Solar panel mounting solutions ensure that solar panels receive the minimal amount of solar radiation required for the best solar energy. A suitable solar mounting structure can withstand not only the weight of the modules but also extreme weather conditions such as floods and storms. In this article, we go over the key kinds of Solar Panel Mounting Components explaining in detail everything about solar mounting structures.
What a is Solar Mounting Structure?
Globally, the number of solar installations is rapidly increasing. Solar is unquestionably the way of the future and a key source of renewable energy. Solar panels operate best when they are exposed to direct sunlight for the longest amount of time and are tilted at a precise angle with the face pointing south.
Solar Mounting Structure comes into play in this case. Solar Mounting Structures are essential for the proper operation of a solar power system in both utility and rooftop applications. While most BOS (balance of system components), including inverters, DC cables, junction boxes, transformers, and so on, are readily available from equipment manufacturers, the workmanship of an EPC ( Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractor is largely visible through solar mounting structures and wiring management.
These frameworks allow panels to rest comfortably, minimize damage, and, most importantly, be positioned at the optimal tilt angle for solar energy collecting. Rooftop solar mounting structures, ground solar mounting structures, carports, and sun tracker solutions have all seen considerable weight, material, adaptability, and ease of installation developments. Many technological advances have resulted in lower costs, faster and better installation, enhanced durability, and more production.
Any solar system is designed to last 20 to 25 years, material plays an important role in the overall solution. The material’s strength is determined by the topography and environment of the installation region. As a result, there is an increasing demand in the sector for materials that are extremely durable, rust-free, and corrosion-resistant. Additionally, new items such as rust-resistant steel, which has gained popularity in the solar panel market due to its low cost and greater endurance, have been developed.
What are 5 Types of Solar Mounting Structure?
To improve the production and efficiency of solar panels, the proper mounting structures must be used. The investment in mounting structures is a one-time expense, hence, the decision to buy should not be taken carelessly. There are five different types of solar panel mounting structures:
1. Mounted Roof Racks
These racks aid in keeping wires from going too far between the solar panels and the inverter. Roof penetrations are required for the installed racks, which helps to prevent roof leaks. As a result, always maintain a well-sealed roof. Roof mounts necessitate a vast area for panel installation. These solar panels may be fixed or changed, and solar trackers can be attached.
2. Ground-Mounted Racks
Ground-mounted racks are solar structures that are used to place solar panels on your property or anywhere in your home. These are adjustable and can be angled up or down to capture the most solar energy at various times of the day. These mounting devices are used to secure areas that have sturdy and clean environments.
3. Top of Pole Mounted Racks
As the name implies, these racks are mounted on poles. Top-pole allows the solar panel to be mounted on the pole’s top. Top-pole mounted racks allow the mounting poles to be settled into the ground and fitted with concrete before the solar modules are attached at the top of the poles.
Also Read: How Solar Panels Work Step By Step
4. Side-of-Pole Mounted Racks
The solar panels are mounted on the pole’s side. They are made up of a small number of modules that are utilized to make solar panels. These are specially intended for remote lighting systems and are delivered to your location with poles on which they may be readily attached.
5. Tracking-System Mounted
These mounts are utilized for all sorts of solar tracking systems, pumping solar water and permitting maximum sun radiation for energy production. Tracking systems are classified into two types: one axis and two axes. One axis tracks the sun’s journey from east to west, while the two axes track the sun’s movement on a daily basis. The solar tracker inherits the automatic system, which aids in tracking the position of the sun throughout the day for optimal solar energy. Solar trackers boost efficiency, although they are rarely utilized because they are expensive in the event of a breakdown. After this, let’s see what is solar panel mounting system.
Also See: 2 Types of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
What is Solar Panel Mounting System?
Solar panel mounting systems (also known as solar module racking) are used to secure solar panels to surfaces such as roofs, building facades, or the ground. These mounting techniques generally allow for the retrofitting of solar panels on rooftops or as part of the building’s structure (called BIPV). With this, you have understood what is solar panel mounting system.
What are Solar Panel Mounting Components?
A solar mounting structure is made up of numerous components that can be used to secure the panel. These Solar Panel Mounting Components are as follows:
1. Brackets for Mounting Solar Panel: Solar panel mounting brackets are one of the most common components found in solar mounting systems. These heavy-duty components are often constructed of stainless steel or aluminum. Similarly, to other mounting and racking accessories, these solar panel mounting brackets must adhere to strict industry regulations and perform as expected.
2. Clamps for Mounting Solar Panels: Rooftop mounting clamps are a component of the mounting structure. These clamps are attached to the joints of a solar panel and are held in place using stainless steel set screws. Using solar rooftop design software, you can easily design your solar mounting framework.
3. Strut Channel for Solar Panel Mounting: Strut channels, along with rails, clamps, and other fittings, are used to aid the cantilever arm in the framing of solar panel mounting structures. These channels are the connectivity systems that keep the two additives from attacking each other and carry the weight between them.
4. Screw for Mounting Solar Panel: The solar panel mounting screw is an essential component of the solar installation framework. The greater the number of screws, the greater the efficiency of the mounting. The array’s angle and the position of the mounting screws control how much sunlight is captured and lost by the panels and their edges.
Also Read: How to Evaluate Solar Panels with 5 Key Parameters
What are Solar Structure Parts Name?
