Solar PV (photovoltaic) systems are a popular way to generate clean, renewable energy from the sun. However, to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of a solar system, a reliable and robust mounting system is needed. The mounting system holds the solar panels in place and positions them at the correct angle to capture the maximum amount of sunlight. When choosing a solar PV mounting system, there are several factors to consider. Here are the top 5:

Type of surface: The type of surface the solar panels will be installed on will impact the choice of mounting system. For example, if the solar panels will be installed on a flat roof, a ballasted mounting system may be a good option. Ballasted systems use weights to keep the mounting structure in place, rather than penetrating the roof with bolts or screws. If the solar panels will be installed on the ground, a pile-driven system may be more appropriate, as it can be easily driven into the soil.

Load-bearing capacity: The mounting system needs to be able to support the weight of the solar panels, as well as any additional load, such as snow or wind. The load-bearing capacity of the mounting system should be able to withstand the most extreme weather conditions in the installation area. For example, if the area is prone to heavy snow, the mounting system should be designed to withstand the weight of the snow.

Orientation and tilt: The orientation and tilt of the solar panels are important factors to consider, as they impact the amount of sunlight the panels receive. In the Northern Hemisphere, solar panels should face south to receive the most sunlight, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they should face north. The tilt angle of the panels should also be adjusted based on the latitude of the installation site to ensure the panels receive optimal sunlight throughout the year.

Materials: The materials used to construct the mounting system should be durable, weather-resistant, and able to withstand the weight of the solar panels. Common materials used in solar mounting systems include aluminum, steel, and concrete. The materials should be selected based on the specific needs of the installation site, such as the local climate and weather conditions.

Installation and maintenance: The installation and maintenance of the solar PV mounting system should be done by qualified professionals. The installation process involves securing the mounting system to the roof or ground, connecting the panels to the mounting system, and wiring the system to the inverter and electrical grid. Proper maintenance is also important to ensure the longevity of the system and the safety of the people and property around it. The maintenance should include regular inspections of the mounting system and solar panels, as well as cleaning and repairs as needed.

In conclusion, choosing the right solar PV mounting system is crucial to the performance and longevity of a solar system. The type of surface, load-bearing capacity, orientation and tilt, materials, and installation and maintenance are all important factors to consider when choosing a mounting system. By taking the time to consider these factors and working with qualified professionals, a solar PV system can be installed safely and efficiently, providing clean and renewable energy for years to come.

Across the United States, more and more people are starting to invest in solar power systems. They are outfitting their roofs with solar panels — and why not? Solar power technology has seen incredible advancements in recent years, many of which have helped to lower the cost of the equipment involved.  Installing solar panels on your roof is also a wonderful way to generate electricity for your home and business, as well as the grid, without increasing your impact on the environment.

However, there are many things that you need to consider before you jump in and start the installation process.

To help you decide whether or not solar power is the right option for you, your home, or your business, we’ve put together a list of the top 7 things you need to take into consideration before you install those rooftop solar panels.

1. Does your roof need repairs?

Before you even consider installing solar panels, ask yourself, how old is my roof? If you know that you will need a new roof soon, or that a part of your roof is damaged, it probably isn’t the best idea to install solar panels. If you can, take care of any roof repairs before the installation. That way, you won’t need to pay extra to dismantle the work and then put it up again (in some cases for at least 20 years).

Another aspect to consider is the warranty on your roof compared to the warranty on the solar panels. If you have solar panels that will last for 20 years and a roof that will only last between 10 – 15, it increases the cost of maintenance. Try to match both projects in terms of how long they will last in order to reduce the amount of effort, time and money you will need to invest.

2. What is the shape of your roof?

Roofs come in many different shapes and sizes. Before you go ahead with any installation, make sure that your roof has enough space for the solar panels. If there isn’t enough room, you likely will not get the return you expect on your investment.

3. Which direction do the slopes of your roof face?

Solar panels require specific placement in order to generate the maximum amount of power. Most professionals say that the best placement is to have the panels face south while others say west. Regardless, this information is important for you to determine before the installation starts.

