When properly designed and installed, rooftop solar power systems are extremely reliable. But that requires several aspects to be considered in a good way. Solar mounting systems consist of a number of field-assembled parts and have to be integrated with existing roofing materials, as well as the underlying structural components of a house.
Anatomy of Solar Panel Mounting Systems
A. Solar panels (also referred to as modules) convert sunlight to DC power. Solar
cells are laminated behind tempered glass for durability and encased in a sturdy
aluminum frame. These frames are designed so that panels, when properly
mounted, can withstand the expected wind and snow loads that occur in a
particular location.
B. Mounting clamps are generally aluminum brackets with stainless steel bolts that
hold the solar panels securely against the underlying racking. Some mounting
clamps also provide an electrical grounding path between the panel and
underlying racking. Antaisolar provides the grounding clamp with a sharp point to penetrating the surface thus making it achieving electrical grounding.
C. Racking (often using a parallel metal rail structure) provides a level framework on
the roof to which the solar panels are mounted. For cost and durability reasons, racking is typically fabricated from extruded aluminum. Antaisolar 's racking mostly uses anodized aluminum 6005 T6 and have different type to meet different requirements.
D. Mounts (also referred to as L-feet,you can click here (metal roof mounting system) read more about L-feet, standoffs or hangerbolt ) standoffs or hangerbolt ) attach the racking
securely to the roof surface. Mounts vary depending on roof type and material;
mounts are available for most common roof types including composition shingle,
shake, slate, metal shingle, clay or concrete tile, low-slope (flat), and corrugated
or standing seam metal. Mounts are generally available so that panels can be
installed at different heights off of the roof, generally from about 1.5” to 12”
(shorter mounts may provide better aesthetics but restrict air flow underneath the
panels). Depending on the layout of the array, type of roof, wind load and size of
racking, there may be one or two mounts for each panel. For example, a 20-
panel array (about 5 kW) will typically require 25 to 40 mounts. Mounts are
attached to the racking above with stainless steel bolts and the rafters below the
roof surface with lag bolts.
E. Flashings provide a water-resistant seal between the mounts and roof surface.
The basic function of a flashing is to redirect any water that leaks through or
around the mount or fastener to a sheet of durable metal, thereby preventing the
water from leaking through to the underlying roof decking.
F. Direct current (DC) wiring (for string inverters) uses positive and negative wires
from each panel connected to the wires on adjacent panels. A “home run” wire is
connected from the last panel in the string to complete the circuit. All wires must
be secured to the racking or panels so that they do not hang down or rest on the
roof surface.
G. Alternating current (AC) wiring (for microinverters and AC modules) uses AC
cables (trunk cables or daisy chain cables) connecting each microinverter to
adjacent microinverters. Cables must be secured to the racking or panels so that
they do not hang down or rest on the roof surface.
H. Microinverters (for AC systems only) on some rooftop systems mount to the back
of or underneath each panel to convert from DC current directly from the panel to
household AC current.
I. Grounding components minimize electrical shock hazards. Every conductive
metal component in an array that is likely to be energized in the event of an
accidental fault must be securely grounded. Generally, small accessories such
as mounts, flashings and clips do not need to be separately grounded.
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