How Does solar mounting accessories Work?

Home solar panels need to be mounted on special racking. While you won’t need to go up on your roof and work on a system’s racking, knowing more about how professionals mount solar panels may give you more understanding of your solar system and how it works. 

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To protect your home and solar system throughout its lifespan, even through rarities like hurricanes or blizzards, having mounting and racking done right by experienced professionals is an important, if maybe boring, piece of going solar.

What Are Solar Panel Racks and Mounts?

Solar module racks and mounts hold solar panels in place on a roof, on a building facade, or in a ground-based array of panels. Mounts safely secure a full array. Racking, sometimes called rails, are metal tracks which hold panels in place, and at the right angle. 

Mounts and racks must hold up through conditions such as strong winds, moisture, pest animals, ice, and snow through the lifespan of panels and a system, which is meant to be 25 years or longer. 

Solar Panel Mounting Hardware

Here are four pieces of hardware usually required to properly mount a new system.

Mounts: Used to support the entire installation, solar panel mounts such as L-feet (named for their resemblance to the letter “L”), can be lagged into the roof rafters (named for the large lag bolts that are used) to provide a safe and secure place for the system to sit.

Flashings: In conjunction with the mounts, solar flashings provide a waterproof barrier to prevent leaks from rain or snow. Flashings are typically made of rubber, aluminum, or galvanized metal.

Racking: On top of the mounting hardware, rails or racks, are long, aluminum tracks installed horizontally to bear the weight of the panels and prevent them from sliding off of the roof.

Clamps: To ensure every component will stay in place, solar panels are also usually secured to the rails with a system of stainless steel screws and clamps.

The Solar Mounting Process

Unless you’d like a leaky roof and potentially airborne panels during the next major weather event, mounting a solar energy system is more complicated than putting panels on your roof.

Once the solar design has been permitted by your local government and utility, professional solar installers then take the following steps to ensure the system will be approved for safe operation and performance:

1. Installing the mounts: First, mounting brackets are placed on your roof so the solar panels will have a place to sit. Solar mounts are typically attached directly to roof rafters for sturdiness and may require penetration to properly anchor the system. Here, your installer will ensure the mounts are properly sealed and covered to be watertight and resistant to corrosion or damage.

2. Installing the solar panels: Once the mounts are installed, most companies add long metal components called “rails” to further support the panels. While some “railless” systems allow solar panels to be placed directly on mounts, railed or racked methods are more common. On top of each horizontal rail, solar panels essentially “snap into place” with support against heavy weather conditions on a sloped roof.

3. Installing the electric wiring: After the solar panels are in place, the system is wired so electricity can be generated and sent to the home and grid. To protect against outside conditions, wires are contained in a metal conduit which is fed into the inverter, electrical meter, and other system components.

How Much Does Solar Racking Cost?

The cost of solar module racking for a residential system depends on factors such as the roof, the system size and layout, the type of racking and mounting recommended by the installer, and labor costs in your area. 

Estimates from a report in from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory puts the average cost of racking and installation of the racking at about $31.50 per square meter of an array. NREL’s study used a 22-panel array and a 7.9-kWh solar system, which would be about 37.4 square meters, making the estimated cost of racking about $1,178.

Choosing the Right Solar Mounting System for Your Home

While the basic components for solar module mounting are fairly universal, choosing the right hardware for a single installation must be made based on a few specific variables.

Critically, solar mounting should not be about finding the lowest-cost option. While high-quality materials may be more expensive upfront, a safe and secure installation is 100% worth it when considering the potential consequences of roof damage from shoddy parts, poor craftsmanship, or voided warranties.

Here are four key things that are considered when selecting the best roof-mount system.

Aesthetics

With a minimal amount of visible equipment, most solar panel racking systems look more or less the same to the untrained eye, as the majority of the hardware is hidden below the panels. From the street below, passersby will usually only be able to see the panels, parts of the rails, and a small fraction of the mounting materials themselves.

While some solar options may include a “skirt” over the edge of the panels to hide the underside of the solar array, skirts are typically not recommended as they can collect debris and encourage animal nesting.

If you have visibility concerns from your HOA, we encourage you to talk to your installer about solar access laws in your area. There are many parts of the country with legislation in place that prevents HOAs from banning renewable energy systems, no matter their appearance.