4. How much weight can your roof handle?

Installing solar panels will increase the weight on the structure of your roof. If the weight of these solar panels is too much for your roof to handle, there is a potential that it will collapse. This is very dangerous for many reasons, not to mention costly. To avoid both situations, it is critical to have a professional evaluate your roof to determine if additional support is required to complete the installation.

5. Where will the water go?

When it rains, water runs down the roof, into the gutters and out and away from your home. When installing solar panels, equipment like racking and wire harnesses can prevent the water from flowing and draining properly. In some cases, solar equipment can move the water in a different direction, which can create leaks and other problems. These problems will need repair, which means the solar panels will need to be removed.

To avoid all of these issues, make sure that you inform your contractor of these concerns. They will be able to present a plan to you to prove that the installation will not impact the water runoff in any way.

6. What about nature’s other surprises?

Part of maintaining your solar power system is dealing with severe weather like lightning storms, hurricanes, hail, and more. There is a potential for some solar power equipment to get damaged during these events. While some insurance will cover these types of events, it is something to consider, especially if you live in an area where this type of weather occurs often.

7. How do you connect to the grid?

In addition to the structure and shape of your roof, you also need to consider how you are going to connect your solar power system to the grid. When connecting with a local utility, there are many things that you need to determine.

Examples include:

How long will it take to get hooked up?

Do you need to pay any fees?

How will you be credited for the generated electricity?

When will you be credited for your generated electricity?

We are specializing in researching & developing, manufacturing, and marketing of solar PV mounting systems, including Roof Mounting Solutions, Ground Mounting (both for Aluminum and Steel) Solutions, Solar Waterproof Carport and all mounting accessories. Welcome to inquire ~

A high quality solar mounting system design takes advantage of all the environmental factors in order to maximize energy output for the project owner’s energy usage requirements. The advantages of choosing the right solar mountings are:

Efficiency of the Solar System

The life of a solar PV system may be seriously affected by galvanic corrosion. Atmospheric conditions such as moisture and chlorides can cause serious structural failures in racking and mounting components. A solar panel efficiency is referred to as the fraction of sunlight energy that is converted into electricity. This has a direct bearing on what kind of mountings you use for your solar modules. The installer has to be careful in choosing the right material for solar mounting structures which is an important in lowering the total cost of ownership over the project term of 25 years.

Average Production / Yield

Photovoltaic mounting structure design is an important part of PV power plant design and its design principles. The conversion efficiency of a solar panel is directly related to the amount of direct solar irradiance that strikes the surface of a solar cell or panel. Apart from the effect of atmospheric attenuations, solar power absorption is also affected by the earth’s distance from the sun and the earth tilt angle with respect to the sun.

The durability of the System

Assessing solar mounting’s durability is critical as the equipment is expected to be exposed to extreme environmental conditions. When choosing the correct solar mountings, the following questions should be taken into consideration:

Will it be located near the corrosive sea air of a coastal area?

Can it handle the extreme heat of a desert?

Can it sustain the wind loading of that particular location?

Even if the environmental exposure is minimal, durability is still important due to the stresses imposed on the system over time.

Ease of Installation & Maintenance

A good mounting system should be modular in design to reduce installation time and cost. A pre-assembled mounting structure also decreases the risk of accidents to installers when they are operating on rooftops, carports. In such cases, they spend comparatively less time during installation and need fewer tools, so their exposure to the risk of injury and liability is reduced. 

Figuring out if solar panels are right for your home can be daunting. If you’re looking to install solar panels, you’ll come across a wide range of information listing out the good that solar has to offer.

Advantages of solar energy

1. Reduces your electricity bills

The biggest benefit for solar buyers is that solar panels can reduce your electric bills. As of 2024, the average household can save about $1,500 per year on electric bills when they install solar panels!

