Solar Racks, Pole Mount

One of the fundamental considerations of a solar electric system is how and where to mount the array (an array is a group of solar panels, or modules).  The most important consideration is to choose a location that has a totally clear view of the sun's path in the sky, both summer and winter.  Even a small shadow across a solar panel will reduce its power output.  The solar array should face due SOUTH as much as possible.  This is especially important in far northern latitudes.  
The solar array's ability to get clear sun exposure often dictates what sort of mounting structure is used.  Putting a solar array in a shaded area will seriously reduce power output in every instance, so proper location always gets first consideration.   Even a small shadow across a solar panel will reduce its power output.

Photos of residential solar arrays most often show panels mounted on a roof, or attached to the home in some interesting manner, but usually there are some disadvantages.  Without going into too much detail, mounting a large array to a home often causes complications down the road.  There are issues of home maintenance including: roof leaks and roof replacement; repainting; servicing the panels; snow removal and seasonal adjustment (or lack of adjustment); building code compliance; remodeling projects; etc.

If you're willing to live with the issues involved with roof mounting, a properly oriented roof system will work fine in climates with little or no snowfall. Where significant snowfall is likely, a pole-top solar array gives better performance. The array can be adjusted in a more horizontal orientation in summer months, and then to a winter angle that is closer to vertical to better match the sun's lower arc. Happily, this "winter angle" orientation also tends to shed snow quite readily. Since snow is very reflective, even a thin coating of snow will reduce energy production to a mere trickle. Most folks use a common shop broom with an extension handle to clear any stubborn snow from the array.

General Specialties builds what might be the very best post mount in the solar industry.  I'm proud to offer this fine locally-made product.  Main structural pieces are heavy steel construction, with quality aluminum rails for mounting the solar panels.  Comes with instructions and stainless steel mounting hardware.  You are certain to be pleased with this quality product... one look and you know you are getting your money's worth.  One important thing to consider is that it is less expensive and labor intensive overall to install one large array instead of several smaller arrays.  General Specialties universal post mounts really shine in this respect.  The high-quality, heavy duty construction allows you to build a larger array in a single location, saving space, time, and money!  An integrated hand-winch adjustment system has been recently added as a standard feature of the larger UPM racks. This is something you'll really appreciate when it comes time to adjust a large, heavy solar array! As with all post mounts, you are required to supply the proper steel pipe which you buy locally.

DPW is a larger company in New Mexico that provides a wide product line. Their pole-top solar racks, like General Specialties are welded steel construction, with structural aluminum rails for the solar panels. They are also custom-built to fit your solar panels exactly. A number of useful options and upgrades are available to fit your installation needs. DPW also make s a large pole-top rack that will hold 15 typical 200-250 watt solar modules, so their product line is roughly similar to GS but no hand winch is available. DPW claims one-person tilt adjustment, but we haven't personally tested how well that works. DPW racks are substantially less expensive than their UPM counterparts.