News about Solar, Wind and alternative green power technologies

Using the proper solar panel mounting device is vital to how well your solar unit works. The quantity of power you produce is dependent on the amount of sunlight your PV panels can absorb and this is where your choice of mounts is important.

What it boils down to is if you want the most efficiency from your solar power system, it is crucial that you have the proper type of mounts.

A primary concern when you build or buy solar power mounts is their durability, the ideal is they must stand up to a few years of wear and tear and exposure to all types of weather conditions.

What Are Solar Mounting Devices Made Of?

There are generally four choices: aluminum, stainless steel, angle iron or wood. Depending on which variety you go with your budget and location will come into play. For instance, aluminum is a lightweight material and it is easy to work with and weld. Additionally, it is a hardscrabble material and it holds up well against corrosion. It can however be an expensive way to proceed.

Stainless steel is likely your most costly option and can d be difficult to work with. On the other hand it is extremely resilient capable of withstanding various climate conditions and inclement weather.

Angle iron is also simple to manipulate and one of the cheapest of the materials, though the downside is it will suffer from corrosion faster than the other types if conditions are sodden.

When it comes to the option of wood, it is the least expensive choice and it can be found everywhere. However, it responds poorly to inclement weather and adverse conditions so it must be treated and maintained to keep its stability or you need to replace it often.

What Does Wind Load Mean?

Based on how you position your solar panels, your mounting device will be under pressure thanks to the wind. This force is called wind load and it must be considered when you decide upon a material for your mount and how it is built.

You could speak with a contractor to determine the wind load. You should always err on the side of caution when it comes to this point. Think about the worst case scenario you might experience in your region and decide how to proceed from there.

Will A Tracker Be Necessary?

Just like it sounds, a tracker follows the sun and adapts the solar panel I the proper manner. What this does is make sure your solar panels are always capturing as much sunlight as possible. Should you determine a tracker is the way to go, you would do well to choose one that does not use too much juice of its own!

For instance, a single axis tracking unit might be capable of better efficiency. Furthermore, it is vital to that the tracker be properly attached and secure.

Where Do You Put The Mounts?

You are probably used to seeing solar panels installed on rooftops; understand though that this is not your only choice for mounting. In point of fact, when you install panels on your roof you risk causing leaks. Hence, it may be better to mount the panels near the ground or on a pedestal or pole. This will mean using more space but it could well be your best decision.

Before you rush to purchase your solar power panel mounting device, figure out where you want them placed, with the most direct sunlight, using the most suitable material for your needs.