Solar power systems save money by reducing how much energy you need to buy from the grid. In areas with net metering policies, you can earn credits by sending excess energy back to the grid, saving you even more money.

2. Insurance against rising power prices

Electricity prices are high and only keep getting more expensive. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average cost of electricity is about $0.16 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) - a 4.1% increase from the previous year.

Solar panels protect you from these rising electricity costs. Because you are producing your own energy, you don’t have to buy as much power from your utility and avoid paying those high energy rates. In fact, you’ll actually be saving more money with solar panels as electric rates get higher!

3. Solar is cheaper than ever

While electricity prices have continued to climb, solar panel installation costs have steadily fallen. The image below is a graph from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of the cost per watt of solar installed on a residential and utility scale.

Solar technology costs less than half of what it did back in 2010. Now in 2024, the cost of solar sits at an average of $3.00 per watt. And when paired with good solar rebates or incentives like the 30% federal solar tax credit, you can bring down the cost even more.

4. Solar is a renewable energy source

Solar is a renewable source of energy, meaning that the sun’s power won’t deplete as we use it to make solar electricity. The sun’s energy will never “run out” – so you can always take advantage of it, without hurting the earth!

Plus, solar panels do not emit any harmful carbon dioxide emissions when they generate electricity, making them a source of clean energy and an integral part in fighting against climate change and reducing our carbon footprint.

5. Diverse uses

Photovoltaic energy can be used in many small and large-scale projects. From powering a home to running space satellites, solar panels are a great way to access energy in even the most remote places.

The most common uses for solar panels are on residential rooftops and large solar farms. But, some smaller-scale uses include solar phone chargers, solar-powered outdoor lights, and portable solar panels for camping and RVs.

6. Great financial investment

Solar panels can pay for themselves in just a few years with the savings accumulated on your electricity bill. In some cases, solar panels can provide better return on investment than in something like an index fund.

The average payback time for a home solar installation is about ten years, but it’s different for everyone. How long it takes to see a return on your solar investment depends on how much you paid for your system, your state, and the incentives available in your area.

7. Low maintenance costs

Solar panels don’t require much maintenance after installation. Solar panel maintenance is generally minimal and usually consists of solar panel cleanings once or twice a year to avoid dirt and buildup.

Solar panels and other solar system equipment have very low failure rates because they don’t have moving parts, especially when you choose reliable brands and a trusted installer. An installer or manufacturer's solar warranty may cover some issues with solar panels, but it’s unlikely the equipment will fail.

8. Energy independence

Solar panels allow homeowners to create their own energy instead of relying on the electrical grid, helping you achieve energy independence.

Energy independence allows homeowners to take power into their own hands and control where your home is getting energy from.

The role of the solar mounting system is critical. If you need a roof mounting system for your home’s roof, you can contact us. Our solar rooftop mounting system includes tile roof mountings, color steel roof mountings, flat roof mountings, standing seam roof mountings, etc.

The following introduces five types of GRD Solar Rooftop Mounting System:

Tile Roof Mountings

GRD Tile Roof Mounting is designed with great suitability for installing framed and framless panels on the roof, which are applied to both commercial and residential roof system.

Innovative design, pre-assembled clamp and standard components make the installation simple to save your installation time and cost.

Different hooks are compatible with various tile roofs.

Color Steel Roof Mountings

Color steel roof mountings is suitable for large area color steel roof, need to match aluminum alloy clamping hook respectively according to different types of color steel roof, which including standing seam roof, angle break type roof, buckle type roof, fixed part connection type roof, to achieve the most stable installation effect.

This kind of fixed way will not damage the waterproofing of the original building, and can be effectively combined with the original roof.

Standing Seam Roof Mountings

Standing Seam Roof Mounting is designed with exclusive clip lock kit for metal roof sheet with non-penetration solution.

Which makes the roof sheet be beyond rust, keep the roof intact and better water proof.

It eliminates the need for traditional L feet, just need bolt to fix, save labor time and reduce materials used in installations.

