Should you choose a mounting rack for a solar system?

Since it is a costly investment, the choice of mounting racks should not be disregarded as a minor consideration if purchasing solar systems or mounting solar modules.

Are solar panel mounting racks safe?

Like wood-made mounting racks , they may burn or even break if pressure on the solar panel (e.g. snow) is too high. Last but not least, iron-made mounting racks are also easy to work and slightly more expensive than wooden racks , but quickly fall victim to corrosion and are not recommendable in wet environments.

What is the difference between top-of-pole and ground-mounted solar racks?

Therefore, ground-mounted racks are only recommended for secure locations preferably in clean and stable environments (with few snow or dirt on-ground). Top-of-pole mounted racks are structures where mounting poles are secured into the ground and tightened with concrete and the solar module is mounted on the top of the poles.

Why are mounting racks made of aluminum?

The majority of manufacturers of mounting racks use Aluminum. It is not only low weight – thus decreasing weight pressure on the roof, pole or tracking system – but also corrosion-resistive, strong and compatible to the solar module frames of many manufacturers that are mostly made of Aluminum.

What are mounting racks made of?

Mounting racks can be made of different kinds of materials. Do not forget to ask your manufacturer about the material of his mounting structures in order to avoid wrong and post-project expensive choices. The majority of manufacturers of mounting racks use Aluminum.

Do ground mounted racks need ground fault protection (GFP)?

Moreover, according to 690-5 of the US National Electrical Code-NEC they require expensive ground fault protection (GFP). Ground mounted racks do not require GFP, but need a precise foundation setup. Ground mounted structures run danger of being exposed to vandalism, accumulation of dirt, leaves and snow at the bottom of the array.