Application
It is widely used in mounting Frames
for Solar Modules.
Mounting Frames For Solar
Modules:
The type of rack you need depends on where the solar panels will be mounted.
They are most often either mounted on top of a pole or on a roof. Top-of-pole
mounts can be either stationary or trackersthat follow the sun's movement
across the sky. Sometimes solar panels are mounted on a rack on the ground.
Tilt-up racks can be angled up off a roof's pitch to the optimal angle for your
area and can be seasonally adjusted. They are more visually obtrusive than
flush mount racks, but in most instances they allow the panels to produce more
energy. Tilt-up racks can also be turned to face due south on a roof that faces
off south, again increasing energy production. Doing this, however, does look
awkward.
We usually prefer not to mount on roofs because of the potential for leaks,
difficulty of maintenance and over heating. However, a roof mount is generally
more secure from theft or damage, and sometimes offers the best access to the
sun.
Trackers are top-of-pole mounts that use electronic sensors and motors to
automatically follow the sun's path. During cloudy weather they face the
brightest part of the sky to maximize the array's output. Trackers can increase
an array's power production by 10-50%, and are particularly effective in array
direct water pumping situations. (We no longer install or recommend passive
trackers, partially due to their tendency to flop around in the wind--which we
have plenty of here in the Southwest).