With GRD highly pre-assembled structure, can make the installation steps much easier.

Asbestos / Metal Roof Mountings

Asbestos / Metal Roof Mounting is designed with innovative rail, standard components and highly pre-assembled clamps, which make the installation to be simple with great flexibility.

Trapezoidal Roof Mountings GRD-SS04 / GRD-SS07

GRD-SS04 mountings kit and GRD-SS07 mountings kit are both mini rail sulutions, which are designed for trapezoidal shape metal sheet roof.

The mini Rail is unity of rail and hook, which can work as rail and hook.

It can be fixed on roof to hold solar panels directly without rails, which can save installation time, suitable for large-scale installation.

Solar mounting systems, it is used to fix solar panels to various surfaces such as solar rooftop mounting system, solar ground mounting system, BIPV waterproof carport, etc.

Solar mounting systems help hold solar panels or arrays in place and work as the support structure for the solar modules. Solar mounting systems are usually made of steel or aluminum supports that can hold solar panels in place under extreme loads from wind, snow and frost.

GRD solar rooftop mounting system includes Tile Roof Mountings, Color Steel Roof Mountings, Standing Seam Roof Mountings, Asbestos / Metal Roof Mountings, Trapezoidal Roof Mountings GRD-SS04 / GRD-SS07, Flat Roof Mountings, Asphalt Roof Mountings.

GRD Solar Ground Mounting System includes Zn-Al-Mg Ground Mountings System, Aluminium Solar Ground Mountings System.

GRD BIPV waterproof carport is a derivative of GRD BIPV photovoltaic building integration, suitable for the installation of industrial and commercial photovoltaic modules, GRD BIPV waterproof carport has the function of traditional photovoltaic carport, effectively improve space utilization.

With the aluminum alloy mountings waterproof design, it will lower the maintenance cost and longer the system life.

We achieved good trust from customers because of our stable and excellent products, and we will try our best to become a world leading level of photovoltaic racking solutions supplier.

What are solar mounting and racks?

Solar mounting and racking systems are the structures a solar PV panel would be mounted unto. The core function of solar mounting / racking system is to allow solar panels to rest on a surface, be it ground or rooftop mounted, and hold it in place to receive the most sunlight throughout the years – allowing the solar panels to consistently generate solar electricity.

Why are solar mounting & racking so important?

Without a proper solar mounting / racking system, your solar PV panels would be susceptible to vibrations caused by naturals elements, like wind, which may result in solar PV panels to become loose and cause undesired affects.

Solar mounting / racking systems are generally made of aluminum. It’s a strong, sturdy material, and does well against the weather.

The different types of solar mounting / racking systems

Solar mounting / racking systems are often seen with solar rails, where the solar PV modules rests on. The solar PV modules are locked down to the railings with clamps. These railings can be extended to allow solar PV modules to be inclined to better receive sunlight. There are mounts specially designed for pitched roofs, ground mounted and flat roofs. Though as technology grows, we’re seeing more carport mounts and floating solar mounts too.

Solar racks are then retrofitted on rooftops (slated, flat concrete, metal deck, etc) with additional accessories to help hold the railings on the roof.

GRD Tile Roof Mountings is designed with great suitability for installing framed and framless panels on the roof, which are applied to both commercial and residential roof system.

Innovative design, pre-assembled  clamp and standard components make the installation simple to save your installation time and cost.

Different hooks are compatible with various tile roofs.

Color steel roof mountings is suitable for large area color steel roof, need to match aluminum alloy clamping hook respectively according to different types of color steel roof, which including standing seam roof, angle break type roof, buckle type roof, fixed part connection type roof, to achieve the most stable installation effect.

This kind of fixed way will not damage the waterproofing of the original building, and can be effectively combined with the original roof.

Standing Seam Roof Mounting is designed with exclusive clip lock kit for metal roof sheet with non-penetration solution.

Which makes the roof sheet be beyond rust, keep the roof intact and better water proof.

