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Roof Mounts for Solar Panels

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A solar panel roof mount (also called a solar racking mount or solar system mount) will hold your solar panels and system in place. The mounting system is a crucial component because it is responsible for securing and stabilizing the solar panels on your roof without compromising the roof’s stability or water tightness.

You want to be completely confident that you have selected a mounting system that can stand up to harsh weather and other factors. Your roof mount is one of the most important ways to protect your investment in solar energy.

The Rundown on Solar Racking: Everything You Need to Know

Solar racking is an essential part of any solar energy system. It is the system that holds the solar panels in place on your roof and ensures they are secure and stable. If you’re considering installing a solar energy system for your home, it’s important to understand the basics of solar racking and how it works. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with an overview of what solar racking is and the different types of solar racking systems available. We’ll also discuss how to choose the best system for your needs.

What is Solar Racking?

Solar racking, also known as PV racking, is the process of mounting solar panels to a structure. This can be a roof, a ground-mounted system or even a pole mount. Solar racking involves choosing and installing the components and systems needed to support and secure your solar array. The type of racking system you need will vary depending on the size and design of your solar array and the installation location. Solar racking systems are designed to withstand different environmental conditions, including wind, rain and snow. They must also provide an adequate amount of support and stability to ensure your solar array remains in place.

Types of Solar Racking:

  • Roof Mounting
  • Ground Mounting
  • Side of Pole Mounting
  • Top of Pole Mounting

When it comes to solar racking systems, there are several different types available depending on your needs. The two most popular types of racking for photovoltaic (PV) systems are ground and roof mounts. Ground mounts are typically used in large-scale solar projects and can be used with tilt angles that range from 0 to 40 degrees. The angle is important as it will determine the amount of sunlight your solar panels will receive over the course of a year. Additionally, ground mounts provide a solid foundation for your solar system since they are not connected to a roof structure. This makes them better suited for areas with high wind speeds or seismic activity.
 
Roof mounts are the most common type of PV racking and can be mounted directly onto your roof or onto an independent racking structure. Depending on the roof type and size, different mounting systems may need to be used, such as clamping, ballasting, and rail systems. In addition, roof mount systems can also be adjusted to accommodate different roof pitches and tilt angles, which helps maximize the performance of your solar system.


Which Solar Panel Roof Mount Solutions are Best?

altE offers the following high quality solar panel mounting and racking solutions from top brands:

IronRidge Roof Mounting System

IronRidge is well known for its XR Rails, which are used for their roof mounting systems and ground mounting systems as well. IronRidge offers an easy-to-use Design Assistant tool to help you list out which parts you need for your racking system.

For their roof mounting system, you will need to:

1) Choose your XR Rail:



XR10 Rail XR Rail Thumbnail Image
Select Clear: 14', 17'
  • Low-profile rail- no snow areas
  • Up to 6' spanning capability
  • Light/Moderate load capability
XR100 Rail XR Rail Thumnail Image
Select Clear: 11', 14', 17'
Select Black: 11', 14', 17'
  • Std. residential mounting rail
  • Up to 8' spanning capability
  • Heavy load capability
XR1000 Rail XR Rail Thumbnail Image
Select Clear: 11', 14', 17'
  • Heavyweight mounting rail
  • Up to 12' spanning capability
  • Extreme load capability


Need Splices? Splice Kit Thumbnail Image
Select: XR10, XR100, XR1000
  • Use internal splices for a seamless, bonded connection that extends rail length
And Endcaps? Endcaps Thumbnail Image
Select: XR10, XR100, XR1000
  • Endcaps provide a finished look to rails, while protecting the collection of water and debris inside the rail


2) Choose the appropriate Clamps & Grounding:



Midclamps Midclamp Thumbnail Image
Select: Clear, Black
  • Universal Fastening Object UFO
  • Bonds the modules to the rails
Endclamps Endclamp Thumbnail Image
Shop: Stopper Sleeves or CAMO
  • Stoppers snap onto a UFO
  • Turns into a bonded endclamp
  • Sized to module frame width
  • NEW- CAMO Universal Endclamp fits all modules

