| Solar panel (also known as pv panels) mounting come | | | | orientation for greatest amount of solar exposure |
| in all sorts of shapes and sizes depending on their | | | | during the day. |
| purpose. Some can be stand-alone, where as others | | | | For example: |
| can be mounted on a pole enabling them to track the | | | | If you live in Portland (Oregon), with latitude of about |
| sun throughout the day. Here I will advise the main | | | | 45 degrees, your domestic solar panel should be set |
| types pv panel mounting and what is best for your | | | | at an angle of 45 degrees from the horizontal. |
| solar power system. | | | | Advantages: Reasonably priced, common fittings to a |
| Main Solar Panel Mounts | | | | wide variety of panels. Can be positioned almost |
| There are 3 main types of pv panel mounts. | | | | anywhere and available with adjustable tilting for best |
| | | | sun angle. |
| 1. Flush Mounts | | | | Disadvantages: May require heavy duty fastenings in |
| 2. Roof - Ground Mounts | | | | areas with very high winds. Not the most pleasing of |
| 3. Pole Solar Mounts | | | | mounts on the eye and some states may have |
| Each has their advantages and disadvantages to take | | | | restrictions on what you are able to erect. |
| into consideration before you make your decision | | | | POLE MOUNTS |
| how to mount your domestic solar panels. | | | | Pole mounts come in three types. |
| FLUSH MOUNTS | | | | |
| This is the cheapest and easiest way to mount your | | | | 1. Top of pole mounts |
| domestic solar panels. You can do this by fastening a | | | | 2. Side of pole mounts |
| couple of metal brackets either side of your solar | | | | 3. Poll tracking mounts |
| panel and raising it a few inches from the surface | | | | Top of Pole Mounts are made up of a rack and rail |
| underneath. | | | | component that is fastened to a metal sleeve that |
| Advantages: Don't cost much, simple to install, low | | | | sits on top of the pole |
| wind resistance and light weight. Suitable small sized | | | | Sides of Pole Mounts are essentially similar to top of |
| panels on roofs and those you see a top of RV's | | | | pole mounts the only difference being the mechanism |
| (Recreational vehicles) | | | | is fastened side on |
| Disadvantages: Not suitable for large solar panels, can | | | | Again Tracking Pole Mounts are similar to top of pole |
| not be used in some types of roofs. No flexibility in | | | | mounts, the only difference being they have a device |
| tilt or orientation. Solar panel(s) have to be pre-wired | | | | allowing them to follow the suns daily path. |
| before installing. | | | | Advantages: Your domestic solar panels are easy to |
| ROOF - GROUND MOUNTS | | | | wire up due to the easy access to them. Panels can |
| As the name implies this type of mount can be used | | | | be raised to a height where by they avoid shading |
| on both your roof and on the ground. It consists of a | | | | from other obstacles. |
| metal triangular frame with a set of telescopic legs. | | | | Disadvantages: construction costs, digging a hole and |
| This enables you to change the angle your solar panel | | | | making sure your pole is anchored securely. |
| is pitched at. This allows you to optimize their vertical | | | | |