With solar energy dominating the landscape of renewable sources, every effort should be made to increase its efficiency and longevity. One of the most undervalued but highly critical structures relating to maximizing the solar panel’s performance is the solar module mounting structure. Properly installed and well-maintained structures ensure that solar modules are securely in place, correctly angled, and set up for maximum sunlight exposure – an all-important step for good energy production.
This blog will consider different types of solar module mounting structures their benefits and uses in various solar projects.
1. What are Solar Module Mounting Structures?
Mounting structures for solar modules are the frames supporting and securing solar panels. This gives them stability, durability, and optimal angle exposure to the sun. These mounting structures must withstand many environmental conditions, such as wind, rain, and seismic activities. Mounting of the solar panels is elevated to maximum sunlight exposure and hazards that could damage them.
2. Types of Solar Module Mounting Structures
Solar module mounting structures come in diverse types, depending on different surfaces, angles, and environmental conditions. Among them, some of the most common types include:
a. Ground-Mounted Structures
Ground-mounted structures are installed directly onto the ground and are best suited for open areas with enough space. They are often used for large-scale solar farms and are very flexible about the kind of tilt and orientation required. The ground-mounted systems include:
•Fixed tilt mounts: Such installations are set at one angle and do not move; therefore, they can be mounted relatively quickly, and maintenance will also be minimal. They are ideal for sun-rich areas with constant, unfading sunlight during the day.
•Adjustable tilt ground mount: In these designs, the tilt angle may be manually adjusted to ensure optimal sunlight exposure every season.
•Single-Axis and Dual-Axis Trackers: These high-tech mounting structures track the sun’s motion through the sky, raising output. Single-axis trackers follow east-west paths as the sun moves, while dual-axis trackers can follow both horizontally and vertically to optimize the efficiency of solar panels.
b. Roof-Mounted Structures
Highly used in residential and commercial installations, roof-mounted solar structures exploit all the available roof space. Economical and practical roof-mounted structures to maximize unused roof space come in the following types:
• Flat roof mounts: Most of the flat rooftops use this kind of structure. Usually, it involves including a tilt mechanism that allows for setting the panels at an optimal angle.
• Sloped Roof Mounts: Mounts are attached directly to sloped roofs along the slope. They can be more challenging to install but are well suited to house installations.
c. Canopy or Carport Mounts
These are mounts that are mounted above the parking lots or open areas in commercial places. They offer shade besides generating electricity, making these structures fit best for commercial facilities. The canopy structures give two in one, protecting vehicles and other assets due to weather conditions and generating solar power.
d. Floating Solar Structures
Another form of mounting structure is floating solar, or photovoltaics, which are meant to represent the assembly of solar arrays floating on structures above bodies of water like reservoirs or lakes. Although rare, this type of mounting structure is now gaining traction in areas with limited land. Floating solar structures also maximize the efficiencies of the photovoltaic panels due to their cooler temperatures over water.
3. Advantages of Solar Module Mounting Structures
Mounting structures can be significant for the performance and lifespan of a solar installation. The advantages include:
a. Improved Energy Efficiency
Mounting structures are placed to hold the solar panels at the right angle for maximum sunlight receipt. For instance, ground mounting and tracker structures will improve the energy yield by many folds as the panels can receive as much sunshine as possible throughout the day.
b. Durability and Lifespan
High-quality mounting structures should be strong enough to withstand extreme environmental conditions like heavy winds and temperature fluctuations. Solid support protects the solar panels against damage, meaning that the panels will last longer.
c. Space Optimization
Roof-mounted and carport-mounting structures use available buildings or vacant spaces effectively by providing some avenues where there is a lack of space for using additional land. This adaptability makes them a go-to choice for urban and residential settings.
d. Maintenance and Accessibility
The mounting structures can be designed to facilitate maintenance. For example, ground-mount systems are more accessible for cleaning and repair than roof-mount systems. Some elevated systems, such as canopies, allow access underneath the solar modules.
4. Applications of Solar Module Mounting Structures
The mounting structures of solar modules are multifunctional and thus suitable for various applications. These include small residential projects as well as large industrial solar farms.
a. Residential Solar Projects
The most in demand for houses are rooftop and ground-mount structures. Sloped roofs are best for single-family residences with sloping roofs, and flat roof mounts are dominant for multi-story residential buildings.
b. Commercial and Industrial Solar Installations
Solar carports, flat rooftops, and canopy mounts are commonly used in commercial locations. For instance, a solar carport shelters parking spaces but also generates electricity through photovoltaic cells, which can be perfectly applied to office buildings, shopping centres, and industrial complexes.
c. Agricultural Applications
Agricultural lands benefit significantly from ground-mounted structures, particularly dual-purpose mounts that interact with crop cultivation for power generation- a practice known as agrivoltaics. This application allows farmers to generate electricity while crops grow beneath the shade of solar panels, usually experiencing reduced water evaporation and lower temperatures.
d. Water Reservoirs and Lakes
Floating solar module mounting structures can be installed where land is scarce but a water body exists. This innovative approach has been popularly adopted in countries like Japan, where reservoirs support solar panel systems that help reduce evaporation and algae growth within the water.
e. Utility-Scale Solar Farms
Ground-mounted structures are an essential part of utility-scale solar farms as they offer mounting for single- and dual-axis trackers, providing energy yields during large-scale solar power generation.
Conclusion
The proper selection of solar module mounting structure or super structures is an essential step for any project that considers issues ranging from efficiency in energy generation to maintenance requirements. This allows solar installers and consumers to choose mounting structures with their applications in mind, such as ground-mounted, roof-mounted, and floating systems. With technological advancements on the horizon, innovative superstructures and intelligent, sustainable designs promise to expand possibilities for the deployment of solar energy, making renewable energy more accessible and efficient than ever.
