GoingGreenFAQ.com

Solar Panel Mounting Systems

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.

Solar panels are often mounted on roof tops, because the roof structure is strong and already exists. If your roof is sloped in the right direction, then how convenient this is. And convenience is a legitimate player in any decision making process.

We would like to point out a couple issues with mounting solar panels on the roof, however. They are things to keep in mind for folks who live in northern climates, or who desire more optimal performance.

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.

As machine designers, we decided to tackle this problem common for us in the mountain regions. We don’t mind the snow, but the last thing on our minds is climbing the roof in Winter. So we developed the Rotek system, a simple mechanism for mounting solar panels that will improve performance and take on the snow.

With this design, the solar panels are installed remotely rather than on the roof. This provides additional space beneath the panels which Rotek puts to use. The panels can be rotated to almost any angle with a simple move. This feature is good for making seasonal adjustments based on the Sun.

A second advantage comes in Winter when the solar panels can be rotated toward the ground, and operated at steeply sloped or negative tilt. This prevents the buildup of snow on the photovoltaic surface. It is also good for periodic glass cleaning, maintenance, or for dumping a load of snow if the panels were left up in a storm.

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 important consideration with solar panels is heat. Roof top structures will accumulate heat, and so roof mounted photovoltaics will tend to run warm. This is a disadvantage, at higher operating temperatures solar panels create less electricity. The ideal environment for a solar panel is something cool.

Remotely installed solar panels will run cooler, and the electrical output will be better for this. There is fresh air to circulate on the back end (instead of a hot roof), and they can be located closer to the ground. The Rotek system, if used, would provide this additional advantage to your solar panel system.

Sooner or later the time will come to install your solar panels. The roof installed units will make a lot of sense, but those who want improved performance and adjustability should consider other options. The Rotek system is one such option, easy to install and simple to use without the extravagant cost.

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