Until recently, coal, wood, and biomass were the dominant sources of energy, with renewable energy serving as a backup. Renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro, and wind power are now replacing traditional energy sources. Solar energy is free and green energy that is obtained from the sun’s rays every day. During the day, a solar PV module transforms sunlight into electricity. Below is discussed the key solar structure parts name.
1. Solar Cells: Solar cells are the fundamental components of solar panels. A solar panel is made up of thousands of cells. These solar cells are strung together to form solar panels, which require soldering, encapsulation, mounting on a metal frame, testing, and so on. The efficiency of a solar panel is proportional to the efficiency of solar cells. The cost and efficiency of solar cells both have an impact on the overall performance of a solar panel. Solar cell efficiency has steadily increased during the last decade.
The efficiency of solar cells varies depending on the materials used to make them. Even with the same technology, different companies have varied conversion efficiency. Solar cells are classified into two types: monocrystalline and polycrystalline.
2. EVA: An EVA sheet, also known as ‘ethylene vinyl acetate,’ is a very translucent (plastic) layer that is used to enclose cells. It adds a laminated layer on top of the cells to keep them together. It should be long-lasting and tolerant to severe temperatures and humidity.
3. Solar Glass: Another key component of a solar panel is solar glass. It is the solar panel’s outermost layer and must be strong and polished in order for the panel to work well. Solar glass’s primary role is to protect solar cells from harsh weather, dirt, and dust. Tempered glass with a thickness of 3mm – 4mm is ideal.
4. Back Sheet: The back sheet is the panel’s final layer, and it provides both mechanical and electrical insulation. It is primarily a protective layer.
5. Junction Box: A junction box is attached to the panel’s backside. It is the center point at which cables connect to the panels.
6. Aluminium Frame: The aluminum frame is also an important component since it gives the panel structural strength. It is advised that a sturdy but lightweight structure be used. It should be sturdy and capable of withstanding harsh conditions such as high winds and external forces. It is typically available in two finishes: silver and anodized black.
7. Interconnector: Interconnectors are devices that allow solar panels to communicate with one another. These should be exceedingly weatherproof and allow for secure connections.
8. Silicon Glue: Silicon is the most frequent adhesive used in solar panels. Silicon forms strong connections and is chemical, moisture, and weather resistant. As a result, silicon glue is utilized in solar panels. It’s also the most widely used semiconductor material.
Also See: What is Half Cell Solar Panel?
What is Solar Mounting Structure Material?
The principal solar mounting structure material utilized in the solar mounting structure are stainless steel, aluminum, and galvalume. While steel and aluminum have long been used, galvalume is a relatively new addition. The material used to mount structures is determined by the plant’s location and life cycle. Previously, mounting structural materials such as wood and polymer were utilized. They have, however, been superseded by more durable materials and are no longer actively used. These are a few popularly used solar mounting structure material-
1. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel has inherent durability and stability, making it excellent for creating mounting structures. This aids in keeping solar panels in place during inclement weather. For mounting structures, stainless steel is used in the majority of Indian projects.
2. Hot-dip Galvanization
(HDG) is used to prevent corrosion and extend the life of components that are directly exposed to adverse weather conditions. For parts that are not exposed to mechanical wear and tear, such as mounting structures, a coating thickness of 70 microns is usually sufficient. However, because HDG is generally a semi-automated process, it has its own limits in terms of quality control. Meanwhile, solar mounting frames are made of pre-galvanized steel. It is commonly used for items that are not subjected to corrosive substances or water.
3. Cold-Formed Steel
(CFS) or light gauge steel has shown to be an excellent choice for solar installation systems. It is lightweight and adaptable to all terrains, including remote regions and distinctive roof designs. While CFS has typically been utilized in building construction, the material’s and process’s adaptability allow it to be used for smaller, modular structures as well, broadening its application to solar mounting structures.
Despite its small weight, CFS has a high tensile strength. This allows mounting structures to be framed on-site as well. The frames can be fabricated and assembled in a factory or assembled on-site to allow for minor alterations to provide a well-fitting mounting structure. In terms of thickness, design, and length, the material is quite adaptable. It is also less expensive and can be manufactured and installed with better precision. CFS is also corrosion resistant and can withstand severe winds and rust because of the HDG (Hot Dip Galvanizing) core and zinc layer utilized by many producers.
4. Aluminium
Aluminum extrusions are commonly employed as solar mounting systems. The extrusion method enables design flexibility as well as optimal rigidity and strength. The material is lightweight, low in density, and easily transportable to remote locations. Furthermore, the aluminum utilized is extremely robust, nearly maintenance-free, and recyclable.
Aluminium’s essential qualities in solar mounting structures are high strength, formability, electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and strong heat and light reflection. Furthermore, it is simple to manufacture and recycle. Given the weight constraints on rooftop solar plants, aluminum mounting structures are also perfect. It is appropriate for mounting solar panels on carports and other platforms.
Aluminum extrusions can be customized on-site and take less time to install. They do not require a lot of labor. Aluminium’s light weight facilitates transporting. It also keeps transportation costs low. Aluminium is naturally resistant to oxidation and other corrosive effects of the environment. These components can be designed for quick snap-together assembly with tight connections.
5. Galvalume
Galvalume has also grown in popularity in recent years. It is composed of 55% aluminum, 43.5 percent zinc, and 1.5 percent silicon. It is often a more cost-effective and low-maintenance mounting method.
With this, we have discovered all about the types of solar mounting structures, solar panel mounting components, and solar structure parts names.
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1 Comment
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