Solar Module Mounting
Solar modules have to be mounted in a stable and lasting manner to withstand adverse weather conditions such as wind, rain and hail.
Usually in a photovoltaic systems solar modules are linked together, composing a photovoltaic array. Only in small systems, that need to satisfy a low energy demand, a photovoltaic array consists of a single module.
Arrays can be mounted in different ways, for example:
- on a pole,
- a ground support,
- a wall of a building or
- a roof.
The decision for a certain mounting structure depends on the site and its access to unobstructed sunlight and the lenght of the wires to the batteries.
The least costly option are fixed mounting structures. These structures tilt the modules at a fixed angle determined by the latitude of the site, the requirements of the load (appliances which are powered by the PV power system) and the availability of sunlight.
Tracking structures are more expensive and require higher maintenance efforts. The trackers orient the modules towards the Sun, thus increasing their output.
For roof and ground mounting the most common structure consists of racks.
