalline PV modules through their vertically integrated manufacturing platforms.
Orion Solar Racking, Inc. is backed by the reputation and financial stability of its parent company, Deco Lighting, Inc. Their manufacturing and marketing of photovoltaic racking solutions has gained them a lading role in the solar industry. Orion prides themselves on releasing a wide range of high-quality and innovative mounting systems, providing roof and ground mounting solutions for residential, agriculture, industrial, government, commercial, and utility grade projects.