As most of you know ground-mounted arrays, as their name suggests, are solar arrays that are anchored in the ground. Usually, the arrays are supported by galvanized steel and/or aluminum structures. The support structures are anchored to the earth using foundations consisting of driven piles, helical piles, ground screws, concrete footings, concrete ballast, or a mixture of these components. The type of foundation used is based mainly on soil properties as well as the geometry of the foundation. For example, if the soil is free of large rocks or debris a driven pile foundation is typically used. More information on when to use which foundation can be found here.

Traditionally, ground mount racking is used for large commercial projects. This is due to the fact that ground mount systems are more costly to install than traditional roofing solutions. This is due to the cost of equipment used, the fact that more equipment must be used, and a more expensive permitting process. Therefore, it makes more sense for contractors to only install these systems when the project is on a larger scale than a traditional residential system. But, ground mounts do have certain advantages for property owners over traditional roof racking systems. For one, they are much easier to access and clean – this is especially helpful if you are working in drier climates where sand or other materials can end up on panels, diminishing their efficiency. Ground systems can also be more productive. Because ground mounts can be positioned anywhere and aren’t confined to the dimensions of the roof of a project, they can also be installed at the ideal location that will maximize output. Typically, in the US, this ideal location is with the solar array facing south. Secondly, if there is not enough available open roof space or the space isn’t usable while there is accessible open ground space, ground mounts become a perfect option. Now that we’ve reviewed some of the costs and benefits of installing a ground-mounted array, let’s look at what products are available today.

often-overlooked consideration is the style and cost of mounts. Most of the "standard" solar kits offered for retail come with what is called a "Flat" mount. These are very inexpensive mounts that bolt directly to the backside of the panel frame and hold the panel flat against the roof.

This type of mount is fine if you have a flat roof and never plan to take advantage of the increased output gained from tilting the panels towards the sun during the winter. However, if your roof is rounded, you will come to despise this type of mount because it just won't work very well for you. You'll have to improvise or buy some other, more expensive mounts.

Also, when it comes time to add another panel, troubleshoot the wiring, or simply to clean the roof, you will be forced to completely remove the panel and mount from your roof in order to access the wire and junction box which are located on the back of the panel. This takes a lot of unnecessary labor, which will cost you money if you are paying someone else to do it; or, time and frustration if you do it yourself. Plus, every time you remove and re-insert a screw, it has a little less holding power and may eventually cause a leak.

If you want to have the option of tilting your panels (for better winter production), you will have to give up the flat mounts and opt for a set of tilt mounts. Most of these mounts are still intended for flat roofs and will require custom modification if your roof is rounded.

Adjustable Mount allows you to optimize solar charging by enabling you to adjust your solar panel to maximize exposure to the sun. Tilting the panel can increase performance by up to 40% during winter time camping.

Are your solar panels mounted in a fixed position? Are you currently installing solar panels and want to get the most power output from them?

If so, then you should considered installing an adjustable solar panel mount, so you can change the solar panel angle throughout the year, or even throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky.

The typical selections in average households are roof-mounted systems, which provide security to the system, fewer shading obstacles, roof protection and are generally more economical than ground mounted systems.

As a rule of thumb, when considering the design of a solar roof-mounted system the designer must be able to ensure that the roof remains waterproof, is fire resistance, structurally strong and also meets electrical safety requirements. There is more than just electrical norms involved.

Among these type of mounting structures, you may also opt for one of several choices, so let’s take a look at them.

The flat roof configuration offers stability and maneuverability in the selection of orientation and tilt, although it is generally the considered option for commercial roof mounted, it is also possible to implement it in the residential sector if the roof is flat.

This type of system involves the design of a ballasted concrete structure (just like in-ground mount) that enables the modules to be placed at a specific tilt.

Solar panels can be fastened to the concrete base, saving costs of metal materials for the mounting structure.

If the system has a solar tracking design, then the base for the aluminum structure is fixed to the concrete while at the same time providing mobility for the solar panels.

Rail-Less Mounting System

Rail free solar mounting system is the trend. Consists of a set of rail bracket, EPDM rubber and screws which are directly used to fasten the solar panels to the sloped roof without the use of rails.

#SURF series rail-less solution by Solaracks is the most economical option among sloped roof options, as it saves costs in materials for the racking system and at the same time offers maneuverability, because the solar panels can be placed either in landscape or portrait position without affecting the entire system (as long as tilt and orientation are the same).

This allows the advantage of using more space than with the case of railed systems which require long distances to place a string of panels. Also compact design saves lots of tranportation cost as no need long piece rail.

Railed Mounting System

This is the typical roof installation nowadays. Solar panels are attached to a single straight line of rails which are fastened to the rooftop through a set of roof-mounted assemblies, bolts and screws. In #LINK system by Solaracks, special ARC design increase section properties. Roof attachments inlcude L foot, tile hook, hanger bolt etc.