Of course, to comply with local aesthetic guidelines, experienced solar companies may be able to adjust various aspects of the system installation. This includes special mounting materials to level panels on an uneven roof, installing wiring conduits away from the street, and painting select system components in dark or neutral tones when required.

Leak protection

To protect against pooling, leaks, and physical property damage, solar panels are installed with a small, intentional gap between the modules and the roof. With horizontal rails sitting on top of the mounting points, properly installed solar panels will not prohibit debris or water from traveling down and off of a roof, helping to prevent the possibility of mold, rot, and even electrical fires.

Leak protection is important, and every experienced solar installer should have a clear plan to meet local building standards and best practices for waterproofing and flashing. For the best results, flashing and sealant choices should be selected based on roofing materials, as well as typical local weather conditions. Leak protection for metal roofs will be a lot different from the process for asphalt shingle or wood shake, for example.

Installation ease

The longer a professional solar installation takes place, the more you may end up paying for labor costs. So for the efficiency of their operations and value to their customers, most trustworthy solar installers prefer a mounting solution that is easy to install and proven to withstand the test of time.

Here, we almost always suggest allowing a professional installer to supply their own mounting equipment, as many companies will not even consider third-party materials. By allowing a reputable installer to handle the installation end-to-end, it is more likely the entire process will be handled with speed, efficiency, and consistent quality throughout.

Roof shape and attributes

Finally, the shape of your roof and its physical attributes can influence your solar panel mounting system choices. Dramatically sloped roofs with a steep tilt angle may require a bit of extra care when it comes to safety, and rail-based systems are almost always recommended to add a layer of protection against high winds and heavy weather systems.

Depending on your roof's attributes, installers may be limited to a few creative solutions to roof mount all of the panels safely. While working around chimneys, air conditioning units, and other obstructions, mounting materials must be able to properly support the panels wherever they fit for maximum sun exposure.

When working with your installer, you can ask them how well their mounting materials will work with the unique aspects of your specific roof. If there are limited obstructions, most solar panels can be installed in uniform lines, while sharing long rails mounted with ease and security. Otherwise, more creative systems may be necessary for oddly-shaped roofs.

The Top Brands for Solar Panel Mounting Hardware

While it never hurts to research solar panel mounting hardware, most solar companies prefer to supply their own equipment to ensure a high-quality installation. No matter what brand a company carries, you can ask about the following aspects of their mounting hardware to ensure it is sturdy, safe, and reliable:

Warranties: If a manufacturer offers both parts and craftsmanship warranties on their solar panels, that's a good sign that they believe in the quality of their product and their ability to install it. High-quality solar panel mounting hardware should be durable, resistant to corrosion, and fit for life outdoors.

Compatibility: Before an installation, it is important to make sure the solar mounting is compatible with your roof and panel type. Different mounting hardware will be better suited for different kinds of roofs, so you can ask a company about their previous installations on shingles, tile, or whatever materials are on top of your home.

Aesthetics: Although most mounting hardware will end up hidden beneath your panels, ask your installer whether or not there will be any exposed equipment. Often, reputable installers will be able to show you images of previous installations to get a better idea of expected aesthetics.

These solar module racking providers are some, but not the only, quality racking providers.

IronRidge solar racking and mounting

IronRidge solar racking and mounting offers excellent products with long warranties, and solutions for every kind of roof system. Based in California, IronRidge is among the top choices for installers and manufacturers in the US. Ironridge’s products include two unique flush mount systems. IronRidge makes it easy to install a new solar system or expand on an existing array.

Unirac solar PV racking

Also manufactured in North America, Unirac is another reputable solar panel mounting hardware brand with industry-leading quality standards. Unirac solar PV racking offers a wide range of support options, including full-color installation manuals, video tutorials, a hotline, and an online chat feature for their catalog of hardware choices. Unirac has mounting options including rail-based systems, railless systems, and a variety of attachments for solar panels and supporting equipment.

SnapNrack

With systems designed for easier installation, SnapNrack is another solar panel racking system manufacturer based in the United States. The company has a few main racking options, including a “universal” system for roofs of any pitch or material, as well as rail and modified railless choices.

All sold with competitive warranty periods, SnapNrack, Unirac, and IronRidge are all high-quality solar panel mounting systems supported by today’s leading installers.

