3 Common Types of Solar Panel Array Mountings

Once you have decided to install a solar power system, you have to decide how you want to mount the solar panel. There are a few ways to mount the panel, each offering varying level of energy production. Among the factors need to be considered when choosing the type of mounting system should reflect your budget, the amount of shadow received at your house and how much of energy you expect to generate in order to run your home.

Let's discuss the 3 common types of solar panel array mountings that are being used for households.

1. Fixed array mountings

This is the simplest and least expensive type of solar panel mounting system. Since this type of mount remains stationary, they need to be positioned so that the panels are faced to the best direction to absorb as much light from the sun as possible, usually they should be set toward the equator. Although this type of panel mount is easy to install and it is the cheapest, it has least flexibility because you can't easily change the angle of solar panel once it is being installed. Therefore, the solar system may not be able to optimize for sunlight absorption at certain time due to the changes of the earth orbit throughout the year.

2. Adjustable array mountings

The solar panels position may need to be changed when the season changes. Therefore, adjustable array mountings provide more flexibility than the fixed mounts. For example, during the summer, the sun appears from a higher angle, approximate at latitude -15 degree, the solar panels can be adjusted to this angle for sunlight optimization. With the adjustable panel mounts, the solar output generated from panels can be expected to increase about 25% if compares to the fixed version. Although the adjustable array mountings are more expensive than the fixed version, they enable you to adjust the angle for receiving the best sunlight according to the seasonal changes for the best energy efficiency.

3. Tracking array mountings

The tracking solar panel mounts are built-in with intelligent to follow the sun throughout the day and the year for the best energy absorption to provide the highest energy efficiency among the types of solar panel array mountings. They come with two common types of tracking format: a single axis tracker follows the sun from east to west throughout the day; whereas, the double axis tracker moves with the sun direction throughout the day and makes seasonal declination movement of the sun throughout the year. In term of energy efficiency,they are the best type of mount for a solar power system, but they cost about 30% more expensive than other types of mounts, making those who are not wiling to invest for high initial cost choose the alternative options to go for fixed or adjustable mounts.

Summary

The above solar panel array mountings are the three types of mounts that are commonly used in solar power systems. By understanding the pros and the cons of each type of solar panel mount, you will be able to choose the type that best fit your requirements.

Dave Stillman reviews various Home Energy Guides at http://www.wind-solar-power.info. Read his reviews before you buy any of these guides. Find the best step-by-step on how you can improve the Solar Power Efficiency from Dave's resources.