What is the importance of a Mounting Structure?

Customers in India are ready to take the “Solar plunge” now. They are in a good position to research, read and inquire about solar panels with the help of all the information available on the internet. Once they are convinced, they are ready to shell out the required amount on buying a solar panel. However, in all this research they completely forget about the mounting structure. A mounting structure is the solid foundation or base of a solar system which supports the solar panel, just like the trunk of a tree. If the base is not strong, the whole system will falter.

Often it is seen that a buyer is ready to purchase a solar panel, but is reluctant to spend a few extra bucks on buying a mounting structure. He thinks it is easy to get it made from a local blacksmith, just because it looks like an easy piece of metal fabrication. But it is not always the case. In this guide, we will learn about the benefits of buying a mounting structure from the solar company itself and the step by step installation guide.

What are the factors to consider before installing your mounting structure?

1. Angle 

 

The Solar panel tilt angle (the angle between the horizontal ground and the solar module) should be decided according to the latitude of your location anywhere in the world. It is generally believed that the modules placed at a tilt angle equivalent to the latitude of the place, would generate the maximum energy output. You can also use a solar tracker to increase the conversion efficiency. You can also use the app Angle Pro to check the angular direction of your installation.

2. Direction

The performance of the solar panels depends upon the direction in which these panels are placed. The best direction to face solar panels is south, since here they receive the maximum sunlight. East and West directions also work well. North is the only direction that we should not want to put our panels on.

3. Location

Different locations on the map receive different amount of sunlight. It is therefore, important to check your latitudinal and longitudinal location before the installation. You can also use the Maps of India app to check your location.Here are the latitudes of leading cities in India -

States –

Zone -1: J&K, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand – 30-36⁰

Zone – 2: Rajasthan, UP, Delhi, Haryana, Bihar, North EASTERN STATES – 24-30⁰

Zone – 3: Gujarat, MP, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa – 18-24⁰

Zone – 4: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, AP, Telengana, Kerala – 12-18⁰

4. Shadow Area

 

Check for any shadow area, tree shade, obstacles, etc to avoid before installing your mounting structure and maximizing the functioning of the solar panel.

5. Surface of installation - Make sure the surface of installation is sturdy and smooth to withstand the weight of the whole system.

Pros of Buying a Solar Panel Mounting Structure from a Solar Panel Supplier

While a mounting structure looks like just a steel framework, it involves certain technicalities which only a manufacturer of solar panel will understand and incorporate. Unless, you are an expert in studying the whole structure and working of a solar panel and directing the blacksmith likewise, you will not be able to successfully make one.

i) Understanding the structure of the stand - A blacksmith is not in a good position to understand the positioning of holes and height of legs of the mounting structure. A solar company on the other hand, can customize a stand in accordance with the solar pane requirements.

ii) Different panels need different stands - A solar panel company knows the specifications of a solar panels and as such can customize the height, weight and length of the mounting structure accordingly, which a blacksmith will be incapable of achieving.

iii) Installation along with purchase - If you purchase a mounting structure from a solar panel company itself, it will provide you with the installation service as well. It will be the responsibility of the company’s representative to make sure the installation of the mounting structure and the panel atop is safe and secure. He will also test it for you, before leaving your place.

iv) Consultation - A company’s representative will be better positioned to guide the customer with the area of installation as he possesses the required knowledge to decide about the latitudinal and longitudinal position, as well as check for the shadow area. He will make sure to install the structure at a particular position, from where the customer will be able to extract the maximum benefit of his solar panels.

Single Panel Installation Guide – 120 & 180 W Panel

Here, we are installing a single panel 120W solar panel with single panel solar stand. Let's know step-by-step guide:

Step -1: Small Legs (Front Legs)

In order to install the panels on the mounting structure, the first step is to install the stand securely and screw in the fixtures tightly on the ground.

Step 2: Channels

The next step is to add the long channels along the stand/ legs of the mounting structure.

Step 3: Match Small Legs and Channel Holes

The holes in the channels should match the ones on the legs in order to get to the correct position.

Step 4: Insert Nut and Bolt Both Holes

Once they are in line, insert nuts and bolts through both the holes.

Step 5: Tight Channels with Key

The next step is to tighten the screws with a key.

 Step 6: Now mount the panels

Once the channel is properly on the stand, you can mount the solar panel.

Step 7: Secure connections

Tighten the solar panels and legs of mounting structure with nut and bolts using a key.

Step 8: Tight Solar Panel using Nut & Bolts

Screw it properly and check for any loose connections.

Step 9: Now, Solar Panel has been mounted on the stand

Step 10: Fix Panel Legs using Bricks or Dalda Cane or Civil Work

To secure the whole stand, place bricks, or large cans or cement slabs around the legs of the mounting structure.

Our Products

Here are a few of Loom Solar’s most popular selling Mounting Structures:

i) Loom Solar 1 Panel Stand (40-180 Watts)

This portable stand is suitable for mounting one solar panel of any brand ranging in between 40 W and 180 W. It can be comfortably installed on the rooftop of your home. Made of galvanized iron, this stand is rust proof, has a life of more than 25 years and one year of warranty. This stand weighs 5 kg and is 9.8 feet long and 4.4 feet wide with an angle of 25 degrees.

ii) Loom Solar 2 Panel Stand (100-180 Watts)

This portable stand is suitable for mounting two solar panels of any brand ranging in between 100 W and 180 W. It can be comfortably installed on the rooftop of your home. Made of galvanized iron, this stand is rust proof, has a life of more than 25 years and one year of warranty. This stand weighs 15 kg and is 9.8 feet long and 4.4 feet wide with an angle of 25 degrees.

iii) Loom Solar 1 Panel Stand (340 Watts)

This portable stand is suitable for mounting one solar panel of any brand ranging in between 320 W and 360 W. It can be comfortably installed on the rooftop of your home. Made of galvanized iron, this stand is rust proof, has a life of more than 25 years and one year of warranty. This stand weighs 5 kg and is 9.8 feet long and 4.4 feet wide with an angle of 25 degrees.

iv) Loom Solar 2 Panels Stand (320-360 Watts) or 3 Panels Stand (100-180 Watts)

This portable stand is suitable for mounting two solar panels of any brand ranging in between 320 W and 360 W or three solar panels of any brand ranging in between 100 W - 180 W.  It can be comfortably installed on the rooftop of your home. Made of galvanized iron, this stand is rust proof, has a life of more than 25 years and one year of warranty. This stand weighs 8 kg and is 13 feet long and 6.5 feet wide with an angle of 25 degrees.

Solar Stand Installation Video

Let's watch step-by-step solar panel installation video for 2 panels.