Roof-Mounted vs. Ground-Mounted Solar Panels

Most home solar panel systems go on roofs, so most mounting and racking hardware is made to securely and stably attach panels to roofs. Panels can be mounted to roofs with steep and shallow pitches made of shingles, tiles, metal, and more.

Most residential solar panels are mounted on roofs because it is a readily available space, is often unshaded, and provides a structure to hold the panels up.  

In cases where the roof is shaded, too small, or otherwise unsuitable for solar panels, ground-mounted solar panels may work. Ground-based solar panels and arrays need professional-grade mounting and racking as well and can be designed for the best angle for solar production. Ground-mounted panels can be a bit more expensive because they require additional equipment. Some systems may have adjustable racking, allowing for changing the angle for optimal generation throughout a year. 

Getting the Right Solar System for Your Home

Solar panel mounting should be performed by a professional. When trying to find the right professional, knowing how a typical solar installation is performed can help you and your installer determine the best racking solution for your home.

If you're ready to find the right equipment for your home solar panel installation, talk to Palmetto today. We will work with you to determine the best racking hardware for your roof so you can be worry-free throughout the multi-decade lifespan of your system.

To get started you can use our solar savings calculator to see how much you can save by going solar today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is racking in solar panels?

Racking, or rails, are long, aluminum tracks installed horizontally on your roof. They safely hold the weight of the solar panels and prevent them from moving or sliding, especially in high wind, heavy storms, or winter weather. 

What is the best way to mount your solar panels?

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The best way to mount solar panels is to have a professional do the job. Mounting solar panels yourself has unnecessary risks to your personal safety, system functionality, the long-term security of the mounting and panels, and warranty or contract terms. 

Can you walk on solar panels?

No, walking on solar panels could damage them. It’s also dangerous and could result in personal injury or death.

As the industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, the technology used to mount solar panels to residential rooftops has experienced incredible innovation and rapid growth. Solar panel mounting systems are now available for all kinds of roofs, from asphalt shingles to clay tiles, to standing seam metal, and everything in between.

Modern solar mounting systems consist of roof attachments (with or without flashing), mounting rails, and module clamps. These products are designed to allow workers to quickly and effectively install solar panels that will last for decades on the roof, with minimal effect on the roofing materials and no roof leaks. Ground-mounted racks are also available.

There are many options for what you need, no matter your roof style or ground mounting system necessities. Your solar installer will know the best option to get the most use out of your solar system.

Below is our expert review of solar panel mounting solutions, which highlights the top three solar panel mount brands, and discusses the pros and cons of rooftop solar systems versus ground-mounted systems.

See how much solar panels will cost for your home

What is solar panel mounting and racking?

Solar panel mounts and racks are equipment that secures solar panels in place.

Mounting allows the panels to be adjusted for optimal tilt, which can be based on latitude, seasons, or even time of day — to ensure maximum solar energy production. The most common locations for mounting are on the roof, using solar roof mounts, or on the ground with ground-mount options.

In terms of cost, mounts and racking typically account for about 10% of the total cost of an average solar system. For example, if your solar system cost $10,000, the racking system portion would be about $1,000 of the total cost. 

The price will depend on the type of racking you use, the amount of equipment needed, and labor costs for installation. 

The most common technique of module mounting is using a solar panel mounting bracket. Mounting brackets are heavy-duty equipment, usually made from stainless steel or aluminum. All solar racking and mounting products, whether for the rooftop or ground, must meet strict guidelines to ensure durability and structural integrity to withstand high winds and weather events.

Next, we will walk you through the main components that make up racking equipment so you can better understand the structure that will support your solar panels.

What are the most important components of a racking system?

Solar panel racking equipment is built with 3 main components:

• Roof attachments

• Module clamps

• Mounting rails

Each tool plays a key role in how the structure supports your panels, to ensure you get the most amount of solar power out of them. 

Roof attachments

The roof attachments are the fasteners that will be drilled into your roof in order to secure the racking system in place. 

The holes these drills create will be surrounded by ‘flashing’, which is a plastic or metal shield that is inserted between shingles to prevent water from getting into the hole. However, roof attachments differ for each roof type. 

