Photovoltaic mounting system

Photovoltaic mounting systems, also called solar module racking, are used to fix solar panels on surfaces like roofs, building facades, or the ground. These systems help people use solar energy by holding the panels in place so they can catch sunlight.

As solar panels have become cheaper, the cost of the mounting systems has become more important, especially for small solar setups. For some small systems, the mounting system can be the most expensive part. Because of this, many people are now trying to build their own mounting systems at home.

Because of these changes, there are now many new ways to mount solar panels. These include special mounts for different kinds of roofs, mounts for the ground, canopies, and even systems that build the panels right into the building itself. There are also new ideas like shading systems, vertical mounts, and fencing systems that help people use solar energy in many different ways.

Orientation and inclination

Solar panels work best when they face the sun directly. Since the sun moves during the day and changes with the seasons, it's important to angle the panels correctly.

One common way is to tilt the panels to match where they are placed. This helps get the most energy.

For example, on rooftops near the equator, laying panels almost flat works well. Some studies show panels facing east with a tilt of about 30–40° work best for shading buildings. Recent research found that special panels, called bifacial panels, can work well even when facing east or west.

Sun path solar tracker bifacial

Mounting

Main article: Rooftop photovoltaic power station

Solar panels can be placed on roofs, the ground, or above parking lots. When on roofs, they are set slightly above the roof to let air flow underneath. If the roof is not built yet, the supports for the panels can be put in place first. If the roof is already there, the panels can often be added later easily. Some special roofs need extra support to hold the weight of the panels.

Large solar power stations are often placed on the ground. These use strong frames to keep the panels upright. These frames can be put in different ways, such as using poles, concrete blocks, or heavy bases. Sometimes, wood can be used instead of metal for these frames, depending on where you are in the world.

Solar panels can also be placed above parking lots. This gives shade to cars and uses space that would otherwise be empty. These setups cost more because they need more strong supports, but they can also provide power for charging electric cars. Some places, like France, require large parking lots to have solar panels on them.

Solar trackers are special systems that move the solar panels to follow the sun throughout the day. This helps the panels catch the most sunlight. But, they are more complicated and need more care than regular setups that keep the panels in one place. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to just set the panels at a good angle and let them stay that way.

Main article: Building-integrated photovoltaics

Solar panels can also be built right into new buildings. They can replace parts like roof tiles or windows. This saves money because you don’t have to spend extra on both the building material and the solar panels. Even older buildings can have solar panels added to them sometimes.

Shade

Solar panels can be set up to give shade outdoors while also making electricity. These setups cost differently than normal patio covers, especially if the panels alone give all the shade needed. The frames for the panels are usually the same as those used for regular solar setups, because solar panels weigh about 3 to 5 pounds per square foot. If the panels are tilted more than normal patio covers, the frames might need extra support. When designing these shade structures, planners think about easy ways to reach the panels for repairs, hiding the wires to keep things looking nice, and making sure plants like vines don’t grow near the wires, as this could cause problems.

PV Fencing

Solar panels can be set up like a fence. They were used as a fence at a big event in Japan in 2005. Solar panels can also help keep snow away when placed on fences. A study looked at how strong fences need to be to hold solar panels. It found that fences for animals like sheep, goats, pigs, cows, and alpaca could hold a solar panel between each fence post. Small power boxes work best for short fences, like in a garden. Bigger power boxes are better for longer fences, like on a farm.

Sound barriers

Solar panels can be placed on or become part of sound barriers, also called noise barriers. This idea began in Switzerland in 1989. Over time, both the solar panels and the way these barriers are built have gotten better. In some places, the amount of solar power from these barriers is as much as the biggest solar farms in the United States. Because of how they are set up, these barriers use land more efficiently than regular solar farms. They are also one of the more affordable ways to create large solar power systems connected to the power grid. Many different types of these barrier systems have proven to work well.