Solar mounting refers to the process of installing solar panels and securing them to various surfaces to harness solar energy. Solar mounting systems are designed to provide structural support, stability, and optimal positioning for the solar panels to maximize sunlight exposure and energy production. The mounting system is an essential component of a solar installation, as it ensures the secure attachment of solar panels while also considering factors such as load-bearing capacity, wind resistance, and durability. It helps to maintain the proper orientation and angle of the solar panels to capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. Solar projects in India use a variety of solar mounting technologies and designs, like Rooftop solar mounting structures, ground solar mounting structures, carports, and sun tracker solutions.

Types of Solar Mounting Structures

Since mounting structures affect the overall generation, efficiency, and durability of the system, it is crucial to select the right one for your needs. It is also vital to ensure that the structure is stable and can withstand wind, hail, rain, snow, and even moderate earthquakes.

There are five primary types of solar mounting structures:

1. RCC Roof Mounts
2. Ground Mounts
3. Solar Carports
4. Shed Mounts
5. Tracking structures

1. RCC Roof Mounting Structure:

The RCC roof mounting structure is designed to securely fix solar panels to the RCC roof surface. It provides a stable and reliable platform for the solar panels, ensuring their proper orientation and optimal exposure to sunlight. This type of mounting structure is typically custom-designed and engineered to meet the specific requirements of the RCC roof and the solar installation. RCC roof mounting structures are designed to be robust, durable, and long-lasting, providing a reliable foundation for solar panels on RCC roofs. They are often customized based on the specific requirements of the roof, the number of solar panels, and other factors. When your home or building has enough room for all the solar panels you need, roof mounts are ideal. These racks can also be used in conjunction with a solar tracker.

Pros:

• Lower Installation Costs
• Easy to maintain
• Uses the unutilized roof space for energy generation
• Protects the roof underneath

Cons:

• Requires roof penetration
• The roof should be shadow free and provide space for the correct orientation
• Difficult to scale up the system

2. Ground Mounting Structure:

Ground-mounted solar systems are commonly used in large-scale solar installations, such as solar farms, commercial projects, or situations where there is ample available space. Ground-mounted systems are advantageous in terms of easy access for maintenance and cleaning, as well as scalability for larger installations. They are suitable for a wide range of terrains and can be customized to meet specific project requirements.

Pros:

• Allows for higher generation
• Can accommodate higher capacity
• No house modifications are required
• Easier to install tracking systems

Cons:

• High cost of installations
• Requires shadow-free land space
• Susceptible to vandalism and accumulation of dirt under panels

3. Carport Mounting Structure:

A carport mounting structure is a type of solar panel installation system that integrates solar panels into a carport or canopy structure. It serves a dual purpose by providing shelter for vehicles while simultaneously harnessing solar energy to generate electricity. Carport mounting structures combine the benefits of solar energy generation with the practicality of covered parking, offering a dual-purpose solution that can benefit both businesses and individuals seeking renewable energy options.

Pros:

• Easy to Maintain
• Underused spaces like parking spots utilized for energy generation
• Provides dual function of energy generation and providing shade

Cons:

• High Cost of Installation
• Equires shadow-free land space for set up

4. Shed Mounting Structures:

Shed mounting structures refer to a type of solar panel installation system that is designed specifically for mounting solar panels on sheds or similar structures. These structures allow for the installation of solar panels on rooftops of sheds, providing an additional purpose for the shed while harnessing solar energy.  Business owners opt for shed mounts to install solar plants over their factories, warehouses, cafeterias, etc. to independently generate clean energy and reduce their energy bills.

Pros:

• Low Installation Cost
• Easy to maintain
• Turns the unused roof space into an energy generation spot

Cons:

• Average power output
• Requires shadow-free roof space to set up panels

“Our innovative engineering solution ensures a roof installation that maintains the integrity of your shed without any puncturing or compromising the structure.”

“With our expertise, we engineer roof installations that preserve the integrity of your shed and safeguard the insulation of your cold storage, all without any damage or compromise.”

5. Tracking System Mounting Structures:

Tracking System Mounted Racks are used for solar tracking and solar water pumping systems. Solar trackers are automatic devices that allow your panels to follow the direction of the sun throughout the day for the best solar exposure. They are very beneficial in hot regions. There are two types of tracking systems available- one-axis and two-axis trackers. One-axis trackers measure the sun’s movement from east to west, whereas two-axis trackers track the sun’s daily and seasonal path and are commonly deployed with PV concentrator systems. While solar trackers improve efficiency and eliminate manual panel maintenance, they are not as common due to the high total cost. Moreover, since they are moving structures, there is a risk of breakdown.

Pros:

• Maximizes generation during peak hours
• Can optimize the potential of limited space
• Avoids shading to raise efficiency

Cons:

• High cost of installation
• Complex installation process 
• Difficult to maintain

Conclusion:

Solar mounting structures play a crucial role in the installation of solar panels, providing the necessary support, stability, and optimal positioning for efficient solar energy generation. As we established, all types of mounting structures have their advantages and disadvantages. They also offer flexibility in terms of customization, allowing for adjustable angles and orientations to maximize solar energy generation based on site-specific requirements. Advit Ventures offers expert solutions and services. Experience excellence in cold storage solar rooftop installation with our skilled team and customized solutions tailored to your specific needs.” We offer comprehensive cold storage installation services, combining cutting-edge technology with industry expertise to deliver exceptional results