To dig a little deeper, take a look at more information on installing solar panels on clay tile roofs, metal roofs, and flat surface roofs.

Module clamps

The module clamps attach the drilled-in roof attachments to the mounting rails. There are a few different module clamp types for each angle and corner of the solar panel.

Mounting rails

After drilling into the roof, the roof attachments are then connected to mounting rails via module clamps that will then support the solar panels. 

Although there are railless racking options available, rails are most commonly used because they can be secured to most roof angles, and because many installers are trained using rail mounting systems. 

While many manufacturers produce solar panel mounts, only a handful of companies come out on top when it comes to quality. You can’t really go wrong with IronRidge, Quick Mount and Unirac, but we will walk you through the pros and cons of each brand.

Which roof mount brands are best?

The top two high-quality solar mounting and racking brands are:

• Ironridge

• Unirac 

Ironridge

Originally, IronRidge supported mostly small, off-grid projects. But today, IronRidge is known for its uniquely shaped and durable XR rail series for pitched roofs. They have equally great options for flat roofs and ground mounts, as well.

Unirac 

Unirac sells mounts for flat roofs and fixed-tilt ground-mount frames. Unirac’s solar mounts each come with different tilts, allowing the direction of the solar array to be independent of the angle of the roof, ensuring the best productivity.

Each brand offers no obvious weaknesses, and each offers very innovative mounting and racking kits to meet most solar needs. 

You can buy any option through a local solar equipment supplier for DIY projects. But if you work with a solar installer, they will buy the panel mounts for you since they know what will work best with your roof and solar panels. 

Where to buy solar panel mounts

Tackling a solar panel project DIY-style can make things a bit more complicated. Most of the time, you cannot go out and buy a fully-constructed solar panel mount system. You need to buy each individual part separately to then form a complete mount. If DIY is the route you want to go, buying entire solar panel kits with their corresponding racking solutions makes things easier. 

If you are not purchasing a kit, you can browse racking equipment on the AltE website and purchase the different components that make up the racking system. Just make sure they are the proper size for the solar panels you purchase. 

The best way to make ensure your solar installation goes off without a hitch (and uses the proper equipment suited for your specific roof) is to work with a licensed solar installer. 

Get a free quote from top-rated installers near you

Which ground-mount system is best?

A problem with rooftop solar is that it’s heavily constrained by the characteristics of your roof. Homeowners who install ground-mounted solar panels do so for one of three reasons:

1. They have insufficient roof space

2. Their roof faces north - which is bad for panel output

3. They want to optimize the performance of their system

Solar panels produce the most energy when they’re facing south. Depending on the orientation of your house, this isn’t always an option. On a roof, there might be further limitations like shade from surrounding buildings and trees.

Options to choose from include ground mounts that can be secured into the ground or ballasted mounts. Ballasted mounts sit on top of the ground and are not secured in - but are held down by the weight of the panels themselves. Ballasted ground mounts tend to be more popular since there is no drilling required for installation. 

The best options for ground mounts also come from the top brands, Ironridge and Unirac.

Ironridge Ground Mount Systems 

These are built to be long-lasting, flexible, and withstand any weather. They also come with a 25-year warranty. 

Pricing is difficult to pinpoint because it will depend on the size of your solar array, costs of material at the time of purchase, and the fact that many suppliers ask that you request a quote.

Unirac Ground Fixed Tilt 

The Unirac Ground Fixed Tilt is another great choice - it is durable and lightweight and also has a 25-year warranty. Unirac ensures fast shipping times and ease of construction. You can work with a licensed solar installer to determine which ground mount system is best for your terrain and solar panels. 

How much will a solar panel system plus racking and mounting cost?

Including racking and mounting, an average 6kW solar system would cost about $18,000 given the US average solar panel cost of about $3.00 per watt as of January . After applying the federal solar tax credit of 30%, that works out to $12,600.

It is up to you and your energy needs whether or not you want to install solar tracking systems, but generally, installing either roof or ground-mounted solar panels will work for any home. 

Working with licensed installers is the best way to determine which solar panel mount system will work best for your roof. If you research mount brands and have a preference, you can discuss your options with your solar installer. Enter your zip code below to find out the potential savings for installing solar panels with solar panel mounts on your home.

Want more information on solar mounting accessories? Feel free to contact us.