Mounting for photovoltaic panels: the available solutions
When discussing photovoltaic panels, attention is often focused on their production capacity and sizing, while the importance of mounting systems is underestimated or even completely ignored. However, the operation and efficiency of these panels depend significantly on the mounting systems used during installation. Mounting systems for solar panels affect the stability, longevity, and energy performance of the installation. Although they may seem like minor components, they require the utmost attention.
What to Know About Photovoltaic Panel Mounting Systems
Photovoltaic solar panels owe much of their operation and efficiency to their position relative to the sun. Their orientation and exposure allow them to capture more or less energy. The modules that make up the system are fixed to the roof or the surface on which they are installed through specific elements and brackets for photovoltaic panels. The purpose of mounting systems and supports for photovoltaic panels is to ensure that the panels remain firmly anchored to the installation surface.
It's important to remember that solar and photovoltaic panels are constantly exposed to weather conditions. Rain, wind, snow, and salt can affect the stability of photovoltaic panels and corrode metal components. With an appropriate system consisting of plastic brackets and mounts for photovoltaic panels, this problem is definitively resolved.
The field of photovoltaic panel mounts offers various solutions, and it's essential to know the different mounting systems available to choose the most efficient solution for your system.
Different Mounting Systems for Photovoltaic Panels
We can distinguish three different types of mounts for photovoltaic panels: mounts for pitched roofs, mounts for flat roofs, and ground mounts.
Mounts for Pitched Roofs
In the case of a pitched roof, mounts for photovoltaic panels involve support brackets anchored directly to the roof structure. For houses with tile roofs, the panel is fixed with the appropriate F bracket and profile to distribute the weight evenly across the surface. For commercial buildings and large facilities that usually have corrugated sheet metal roofs or sandwich panels, Nexus plastic brackets ensure stability and airflow between the system components.
Mounts for Flat Roofs
For flat roofs, structures are provided that raise the photovoltaic panels and ensure the proper inclination. The main options include plastic ballasts for flat roofs and tilters.
Plastic ballasts for flat roofs are ideal for ensuring the necessary stability and mounting without drilling into the roof. Made of plastic, they are lightweight structures, which reduces transportation costs and imposes less weight on the roof compared to traditional concrete ballasts.
Tilters, on the other hand, are ultra-light adjustable systems that allow the panels to be oriented towards the sun, maximizing energy efficiency. They are anchored to the roof with a layer of cement mortar, and the panels are installed together with plastic profiles.
Ground Mounts
If photovoltaic panels are to be installed on the ground (as commonly done in agricultural fields), structures with driven poles or plastic ballasts are used.
For large installations and easily drillable land, elevated fixed structures are preferable to allow for animal grazing and cultivation.
In conclusion, choosing the appropriate mounting system is crucial for the efficiency, durability, and safety of a photovoltaic installation. It's essential to evaluate the specific characteristics of the installation site and select the most suitable solution accordingly.
