Ground Mounting And Roof Mounting Solar Systems

There are several factors that may act on a solar panel: its weight, precipitation weight (snow) on top of it (we are lucky not to deal with this factor in our part of the world), the extreme forces applied by rain and wind (especially in norther Australia), and in cases of extreme seismic loads (especially in Japan).

In order to withstand these forces, it is necessary to install mounting systems. Thus, a mounting system provides structural strength to the whole solar PV system which is capable of withstanding worst weather conditions while providing correct positioning for maximum power output.

A photovoltaic system can be installed in two different ways: Ground mounting and roof mounting systems. This selection depends of several variables such as customer`s PV requirements, space, budget, location and various other factors. Moreover, each type of mounting system comes with its own advantages and disadvantages which must be evaluated to offer best economical and technical solutions. We at Target Solar carefully research the site and upon inspecting the area, soil, roof type and, budget and other important factors for the project and move ahead to design the large-scale solar PV system. We work in collaboration with industry experts to brainstorm and study the upcoming and current market trends to deliver the most updated products which satisfy the compliance procedures of various stakeholders involved throughout the installation.

Ground Mounting Solar Systems

Ground mounting configuration consists of a metal frame which is anchored to the ground in order to provide support and stability required for solar panels. There are three types of possibilities to install ground-mounted systems: foundation mounts, ballasting footing mounts and pole mounted. The selection of these possibilities depends on soil structure. The height of the rails in ground mounting depends on the wind loading and snow loading capacity of the designed system.

Advantages of Ground Mounted Solar System
  • Higher size capacity
  • Tracking system installation
  • Flexibility in tilt and azimuth angle selection
  • Easy to add PV modules
  • Wide air flow
  • Maintenance
  • Home improvement is not necessary

Installation of Process of Ground Mount System

Perfect Soil ConditionSolid GraniteSubterranean rocks and water
The perfect soil for installation is determined based on the vertical foundation pressure. A particular coefficient of friction of the soil determines whether or not it is possible to make a foundation at the site.
Earth-screws or Helical screws Ballasted foundations Driven piles

Roof Mounting Solar Systems

In roof mounting configuration, roof provides the base support structure to the solar PV system. This system is usually preferred by homeowners and large commercial rooftop solar PV systems. This arrangement requires installation of a rail system to attach panels onto the roof. There are several divisions of roof mounting system such as railed, rail-less, shared rail and flat roof. The selection is done based on the type of roof and available budget.

Advantages of Roof Mounted Solar System

 

  • Selection of Azimuth angle
  • Installation procedures
  • Lower installation costs
  • Aesthetics
  • Difficult access to solar PV panels
  • Roof protection
  • Lower Shading Losses

 

Installation of process of Roof Mount System

The site inspection is performed by an engineer once the solar contract is signed. The inspection covers the structural assessment and electrical status of the site, to document of the new energy system is compatible with the existing energy system. The engineer will inspect the roof to ensure its structural strength followed the inspection of the existing meter and electrical box. This ensures for any future upgradation.

It must be noted that engineering inspection is different from inspection performed by a solar installer. The inspection conducted by an installer evaluates the system size, roof type, angle of the roof, shading etc before contract is signed.

Installation of solar PV system requires lot of approval and documentation. There are several incentives offered by federal government which are popularly known as solar renewable energy certificates. Moreover, to obtain incentives it is required to fill the building permit forms, and application for network approval is to be filled by retailer on behalf of the clients.

The time frame to receive network approval is between 4-8 weeks depending upon the system size, state and its DNSP. Lastly, the documentation and system design must be in compliance with the Australian standards, which is validated by electrical compliance certificate once the system is installed.

Once the network approval is received, the equipment ordering is commenced through primary distributor of the Target Solar. We offer the best product as per the client`s requirement and suitability.
The solar installation begins with the installation of rail and raking. Once the racking is safely attached, the solar modules are placed onto the racking. Once the installation is completed, the electrical wiring is done by connecting the solar inverter to the system. Finally, the inverter is connected to the panels to convert DC into AC power and to the grid. The time for installation depends on the system size, if it is a 6.6kW system it usually takes 1 day to finish the solar installation. However, for a system more than 100kW requires about a week of time to finish installation.

The final step is testing and commissioning of the installed roof-top solar system. A local representative will perform the testing and commissioning activity by inspecting the system in terms of compliance with electrical standards and roof setback codes and provide approval. Following this inspection, your system will be ready grid connection.

Once, the local inspection is completed, a technical assessor from your electrical distributor will come to witness the injection testing. As long as there is no compliance and solar glaring issue, the system can be connected to the grid.

Conclusion

After examining this two types of mounting options with their benefits and installation process it can be concluded that:

  • Ground mount systems have lots of variability and are suitable for large commercial and industrial sectors
  • Roof mount system are mainly suitable for residential and large commercial projects.

To make the best choice it is recommended to take into account these facts:

  • System cost
  • Requirement of precise tracking system
  • Soil type
  • Security constraints
  • Roof condition
  • Shading issue

Evaluation and balancing the results of these factors along with the location of the solar PV array will provide a decision on which mounting system is suitable for you. We at Target Solar provide energy solutions, engineering design, procurement and installation, and testing and commissioning for large-scale ground mount and roof-top solar PV system.Evaluation and balancing the results of these factors along with the location of the solar PV array will provide a decision on which mounting system is suitable for you. We at Target Solar provide energy solutions, engineering design, procurement and installation, and testing and commissioning for large-scale ground mount and roof-top solar PV system.

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