How To Mount Solar Panels

After you purchase your solar panels, you will be faced with some decisions about their installation. How will your solar panels be mounted? What parts will you need? If you are like me, then no matter which direction you choose the system should be reliable and secure.

A common mounting method for solar panels uses frames attached to the roof of a building. This is often preferred because of its simplicity, with the roof structure already in place. Simplicity can be good ammo to win any argument.

As natives of northern and higher altitude climates, we discovered a couple issues that pushed our solar panel installation in a different way. We've been working on ideas to improve the convenience, flexibility, and performance of a basic solar power system.

The first thing to think about is snow. Every time snow gets on the solar panels, they have to be cleaned or they won't put out much electricity. If your solar panels are mounted to your roof then you can imagine this difficulty.

In the mountains of Washington and Colorado, we have been working on a solution. We are designers and craftsman who desire convenience and performance with our own home based solar power systems. And like everyone else, we don't want to spend an arm and a leg. We call this solution the Rotek system.

With the Rotek system your solar panels will be installed away from the roof, so the solar panels can be rotated easily and smoothly to any tracking angle. With this configuration we can make seasonal adjustments and more accurately track the Sun.

In the Winter is when this adjustability can be a big help. The solar panels can be pitched more steeply or rotated toward the ground (negative tilt) to keep the snow off the surface. It is also good for giving the glass an occasional cleaning.

Whether for one snow storm or for a period of weeks, as long as there is snow on the ground you can leave your solar panels at negative tilt. As we have all witnessed, snow pack is highly reflective. Your system will continue to receive lots of beam radiation despite this abnormal tracking angle.

A second big issue with solar panels is their operating temperature. The cooler the panels, the more we maximize their discharge current. Roof mounted solar panels acquire much more heat, and the amount of energy lost at these higher temperatures can be as high as 20%.

The Rotek system has the added benefit of running cool, because fresh air will circulate on the backside of the solar panels. The advantages with heat reduction are double. There will be an increase in electrical performance, and a general reduction in wear and tear from maintaining lower temperature.

So now that the decision is made to install your solar panel system, you must choose a mounting configuration. The roof mounted options are simple and in many cases a good choice. For those who want a little more performance and design flexibility, the Rotek system is a reliable and inexpensive alternative worthy of consideration.

About the Author:

Walter Hull is a recognized expert in solar power systems. For a limited time you can get his free checklist to solar power from your own backyard.

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