Aluminum Solar Panel Mounting System

An aluminum solar panel mounting system offers several advantages and has specific components designed for efficient and durable solar panel installations:

Advantages

• Lightweight yet Sturdy: Aluminum is renowned for its low density, making the entire mounting system much lighter compared to steel counterparts. This eases handling during installation, reducing the physical strain on installers. Despite being lightweight, it has excellent strength-to-weight ratio properties, capable of supporting the weight of solar panels even in windy or snow-laden conditions.
• Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum forms a natural oxide layer when exposed to air, which acts as a protective barrier against corrosion. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor applications, especially in coastal or humid regions where saltwater and moisture can quickly degrade metal components. Solar panel installations are long-term investments, and the corrosion-resistant nature of aluminum ensures the mounting system's longevity.

Components

• Mounting Brackets:

These are the fundamental building blocks of the system. Aluminum brackets come in various shapes and sizes, designed to fit different solar panel models. Some brackets are adjustable, allowing installers to modify the tilt angle of the panels to optimize sunlight absorption throughout the year. They attach directly to the roof structure, whether it's a flat roof, pitched roof, or a ground-mounted frame.

For pitched roofs, brackets may have angled sections to conform to the slope, ensuring the panels are flush and stable.

• Rails:

Aluminum rails, typically extruded, run parallel to each other and serve as the framework for holding multiple solar panels in place. They are easy to cut and customize on-site, enabling installers to adjust the length according to the size of the solar array. Rails connect to the mounting brackets and provide a uniform platform for panel attachment.

The smooth surface of aluminum rails also allows for easy sliding and positioning of the panels during installation.

• Clamps:

Clamps are used to fasten the solar panels firmly to the aluminum rails. They are designed to grip the panel frames tightly without causing damage. Aluminum clamps, like other components, are lightweight and resistant to rust, and they come in different sizes to accommodate various panel frame thicknesses.

• Fasteners:

Stainless steel screws and bolts are commonly used as fasteners in an aluminum mounting system. While aluminum itself is corrosion-resistant, stainless steel provides an extra layer of protection, especially in areas where the components may be exposed to water runoff or moisture. These fasteners ensure that all parts of the mounting system are tightly connected.

Types of Installations

• Roof - Mounted:

When installing on a roof, the aluminum mounting system can be adapted to different roof types such as asphalt shingle, metal, or tile roofs. For example, on a metal roof, special clamps or brackets can be used to attach the system without penetrating the roof membrane, preserving its waterproof integrity.

The lightweight nature of aluminum is especially beneficial for older or structurally sensitive roofs, as it adds less additional weight.

• Ground - Mounted:

In ground-mounted setups, the aluminum system is assembled on a concrete foundation or directly into the ground using ground anchors. The modularity of the aluminum components allows for quick construction of large solar arrays, which are common in utility-scale solar power plants.