Solar panel setup: the panels, racking and mounting

Once solar panels are set up on a property, they are relatively maintenance free. This is because the majority of solar panel systems have no moving parts; as long as they’re receiving sunlight and the products aren’t faulty, they will be a reliable source of electricity for 25 to 30 years.

Because of their ease of use, most people don’t think about the actual setup of a solar panel system. What parts are required? And how do they all connect to produce power for your property? Read on for the answer to these questions and more.
 

What’s in the setup of a solar panel system?

Here’s a quick intro to the most important components of a solar panel system, and how they’re set up on your home or business.
 

The array of solar panels

The most important piece of your solar panel system will be the array itself. You want your solar panels placed in a sunny spot on your property. The panels should be facing south for optimal energy production. Panels can also face east or west and produce a good amount of electricity, so long as the area is clear of shade.

When it comes to solar panels, you have multiple options regarding the type of panel (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film) and the manufacturer. The solar panel technology you choose should depend on the type of installation and your preference. For example, if you’re installing a ground mounted system then you probably have a good amount of land available. This means you have the space to install more standard efficiency panels and spend less upfront. If you’re installing on a roof with restricted amounts of space available for solar panels, then high-efficiency, monocrystalline panels can help produce more electricity to maximize your savings. Many solar shoppers will choose high-efficiency panels even if they don’t require them because they prefer to install fewer panels overall.
 

Racking and mounting equipment

Your solar array will be affixed to your property using racking and mounting systems.

Rooftop solar panel systems will have a fixed mount system, which will keep the panels stationary on your roof. All rooftop mounting systems serve the same functional purpose but can differ on how they’re installed. Most racking is standard “penetrating” rooftop racking, which means there will be holes drilled into your roof to fasten the mounting system. Installers will use sealants at the site of penetration to prevent roof leaks (and should provide a warranty for that as well). But, this type of roof mount may not be the best for your property depending on the material of your roof. If you have a metal, clay or Spanish tile roof, installers may recommend racking systems that do not require roof penetration (such as Quick Mount PV or Ecofasten).

With ground-mounted installations, there are also fixed mount systems. Some people may choose to use track mounts, or “trackers,” which will allow the panels in the solar array to follow the sun as it moves across the sky. The downsides of using trackers are that they tend to be expensive upfront and can require more maintenance over time. But, the benefit of installing them is that solar panels mounted on a tracking system will produce more electricity than if they were stationary.

If you want to move into the future and join the solar revolution, or if you want to find out what solar panels are right for you, go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. You can see how much a system will cost, and how much you can save over the next 20 years.

For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.