Solar panels are a great way to save on energy costs. While there are many components of a solar panel system, for many folks, choosing the right solar panel stand can be a tough nut to crack.
Most people don’t know this, but the quality of the mounting structure or stand you choose for your solar panel can make all the difference in its longevity.
The right solar panel stand can also ensure that the solar panels function at optimal levels.
If you are contemplating buying a solar panel for your home or business, this will be your quintessential guide to choosing a stand or mounting/racking structure for the solar panel.
Here are some of the topics that we are going to cover in this article:
- Solar Panel Stand Features
- Solar Panel Stands / Racking Types
- Solar Panel Stands: Things to Consider
If you are thinking about getting a solar panel for your home or office and want to find the best solar panel stand, read on.
Solar Panel Stand, Mounting, and Racking: Explained
Solar panel stands, mounts, and racking systems secure solar panels. Since the type of stand, mounting, or racking system one chooses accounts for nearly 10% of the overall cost of the solar panel, it pays to ensure you get it right the first time.
These specially designed stands, mounting, and racking systems ensure optimal solar panel performance by enabling the panels to be tweaked for an optimal tilt based on the time of day, the season, or latitude.
In short, the stand, mounting, or racking system should always ensure that the solar panels can absorb the maximum amount of solar energy in a day.
Some of the most common locations for using these solar panel stands, mounts, or racks are the roof or on the ground, depending on where the panels can get maximum sun exposure and least shadow areas.
Solar Panel Stand Features:
The material used to make a solar panel stand can make all the difference in the solar panel’s longevity. The solar panel stands built with good quality, durable material to ensure that the solar panels will be secured so they are not easily damaged.
When it comes to choosing a solar panel stand, it is important to know of its features and the factors that make a good solar panel stand;
See also: Mounting Solar Panels: A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Installation
Rust Proofing
Solar panel stands are mostly made from galvanized steel. The finishing of these solar panel stands involves a rust-proof coating, which ensures that the stands do not rust easily, even when exposed to the elements.
However, different materials can provide different levels of protection. For instance, a low-quality solar panel stand might not be able to withstand extreme heat, cold rain, or snow, as well as a premium quality solar panel stand.
It is important to tell the solar panel provider that you want to get the best solar panel stand or mounting system to ensure the safety of your investment.
Long-Life
The best quality solar panel stands are built to last.
This is because these stands are constructed using the latest techniques and technologies, along with the best quality materials, such as galvanized iron, which has a shelf life of 25 years and can last even longer, depending on how it’s maintained.
Universal Design
Another stand-out feature of a solar panel stand is its universal design. This means it is adaptable to a variety of solar panel brands.
This is a great advantage, especially if there are multiple choices in solar panel brands where you live.
Solar Panel Stands / Racking Types
Rooftop
This is the preferred choice for those looking to get solar panels for their home or office.
It should be noted that the rooftop stand or mounting rack is only recommended for reinforced cement concrete (RCC) roofs.
Wall-Mount
But, rooftop stands are not always required. For instance, those living in rental apartments can take advantage of wall-mounted solar stands.
One of the major reasons solar panel wall mounting systems are the preferred choice in many instances is that they allow users to get all of the energy-saving benefits of a solar panel without taking up much space on the roof or on the ground.
This option is also ideal for those homeowners or renters with limited space.
Mounting Brackets
Heavy-duty mounting brackets are used to secure the solar panels in place.
Solar Panel Stand
These are heavy-duty, stainless-steel solar panel stands or galvanized iron stands that have been designed to keep the solar panels secure while holding them up on the roof or on the ground.
These stands also come with a tilt adjustment that can be set according to the time of day, the weather, or the season to make sure the solar panels are always exposed to an appropriate amount of sunlight.
Solar Panel Stands / Racking Systems
Solar panel racking has three major components:
- Mounting rails
- Module clamps
- Roof attachments
Each of these components is essential to whether or not the solar panel can get the support it needs.
Roof Attachment
Roof attachments are bolts drilled into your roof to secure the racking system. The holes created by these drills will be enclosed with flashing, which is a plastic or metal barrier put between shingles to keep water out of the hole.
Roof attachments, on the other hand, vary depending on the kind of roof.
Clamps
The module clamps secured the roof attachments to the mounting rails. It is important to note that each corner of the panel has distinct types of clamps.
Mounting Rails
Module clamps secure the roof attachments, supporting the panels after drilling into the roof.
Although rail-less racking is an option, rails are the most popular since they can be fastened to most roof angles, and many installers are trained to utilize rail mounting techniques.
Solar Panel Stands: Things to Consider
There are some things you will need to consider when it’s time to choose a solar panel stand.
This is mainly because while every solar panel provider also has solar panel stands, not all of them offer the same level of quality to ensure your solar panels are safe.
Since buying solar panels is a significant investment, it’s wise to ensure you get the best solar panel stand.
Adjustable Angles
The holes in premium-quality, universal solar panel supports may be changed according to angles, resulting in the required output.
This highlights using premium quality, universal design solar panel stands. The tilt angle is a crucial consideration when installing solar panels.
A solar panel’s tilt angle is formed by the horizontal ground and the solar module, which is determined by your location’s latitude.
When this tilt angle is equal to the latitude of your location, the maximum energy production is generated. You can simply Google the “latitude angle” of your state to determine your location’s latitude angle.
Place your panels on the solar panel stand to obtain the best output at a certain angle. Customers from the south and west are pickier about this point of view.
Space
While placing the solar panels on the roof is the preferred choice since it ensures the panels will get the maximum sunlight exposure, that is not always possible.
If there is insufficient space on the roof, it is recommended to choose a wall-mounted stand.
On the other hand, if there is enough space on the roof, then it is best to make sure the solar panel is placed in an area of the roof that is 100% shadow-free.
Stand For Solar
It goes without saying that a solar panel mount or stand is an integral part of the solar panel system, whether it’s being installed at home or in a commercial complex.
You should always make sure you choose the right solar panel stand because solar panels are extremely delicate, which means they require the right amount of support to remain in place while they soak up the sun.
The good news is, that there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to both solar panels and their stands and mounting structures.
If you are thinking of purchasing a solar panel for your home or business (or both), then good for you.
Using the information mentioned above should help you make a more informed decision when it comes to getting a solar panel stand that suits your needs.
