Maximize Solar Power Efficiency with Optimal Panel Placement
To ensure top performance, solar panels should be installed facing South in the Northern Hemisphere at angles varying from 30 to 45 degrees, depending on latitude. Panels facing East and West will also work well, using a pitch of five degrees or more.
When your solar professional assesses your home to determine the best placement for your solar array, you can expect to receive a proposed design with a quote during the initial consultation. In order to generate an accurate quote, the Solar professional uses sophisticated AI software that takes into account the pitch of the roof, the direction of the sun, latitude, and shade from nearby structures or trees. Incorporating satellite imagery and LIDAR scans, the software generates shading analysis and energy production estimates that are specific to your home, thus creating you a quote with the primary goal being that the proposed PV design will produce enough electricity to replace or significantly reduce your current utility bill.
Roof-Mounted PV Systems
The most common place to install solar panels is on the roof. Most residential roof-mounted systems are “lie-flat” systems. This term simply means the racking and solar panels will be installed parallel to the pitch of your home’s roof.
Some installers give an option to “tilt” the solar panel racking, to better catch the direction of the sun and allow utilization of a north-facing roof space. By tilting the panels towards the southern direct sun, it increases power production on an otherwise ineligible roof space.
With the correct mounting and hardware solutions, solar panels can be placed on almost every type of roof, including shingle, tile, flat, metal; or as a Ground-Mounted option. There are many variations available. The top 3 brands are Unirac, Quick Mount, and Iron ridge. You cannot go wrong with either of these when it comes to quality, safety, and durability.
Ground-Mounted PV Systems
Although roof-mounted solar panels are the most common choice for residential applications, there are a few reasons why homeowners may choose a ground-mounted system. A ground-mounted array is more expensive initially, due to additional costs of labor and the required permitting. However, if your rooftop is not ideal for solar, and you have enough land, a ground-mounted system could save you money in the long run.
If your roof has too much shade or obstructions, or is not large enough to handle the amount of panels you may need to offset your electricity consumption, then mounting on the roof may not be the best option. Ground-mounts can be sized to match your electricity consumption without the confines of a rooftop system. They can also be placed at the ideal angle and direction (south) to maximize energy production.
Your solar installer will know the best mounting hardware for your roof type or ground mounting needs
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Pros and Cons of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
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The biggest advantage with ground-mounted solar panels is that they offer greater control over your solar panel azimuth and angle. Solar panels need to face either south or southwest to receive maximum direct sunlight. With a ground-mount, you can position solar panels in any direction you want, to maximize sun exposure.
This advantage means ground-mounted panels often receive more sunlight, allowing them to generate more solar power, thus saving you more money in the long run.
Your roof may also have obstructions, such as skylights or a chimney, which would make it difficult to install panels there.
On the other hand, Installation of ground panels takes significantly more time and effort and is generally more expensive than rooftop panels.
However, if a ground-mounted system is able to produce more energy than a roof-mounted system, then this extra cost can be offset over time.
Are ground-mounted solar panels right for my home?
If your home uses a lot of energy, then ground-mounted panels might be better for you. This is particularly true if you have a lot of open space on your property, allowing you to install more solar panels than you can fit on your roof. Installing a larger system will allow you to generate more power and better meet your needs.
Of course, if your yard is on the small side, there might not be enough room to install as many panels as you need. Additionally, if you don’t have the extra space, installing solar panels on the ground will leave little to no room for your lawn, flower beds, or other landscaping. If that's important to you, then rooftop panels will be a better option.
I should also point out here that a ground-mount solar system is not your only option if your roof isn’t suitable for solar panels; you can also consider a solar carport, or even a solar patio, gazebo, or pergola.
The best options for ground mounts or roof mounts come from the top brands, Iron ridge and Unirac.
Types of Roofs with Corresponding Mounts & Racking:
Asphalt/ Composition Shingle Roof Rack Mount:Flash kit Pro (below) features Unirac’s patented Shed n Seal design. This waterproofing technology is recommended for solar arrays that are attached to angled roofs.
Roof attachments are secured to the roof and guarded with metal flashing to protect against water.
Mounting rails
Rails are the most commonly used because they can be secured to most roof angles, and because many installers are trained using rail mounting systems.
Mounting rails are attached to the roof via the roof attachments and are able to customize the tilt of the solar panels to most angled roofs.
Flat Roof Attachment
Ballasted
Metal Roof
Spanish Tile
Best solar mount brands
The top three, high-quality, solar mounting and racking brands are:- Ironridge
- Quick Mount PV
- Unirac
While many manufacturers produce solar panel mounts, only a handful of companies come out on top when it comes to quality. You cannot go wrong with Ironridge, Quick Mount and Unirac.
Ironridge
Iron ridge originally supported mostly small, off-grid projects. But today, Iron ridge is known for its uniquely shaped and durable XR Rail Series for pitched roofs. They have equally great options for flat roofs and ground mounts.
Quick Mount PV
Quick Mount PV sells just about every solar roof mounting product available for any type of roof - from metal roofs to low-sloping shingle roofs.
Iron ridge Ground Mount Systems
These are built to be long-lasting, flexible, and withstand any weather. They come with a 25 yr warranty.
Unirac Ground Fixed Tilt
The Unirac Ground Fixed Tilt is another great choice - it is durable and lightweight and also has a 25-year warranty.
Unirac
Unirac mounts for flat roofs and fixed-tilt ground-mount frames. Unirac’s solar mounts can be customized to accommodate any tilt, allowing the direction of the solar array to be independent of the angle of the roof, ensuring the best productivity.
Each brand offers very innovative mounting and racking kits to meet most solar needs.
The best way to ensure your solar installation goes off without a hitch (and uses the proper equipment suited for your specific roof) is to work with a licensed solar installer.