It eliminates the need for traditional L feet, just need bolt to fix, save labor time and reduce materials used in installations.

With GRD highly pre-assembled structure, can make the installation steps much easier.

Solar panels continue to be a worthwhile investment in 2024 for several reasons. Here are some key factors that make solar panels worth it:

1. Cost Savings: Solar panels allow you to generate your own electricity from the sun, reducing your reliance on traditional grid electricity. This can result in significant cost savings on your monthly utility bills. Over the lifespan of the solar panels, the savings can add up to a substantial amount.

2. Return on Investment: Installing solar panels can provide a good return on investment (ROI) over time. The savings on electricity bills, coupled with government incentives and tax credits, can help offset the upfront installation costs. As the cost of solar panels continues to decline and electricity prices rise, the financial benefits of solar energy become even more attractive.

3. Environmental Benefits: Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power. By generating electricity from sunlight, solar panels reduce dependence on fossil fuels, which helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Installing solar panels contributes to a sustainable future by promoting cleaner energy production.

4. Energy Independence: With solar panels installed, you can generate your own electricity on-site. This provides greater energy independence and can protect you from rising electricity prices or grid outages. Having a solar energy system with battery storage allows you to store excess energy for use during periods of low sunlight or power outages.

5. Increasing Property Value: Solar panels can increase the value of your property. Studies have shown that homes and businesses equipped with solar panels tend to sell at a premium compared to properties without solar installations.

6. Long Lifespan and Low Maintenance: Solar panels have a lifespan of 25 years or more, and modern panels often come with warranties of 25 years or more. They require minimal maintenance, with occasional cleaning to ensure optimal performance. Once installed, solar panels can reliably produce electricity for many years.

7. Government Incentives and Support: Many governments around the world offer incentives and support to encourage the adoption of solar energy. These can include tax credits, rebates, feed-in tariffs, and net metering programs. Taking advantage of these incentives can further enhance the financial benefits of solar panel installations.

While the exact financial and environmental benefits may vary depending on factors such as location, electricity rates, and available incentives, the overall value proposition of solar panels remains strong in 2024.

Solar mounting systems play a crucial role in the installation and performance of solar energy systems. Our solar PV mounting systems include Roof Mounting Solutions, Ground Mounting (both for Aluminum and Steel) Solutions, Solar Carport and all mounting accessories. If you are interested in our products, please contact us.

How do solar panels work?

There are two main types of solar panel. Solar electricity panels capture the sun’s energy and turn it into electricity for your home. They’re commonly known as solar PV panels (photovoltaics). These panels generate roughly 355W of energy in strong sunlight.

On the other hand, solar thermal panels capture the sun’s energy, but convert it into energy that heats up water for your home instead. These panels are made of either flat plate collectors or evacuated tubes (glass tubes).

How are solar panels installed?

An installer that’s accredited with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is best placed to complete the installation. MCS is a quality assurance scheme for tradespeople installing low-carbon energy technology. Through MCS, you can be sure that your solar panel installer is working to high standards.

You can opt for:

In-roof

In-roof (or integrated) solar panels are installed by removing some of your roof tiles and fitting the panels in their place. The panels sit flatter against your roof than on-roof ones do. But, they are often more expensive to install.

On-roof

On-roof solar panels are installed by fitting anchors onto the roof. The panels are then mounted onto the anchors. This is the most common type of solar panel installation.

Solar PV panels on rows of homes

Can solar panels be installed on all types of roof?

To generate the most power, solar panels should be installed on true south facing roofs. If your roof faces west or east, it might still be eligible (though solar panel systems installed in these directions tend to generate 15-20% less energy than on roofs facing south). We don’t recommend you install a solar panel system on a north facing roof.

Solar panels can be installed on many types of roof, including concrete tile, clay tile, metal and flat roofs.

Concrete tile roof

If you have an older roof, some of the tiles may break during the installation process and you’ll need to pay to replace them.

