What are the three common ways of installing solar panels?
What are the three common ways of installing solar panels?
There are three common ways of installing solar panels namely solar roof mounting system, solar ground mounting system and floating solar mounting system. These are all good methods of mounting solar panels but mostly depending on the user’s preference in terms of several factors like space, cost, size and so on.
Solar roof mounting system is a PV system installed on the roof of a house or residential and commercial buildings. It utilizes unused space on the roof, capturing light from the sun and converting it inti electricity to power houses and buildings. This is a common method because it is eco-friendly and does not produce harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Solar roof panels are convenient method because they are not covered by any objects that could block the direct sunlight. The solar panels are installed parallel to the roof and to the direction the roof is facing. It should be installed in the direction that would get the most sunlight throughout the day.
There are two ways of mounting solar panels on the roof; traditionally, which involves mounting bulky solar racks on the roof making them visually displeasing. The other way is an integrated system, which is more convenient, visually pleasing and protects the roof of the house.
The integrated roof system is integrated with the roof without using racks to hold the solar panels in place. They are considered a part of the roof and are visually pleasing.
Rooftop solar panels are used to power several appliances such as;
· Electric Household appliances like refrigerators, electric switches, fans and lights, Air conditioner and so on.
· They can also power small items like smartwatches, power banks, and flashlights.
· As well as outdoor streetlights and traffic lights.
The following are the advantages of using solar roof mounting system;
1. Creates employment opportunities
Rooftop solar panels require intense labor power like technicians who can maintain and service the solar panels on the roof. The manufacturing of solar panels also requires skilled laborers. Especially, now that rooftop solar panels are on the rise in countries like India, America, and other countries the demand for laborers has increased. There are many departments in the solar industry such as manufacturing, accounting, administration, design, installation, technicians and many more.
2. Environmentally friendly
Roof mounted solar panels are renewable energy source. They only require sunlight to produce electricity, this is one of the cleanest energy sources. This method is sustainable and does not emit harmful gases that would destroy the environment. It also does not require land space which would lead to cutting down trees. Solar panels help to reduce the global warming effect that is caused by using fossil fuels.
3. Less costly compared to other mounting systems
Solar rooftop panels only require a one-time investment that will help last for a long time. Since, the solar panels are not directly in contact with the ground they are less likely to get stolen or damaged.
4. Easy and Convenient Installation
Installation is easy when the roof is installed at the same time as the solar panels making them convenient. The same company can alter the roof to go with the solar panels thus saving time and cost for looking into other contractors. Installing the roof specifically designed to go with the solar panels reduces the risk of any damage that may occur to the roof.
5. Provides better roof protection
Integrated solar panels provide better roof protection unlike traditional roof panels that require bolts in the attaching the racks to the roof. Causing the holes in the roof can lead to leaks and damages. Having a rack on the roof can also be dangerous for birds and other animals. Sometimes the birds can use them to build a nest under the panels. Having an integrated solar panel reduces the chances of animal encounters and avoids damage from strong winds.
Solar Ground mounting system is a PV system installed on the ground. Ground solar panels are usually convenient for powering large areas with ample ground space. Ground solar panels use racks to attach the panels to the ground. Ground solar panels can be used for homes only if the ground space is large and it does not compromise other productive activities. The racking system is important because it can help tilt the solar panels to the direction of the sunlight since, there can be a lot of shade covering the solar panels.
Ground solar panels are similar to roof solar panels, the only difference being the process of installing the solar panels;
· On the roof there is already a pre constructed structure that can support the solar panel. While on the ground, the support needs to be constructed specifically for the panels that are slightly placed above the ground.
The devices on the roof and ground mounted systems are also similar. Although the ground system requires more wiring depending on the location to the devices. The location depends on the shade cast by the home which is not ideal to the solar panels.
A ground mounted solar panel can be built with a tilt function. This allows the solar panels to automatically or manually be moved with the direction of the sunlight throughout the day. This feature can only be found on ground solar panels since, roof panels are integrated parallel to the roof and can only face in one direction. This is convenient for users because they do not need to be present to manually tilt the solar panels. This is known as solar tracking which cannot be used on rooftop solar panels.
The following are the advantages of using ground mounted solar panels;
· Ideal Angle
The ground is the perfect place to place the solar panels because it can be placed at different angles throughout the day unlike roof panels.
· Better Efficiency and performance
On the ground there is a gap between the solar panels and the ground which allows for wind movement to cool down the solar panels when they are heated.
· Easy to maintain
The solar panels on the ground allow for constant maintenance because they are easily reachable. They can be cleaned daily to avoid dust accumulation which can reduce efficiency.
· Longevity of the solar panels
Ground solar panels may las longer than roof solar panels because they do not require constant assembling or dissembling whenever required. It is easier to fix any small damages for solar panels on the ground.
· Has room for Expansion
The solar panels on the roof are limited to the size of the roof. Unlike the solar panels on the ground can be expanded with enough land space.
Floating solar mounting system is a PV system that is mounted on the surface of waterbodies. It is placed on a floatable surface like a pontoon to avoid sinking the solar panels. Usually, they are placed on calm waterbodies like lakes, reservoirs, and large ponds. This is the most efficient solar mount system because firstly it is used on large scale projects and the water acts as a coolant for when the solar panels heat up.
The following are the advantages of using floating solar mount system;
1. It saves space on land
Having solar panels on land uses a lot of space requiring deforestation. Waterbodies are an open space with less shade hence, they are directly exposed to the sun throughout the day. The land can be used for more productive purposes such as farming.
2. It has a higher performance and efficiency
Floating solar panels are mostly used on large projects hence they have a higher power output. Not only this the waterbody acts as a coolant for the solar panels. When the solar panels are heated, they reduce their efficiency over time. Hence, the water cools the solar panels thus maintaining their efficiency for a longer period of time.
3. Environmentally Friendly
The floating solar panels uses water bodies thus protecting them from evaporating. They also do not require the space on land which can lead to deforestation thus destroying the environment.
Other than this they provide shade to the waterbodies reducing the chances of algae flowers which are dangerous to other plants as well as animals. Solar energy is a clean renewable energy source that does not emit harmful gases into the atmosphere.
References
https://www.starwinsolar.com/product-list/solar-ground-mounting-system
https://www.starwinsolar.com/product-list/solar-roof-mounting-system
https://www.starwinsolar.com/product-list/floating-solar-mounting-system