Grounding Grounding Thumbnail Image
Shop: Lugs and Straps
  • Only one grounding lug per row
  • Microinverter bonding kit
  • Grounding strap for rows over 50ft


3) Lastly, don't forget your Attachments:




Flashing FlashFoot Thumbnail Image
Select: Mill, Black
  • FlashVue - superior waterproofing
  • Conduit Mount for flashing conduit, strut, or junction boxes
  • Bonding hardware sold separately

Slotted L-Feet L Foot Thumbnail Image
Select: Mill, Black
  • Drop-in design for rapid and secure rail attachment
  • Bonding hardware sold separately
Tilt Mounts Standoff Thumbnail Image
Shop: Tilt Leg Kits
  • Tilt Mounts for flat roofs


Tamarack Flush Roof Mount System Kits

Tamarack Solar offers economical and robust mounting kits that are UPS-able. They also produce ground mounts, top-of-pole mounts, and side-of-pole mounts. Their roof mount kits consist of:

  • All the parts needed for a 4- or 8-panel roof mount installation - all in one UPS-able kit
  • Easy wire management where all system wiring fits inside the rails
  • Universal clamps that fit a variety of solar panel frame thicknesses, from 30mm to 40mm
  • Different kit versions for light to heavy snow/wind loads


Solar Stack Adhesive Roof Mount System

Check out the rail-less and roof penetration-free flush and tilt mount option from Solar Stack that uses a polyurethane foam that adheres to both a huge variety of roof types and the strictest building codes in North America. This mounting system is ideal in wet climates and is rated to withstand conditions even in High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZs) such as South Florida and Puerto Rico.

  • No roof penetrations
  • No rails needed - panels attach directly to mounts
  • No mechanical attachments or ballast systems needed
  • Simply prime, spray foam, and place mounts
  • Use 12" mounts in coastal areas and other wind zones
Subcategories
Product Name  Price
  QuickMount  QM QuickHook Standard Height Hook     QuickMount QM QuickHook Standard Height Hook   QuickMount QMHSS-NF-A-12 QUIQMHSS-NF-A-1 QuickMount QM QuickHook Standard Height Hook $14.70


More Info on Roof Mounts for Solar Panels

A roof mounting system may require the following items:

  • Rails - to provide a platform for mounting the modules
  • Splices - to connect rails as needed
  • Mid clamps - to be located between each module
  • End clamps - to secure the end of last module
  • L-feet or standoff - to secure the rail to the roof
  • Flashing - to prevent water leakage
  • Grounding lugs - to run the grounding wire

What Are Solar Panel Mounting Rails?

Solar Panel Mounting Rails are a metal rail that protect solar panels against buckling while safely and efficiently transferring loads from the ground up into the structure. Solar panels experience countless extreme weather conditions throughout their lifetimes. High winds capable of tearing off roofs and snow falls heavy enough to bend metal frames are two weather examples your solar panels may have to deal with.

Their superior spanning capability means they require fewer roof attachments, which reduces the number of roof penetra­tions and the amount of installation time.

Why You Need Clamps & Grounding

Clamps - The module clamps connect the roof attachments to the mounting rail. There are several different types of clamps for each angle and corner on the solar panels.

  • For mid clamps - the number of mid clamps required is equal to one fewer than the number of modules on each row.
  • For end clamps - four are required for each row as end clamps are going to be attached to both ends of each of the two rails.

Grounding - It's extremely important to ground your solar panels and your equipment when you're installing a solar power system. If you experience a lot of lightning storms in your area, grounding your solar system could help prevent damage to your system. Furthermore, the NEC requires that all equipment be electrically bonded and connected to the grounding system to ensure the safety of anyone that might come in contact with a dangerous fault current.

Finding The Right Mounts for Your Solar Panel Installation

Still unsure about which mounting option is right for your project? At altE, our team is always happy to help – and with our extensive expertise, we can recommend options for even the most complex or unusual of setups. Call us today for a free quote for roof mounts for your solar system at 877-878-4060.

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