Solar Panels: Roof Versus Ground Installation
June 15, 2009 – 9:50 pm by MarinaHanes
It’s becoming standard for some new homes to be built with solar panels. However, if you don’t have the luxury of purchasing a modern home with all of the eco-friendly trimmings, you can at least install a solar energy device on your home to make it more efficient.
Roof Installation
There are two styles of roof solar panels, those that are flush with the roof and those that are tilted up. If you are planning to replace your roof, it’s best to install the solar panel mounts after your new roof is in place so that the mounts are “flashed-in.” FastJack or TileTrac mounts can be used to ensure proper placement.
In order to drill the mounts into the rafter, a stud finder and pilot bit is required. In addition, a laser sight is helpful, because it’s important for the mounts to be lined up. Stainless steel lag bolts can secure the mounts, and metal flashings will go over the mounts.
The foundation for the hard wired solar panels are metal rails, which need to be secured to the posts by 3/8 inch stainless steel bolts. The last couple steps involve connecting the panels to the inverter and applying a reflective roof coating, which will attract the sun.
Ground Installation
Ground installation solar devices have four different pole mounts, which can give you versatility. This includes top of pole, large top of pole, side of pole and tracking pole options. Top of pole is the easiest installation, because all you need is an existing pole (3 to 8 inches wide) and a concrete base. The mount for the solar panel will go on top of the pole so that the panel can be bolted or welded onto it.
Another simple ground installation is the side of pole mounts. However, these need to be attached to a telephone or utility pole so this can be dangerous.
A less complex DIY summer project would be the ground installation, but if you’re up to the challenge and want to learn something new, roof installation is the way to go.
Tags: ground installation, installing solar panels, roof installation, solar panels, top of pole