How to pick which Solar Racking System is right for you

There are numerous racking options for solar installations, but which one is the right option for you? You first have to identify where you will be installing your solar system. The placement of the solar racking system will ultimately dictate which racking option will be best for your project. There are three basic options for racking: roof mount, ground mount, and pole mount racking systems.

In order to put your roof mount system together you will need to account for numerous factors:

What direction does your roof face (north, south, east or west)?

• The optimal direction of your roof to face is south, however there are a number of options to work with if your roof is not perfectly south facing. Such as a tilt mount kit, or a ballasted roof mount system. Keep in mind that ballasted roof mount systems will require a roof that can handle a great deal of weight, as you will ultimately need to include numerous concrete blocks to keep the ballast in place.For ballasted roof mount systems, we usually recommend using UniRac ballast systems.

What is the angle of your roof?

• If you have a flat roof, you will need a tilt mount, however if your roof already has an angle you will need the standard flush mount.

How much space do you have to work with?

• If you have a roof that is short and long, you should plan on having your panels laid out landscape style, this will ensure that you are optimizing the maximum amount of space available to you. If your roof is tall and narrow, laying the panels in a portrait style will be better for your project.

How much room you need to leave around the edges?

• The amount of space that your system must be placed on your roof varies by location, however you will typically need to leave 5-20 inches around each side of the system.

What is your roof type (asphalt tile, terracotta, metal, etc.)?

• Asphalt tile/Flat tile are the standard and will typically work well with IronRidge flashings. This is the most common roof type across the United States, and is very solar friendly. Installation is easy and there are numerous online sources that can assist you with your installation.

• For terracotta roofs, we typically recommend the IronRidge Racking with Quick Mount PV hook clamps. This is the easiest option for installation, however you can also use the Quick Mount PV Universal Tile Mount. The Universal Tile Mounts will require a bit more footwork for installation. The tile will need to have a square opening made into it for the attachment to go through, while the hooks will only require you to shave off the bottom. Either option is prime for terracotta tile roofs, it depends on your preference for installation.

• This is important as it will determine what kind of mounts you will need for your system. For metal roofs, we typically recommend IronRidge Racking, with S-5! Clamps. You will need to identify the type of metal roof you have in order for us to determine what kind of clamps to put together with your system. For more information, you can look at our blog for installing solar systems on metal roofs. You may do this by sending in a picture of your roof, or identifying which S-5! Clamps you need with your representative.

• Flat Tile roofs will typically come directly from IronRidge, with Flash Foot mounts, this is the most common application and the most common roof type. If you are unsure of what kind of roof you have you may ask your representative to look at your roof.

Ground mount racking will usually be easier to install and determine than roof mount racking systems as there is not as much limited space.

• It is important to note that ground mount systems will typically need a shading analysis done for solar tax benefits. Your local solar installer should be able to help you with the shading analysis of your site.

• While there is less limited space for racking, note any obstructions from trees, local zoning regulations, fence height if you have neighbors, and ensure that the soil in your installation space is approved for holding the weight and type of poles that will be required for the system.
• Poles used for the ground mount system will need to be purchased in addition to the racking pieces. Your representative and/or manufacturer will inform you which pole grades are required for your solar project.

Pole mount racking is also easy to determine, considerations for installation site are the same as those you should be thinking about for your ground mount system installation.

• We typically recommend DPW Solar side and top of pole mounts as they have the widest selection and work with the highest number of panel manufacturers. For DPW side and top of pole racking, you will need to provide the number of panels you have and the part number. All DPW racking is custom made and DPW works diligently to ensure that each racking system produced will match the attachment points on your panels, and work with your areas weather conditions year round.
• Also note that you should plan your time wisely if you are using a top of pole mount. DPW along with IronRidge and other top of pole manufacturers make the mount per order, and typically take between 4-6 weeks to produce.
• Like the ground mount system, pole mounts also require you to purchase the pole that the mount will be installed on.

For any questions regarding your solar racking system send us an inquiry. Please provide your address to ensure that we find the best racking pieces for your area. All solar racking systems have weather grades for how much snow, rain, hail and other natural elements that the pieces can handle.