CHOOSING THE RIGHT MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR YOUR SOLAR PV
The answer is, it depends on many factors, including but not limited to: space available, cost to install, DNO permissions, roof type, roof structure strength and for ground mounted systems, topography of the soil.
Choosing to install commercial solar panels and embrace renewable energy to run your business is a big decision. No matter what industry you work in, whether you are a farmer, medical manufacturer or running a warehouse, your business is likely to heavily rely on its energy supply. So, you need to make sure that you choose a mounting system that will meet your specific needs. However, with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right mounting system for your commercial solar panels?
Here is a quick summary of some of the pros and cons of each mounting system type:
- On-roof: Directly fitted to the outside of a building, can be easily retrofitted to most types of roof whilst making use of otherwise un-utilised space. The roof acting as a base for the panels decreases installation costs.
- In-roof: Similar to on-roof, but integrated with the structure. Becomes flush with the rest of the roof, offering cleaner aesthetics but mildly reduces efficiency of the panels due to decreased ventilation.
- Ground Mounted: Allows optimal energy production as location, angle and orientation can be optimised. This is in addition to easier maintenance by being at ground-level and increased efficiency as there is nothing behind the panels to block airflow. The land underneath a ground array can still be used to grow certain crops or to provide shade for livestock.
It is worth noting that each mounting type has a number of sub-types which change with the surface they are being mounted on.
At Excel Energy, we have over 30 years of experience in the solar industry and have gained a wealth of invaluable knowledge during this time. This gives us the expertise to explain some of your options and when they might be suitable.
Continue reading this blog for more information on which system would best suit your business.
On-Roof Mounting
On-roof solar panels are the most popular type of system and are the panels that spring to mind when you think of solar panels. These can be fitted to all pitched roof styles. From tiled roof, corrugated steel roofing, to trapezoidal roof and fibre cement roof sheets.
As the name suggests, they are fitted directly to the roof of a building. During the installation of these systems, metal hooks are screwed into the rafters of the roof, vertical rails run across the hooks and the solar PV panels are clamped on.
In some cases, tiles may need to be removed for installers to be able to fit hooks.
These solar panels are chosen for a number of reasons. The first is the space they take up. As the entire system is installed on the roof, they don’t intrude on areas of business or land.
Instead, they utilise space that is otherwise not being used. This is particularly advantageous for urban businesses, or those located in densely populated areas.
Additionally, as the panels are higher, there is minimised shading and obstruction from the surrounding area, such as other buildings or trees.
Finally, the higher placement of the system means they are less susceptible to vandalism or theft of parts, meaning they are more secure than alternative options.
In-Roof Solar Panels
In-roof solar panels are similar to on-roof solar panels because they are placed on the roof. However, they differ slightly as they are integrated with the roofing system. This means they are flush with the rest of the roof.
As they are integrated with the roof, these are only an option for new buildings or for those who are replacing their roof and considering installing solar panels as part of this project.
In-roof solar panels offer a cleaner aesthetic because they don’t stand out from the roof but are part of the roof. They offer all of the benefits of on-roof panels. However, their integration with the roof reduces ventilation, reducing their efficiency slightly.
Ground Mounted
For businesses with access to a large plot of land or roofs that aren’t suitable for solar panel installation, you should consider ground-mounted PV panels.
These panels use structures that sit on the ground to tilt them towards the sun at a set angle. The most commonly used is a metal frame that is then set in a concrete base or pile driven into the ground to keep it steady.
Often, you will find that you have a larger floor space than roof space, meaning that there is the opportunity to install more panels and produce more energy. This means that a ground-mounted system is likely to have higher performance than a roof system. However, there are drawbacks because the panels are likely to be blacked by shadows and obstructions throughout the day, meaning their timeframe for absorbing sunlight might be reduced.
What To Consider When Choosing A Solar Panel MOUNTING SYSTEM
Considering what mounting system you will use is a vital part of the process of installing a solar system. When making this decision, there are a number of factors that need to be considered.
As you will have realised from this article, the first thing you will need to think about is the style of roof your commercial building has. The style of your roof will determine your options for mounting. A flat roof will likely need a system that will tilt the panels up slightly, whereas a pitched roof won’t as the slant of the roof will provide that.
The next consideration that needs to be made is your budget. You will need to have an idea of how much you are willing to spend on this investment as this will also narrow down your options.
Thirdly, you will need to know how much energy your business needs in order to operate. This will determine how many panels will be needed and what other additions you might need in your system, such as energy storage features.
Speak To Our Experts
Once you have decided to invest in a commercial solar panel system, we recommend getting in touch with our experts.
The team at Excel Energy will get to know you, your business and your energy needs in order to design a bespoke solar panel system. We will complete a site survey to determine the best mounting structure for your building and further discuss your needs.
We won’t charge anything for the initial consultations and site visits, and only when you are happy to proceed with our proposed solutions will we take a percentage of the quote.
We are proud to design and install fully bespoke systems, so you can be confident that you are getting a system that will produce the energy you need and perform as efficiently as possible.
Our services go beyond the initial installation as we will walk through how to use your system with those who need to know, complete any paperwork and arrange final inspections and checks with local councils and regulatory bodies.
Additionally, you can rely on us to monitor and maintain your system once installed. We will conduct regular checks on the panels and storage systems, as well as the mounting to ensure everything works as efficiently as possible and to repair any issues before they cause further problems.
Our accredited experts will be able to advise you so that you can choose the right solar panels for your business.
Contact our specialists today by calling 0203 834 9440 or completing our contact form.