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Solar Panel Racks and Mounts!

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. Need a combiner or breaker box for wiring your array?  Look HERE.

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.  Although many people DO successfully attach the array to their home, I favor other choices whenever they are available.  But if roof mounting structures are what you need, I have them!  Here is more information about choosing a solar mount.

In most cases, a pole mount is a good alternative.  See my project page for a good example (keep in mind that I'm installing a HUGE array).  A pole mount is a manageable project for most people and it allows easy installation, servicing, and adjustment of the panels.  With some planning, it is easy to allow for future expansion of the system.  If someday you (or a future property owner) decide that a solar system is no longer needed, it is fairly simple to remove (and sell) the array and mount, and cut off the pole at ground level.

A solar tracking mount is a type of pole mount that uses a mechanical device to actually move the array automatically through the day to follow the arc of the sun.  This gives more hours of direct sunlight exposure and more power generated in the course of a day.  It is important to note however, that trackers are less effective in northern latitudes during the winter months, when the most power is needed.  That's because the sun's path in the winter sky is fairly short, and a tracker doesn't help much.  Also, a tracker does not work reliably on overcast days when the sunlight is diffused by clouds.  There is often quite a bit of sun energy available on these days, but the tracker may fail to track properly and actually miss much of the sunlight potential.  Regions prone to hazy, overcast days will not benefit well from the use of a tracker.  Finally, consider that a mechanical device always includes the risk of failure and is more easily damaged by high winds.  So is there any reason to install a tracking mount?  Yes, in lower latitudes with clear skies!  Desert areas of the southwestern United States are prime places to reap the benefits of a tracking mount, because those regions see a higher sun angle in winter, a longer sun arc throughout the year, and generally clearer skies.

GENERAL SPECIALTIES

builds what might be the very best (and largest) 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!  As with all post mounts, you are required to supply the proper steel pipe which you buy locally.  The larger mounts require the thicker schedule 80 steel pipe.  Be sure to check out my Projects page for photos of my huge (large array in photo) UPM 18X installation!  Please note that these mounts can be custom drilled to fit other brands and sizes of solar modules for $100.  More information is HERE.

SolarWorld 165/175	Mitsubishi 125	Kyocera 65/85	Kyocera 135	Pipe Size	Item code	Price	Shipping cost
2	3	3	3	4", sch 40	UPM3X	$288	$45
3	4	4	4	4", sch 40	UPM4X	$440	$65
4	6	6	6	5", sch 40	UPM6X	$610	$125
6	8	8	8	6", sch 40	UPM8X	$850	$140
8	10	12	10	6", sch 40	UPM10X	$1075	call
10	NA	NA	NA	6", sch 40	UPM10XHD	$1365	call
NA	12	15	12	6", sch 40	UPM12X	$1185	call
12	15	NA	15	8", sch 80	UPM12XHD	$2100	call
15	18	NA	18	8", sch 80	UPM15X	$2270	call
18	21	NA	21	8", sch 80	UPM18X	$3115	call

Do you need a simple way to mount panels on your roof or RV?  General Specialties makes a simple and inexpensive solution.  Strong, aluminum rail mounts can be seasonally adjusted for use on roofs or south-facing walls, or mounted on the ground in snow-free locations.  Each mount set holds two panels in most cases (mounting rails are 68").  RV mounts connect to flat surfaces (such as the roof of an RV) but do not adjust.  Contact me for more information.

S-RAILS (adjustable) ..... $90 + $22 shipping
RV-RAILS (non-adjustable) ..... $70

IRONRIDGE

makes smaller racks for most applications.  Their lineup is vast- well beyond my ability to list everything here.  They are of good quality steel construction with aluminum rails for the solar panels. I use an Ironridge top-of-pole rack to hold two Kyocera 135-watt modules for my mobile demonstration system. Check out the photos and click on the links below the pictures for more information and prices.  I offer these mounts at 15% off the suggested retail price, so just multiply the listed price by .85 to get your cost.  Prices do not include shipping.

IronRidge pole mounts come in several styles:


IRONRIDGE POLE MOUNT SIZES & PRICES HERE          BROCHURE IS HERE


These are IronRidge ground mounts:

IRONRIDGE GROUND MOUNT SIZES & PRICES HERE     BROCHURE IS HERE


IronRidge roof mounting systems:

IRONRIDGE ROOF MOUNT SIZES & PRICES HERE     BROCHURE IS HERE

Zomeworks Universal Fixed Top-of-Pole Mounts

These sturdy racks are set on poles above ground, out of the way of grazing animals or other activity on the ground. Excellent for remote sites. All Zomeworks Top-of-Pole Mount Fixed Racks feature:

• Sturdy, wind-resistant construction
• Designed for 90 MPH wind loads
• Stout, welded steel gimbal and cross- bar assembly
• Heavy-duty welded steel with urethane enamel coating
• Mounts on Schedule 40 steel pipe
• Slotted, custom-formed aluminum channel accommodates any size PV module
• Easy, unlimited, seasonal adjustment

Zomeworks Universal Fixed Roof/Ground Mounts

These light-weight racks are most commonly installed on roofs. The telescoping back legs make them easy to adjust to face the sun on any slope, either roof or ground. All Zomeworks Roof/Gound Fixed Racks feature:

• Telescoping rear legs
• All aluminum construction
• Stainless steel hardware
• Non-corrosive materials
• Sturdy, lightweight design
• Seasonally adjustable from 0° to 60°
• Vertical and low profile configurations
• Slotted, custom-formed aluminum channel accommodates any size module

SIZE & PRICE CHART FOR ALL FIXED MODELS IS HERE
Your price is 20% off the suggested retail price.

Zomeworks Solar Tracking Pole Mounts

Incorporating over two decades of experience with tracker design and more than three decades of innovation of new products, Zomeworks has introduced the F-Series Track Rack™ Passive Solar Tracker to our line of UTR Universal Trackers. This tracker is our most popular design. It features an integral early morning rapid return system, is shipped partially assembled, is easy to install, and is module specific.

Simplicity and Elegance
The sun's heat moves liquid from side to side, allowing gravity to turn the Track Rack™ and follow the sun – no motors, no gears and no controls to fail.

• UTRK 040 accommodates up to 2 shock absorbers and early morning wake-up fin for fast response. Lighter and easier to install. Ships via UPS.

• UTRF 168 comes standard with four shock absorbers for improved stability (equivalent to a high wind kit)

• UTRF 168 - Large Early Morning Wake-Up Fin – Additional 3 feet of wake-up fin to speed up morning rapid return. Standard on all UTRF-168 trackers.

• F-series Track Racks - ZW-2003 Shock Absorber – Exclusively from Zomeworks. Now standard on all F-series Track Racks.

• UTR-Series and TRPM Series - ZW2006 Shock Absorber-Replacement shock absorber for  trackers.

• Both module specific and J-Clip designs available
• F-Series Track Racks™ ship partially assembled for easy installation

Standard on all models

• Stainless Steel and Zinc Plated Hardware

• 10-Year Standard Warranty

• Extended Warranty Available on shocks and bearings (Standard warranty on shocks and bearings is 2 years)

• Six Standard Universal Track Racks™ fit all common photovoltaic modules

SIZE & PRICE CHART FOR ALL TRACKING MODELS IS HERE
Your price is 20% off the suggested retail price.

UniRac

manufactures a huge line of module mounts to fit nearly any need, and you can buy them at Voodoo Solar for 15% off the suggested retail pricing.

SIZE & PRICE CHART FOR UNIRAC MODELS IS HERE

































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