Clay tile roof

Some installers won’t fit solar panels on clay roofs because the tiles are often very fragile, but it’s worth speaking to a couple tradespeople to see if they’re willing to do the work.

Metal roof

One benefit of fitting them on a metal roof is that they’ll help to keep your home cool during hot weather.

Flat roof

They can also be fitted on flat roofs. However, it’s important to make sure that the panels are tilted high enough to capture the most sunlight.

Do I have to install solar panels on my roof?

An alternative to on or in roof mounting is to mount your solar panels on the ground in your garden or on a wall. This is a good alternative if you can’t have them fitted on your roof or need a larger surface area to capture more sunlight than your roof can.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels contain dozens of photovoltaic cells (or solar PV cells) that absorb the sun’s energy. Once the energy is absorbed, it’s converted into direct current (DC) energy. This energy flows through an inverter that changes the DC energy into alternating (AC) energy. The converted energy is delivered to your home’s electrical panels and outlets for use.

There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Each type has different advantages and disadvantages.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels (or mono panels) are the most popular solar panels on the market. These panels offer the highest efficiency, with rates between 17% and 23%, according to the National Renewable Energy Labaratory. Mono panels work well in high temperatures, making them ideal for warm and hot environments. According to the American Solar Energy Society, they also have the longest life span, typically lasting 25 to 40 years. Due to their better quality and higher efficiency, these panels cost more than poly or thin-film solar panels.

Mono panels have a black hue and blend in with most rooftops. These panels are mounted, so they don’t lie as flat as thin-film options. However, you’ll need fewer mono panels than other types because they’re so efficient. This makes them ideal for homes with limited roof space.

Monocrystalline solar cells are made of pure silicon, one of the most abundant elements on Earth. The cells are manufactured using the Czochralski process, which involves adding a seed crystal of silicon into a molten vat of pure silicon at a high temperature. The result is a single crystal of silicon, or ingot, that is thinly sliced into wafers. These silicon wafers make up mono panels. Monocrystalline silicon is also used to manufacture some solar shingles or tiles.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline solar panels (or poly panels) are an older solar technology, which makes them more affordable than mono panels. They offer lower efficiency ratings of 14% to 17%. These panels drop in efficiency in hot temperatures, so avoid using them in hot climates. Poly panels last around 25 to 30 years.

Most people recognize polycrystalline panels due to their blue color. This makes them visible on rooftop installations and may clash with your home’s aesthetics. Because poly panels have lower efficiency, you’ll need to install more panels to power your home. This requires a roof with ample space for more solar modules.

Polycrystalline solar cells are made of multi-crystalline silicon. These solar cells are prone to more imperfections than mono cells, reducing efficiency. However, the production process is cheaper and less wasteful than mono panels because it uses melted fragments.

Thin-Film Solar Panels

Thin-film solar panels are an alternative to traditional crystalline panels. These panels are used more for commercial installations than residential projects. They work better in small-scale installations such as a garage or shed that needs independent power. Their efficiency is lower than mono and poly options, ranging from 7% to 12%. In addition, they offer a low life span of 10 to 20 years. Thin-film panels are the cheapest solar panels on the market.

Thin-film panels are made from thin, flexible layers of photovoltaic material and are the least noticeable on roofs. Since their efficiency rating is low, you’ll need more panels to provide adequate power. These panels don’t require additional mounting equipment, resulting in a simpler installation process than conventional panels.

What Is the Best Type of Solar Panel?

Monocrystalline panels offer the best efficiency and power output but are the most expensive. Polycrystalline panels are a mid-tier alternative with lower energy efficiency ratings but more affordable pricing. You’ll need ample roof space for a poly panel installation. Thin-film panels have the lowest price but aren’t powerful enough to sustain a household. These panels work best for smaller home projects and installations.

The installation of solar panels requires solar mounting systems. Our solar PV mounting systems include Roof Mounting Solutions, Ground Mounting (both for Aluminum and Steel) Solutions, Solar Carport and all mounting accessories. If you are interested in our products, please contact us.