Solar Panel Mounting: Not All Mounting and Racking Systems Are Made Equal

How does Solar Panel Mounting Get Installed?

From the perspective most people see a solar panel, it is difficult to see how solar panel mounting are attached to a roof.  Since they are not visible, most consumers do not spend much time thinking about what mechanisms keep their panels attached. Furthermore, since mounting and racking systems are somewhat hidden, most people aren’t overly concerned about them.  In fact, since they are not the ‘money maker’ or ‘energy producer’ racking and mounting systems do not get glorified or researched as solar panels do. Our experience as a commercial and residential solar installation company is that the racking and mounting systems are just as important if not more than the panels reflecting light off the roof are.

Products for All Roof Types

Each roof demands a different strategy for solar panel installation.  What works best for a composite roof might not be the best solution for a concrete tile roof.  One determining factor to ask your solar installation company is how they dictate what product and how your panels are installed.  Mounting systems are unique to your roof. Products are designed specifically for composition/asphalt shingle roofs, tile roofs, Shake and Slate roods and roofs with a low slope.  Even within each style of roof, recognizing if the roof is new or retrofitted determines what product is the correct mounting system for your panel installation.

Superior Waterproofing

When solar panels are installed on your roof, you are literally allowing your solar installation company to drill holes into your roof.  This means that ensuring the correct mounting system is vital to avoid leaks in your roof. QuickMount is one of our core providers of mounting products.  This is important because QuickMount PV technology was founded on the principle of using state of the art technology that makes roof-mounted solar 100% waterproof.  This included elevated water seal technology for each mounting system they design.

Training for Fast and Simple Installation

Incorrect installation of a solar panel array is often connected to lack of training or education of an installation crew.  We believe in continuous and continuing education. Additionally, we work closely with QuickMount PV as they are a recognized pioneer of roofing best practices in the industry.  Their extensive training programs are all made available, accessible and often mandatory to our installation crews. This means teams are at the forefront of knowledge and training experience, which leads to installs that follow Best Practices for the leader in the industry.  Additionally, outside of formal training, online webinars and video tutorials are always available and accessible. These tools are powerful areas of solar intelligence and training across the board.

Why It Is Important to Ask Questions

Poor roof racking and mounting systems can negatively impact the production and value of your solar system.  When a mounting system is not installed correctly, or a mounting system of inferior quality, is attached to your roof, the risk of problems increases.  Additionally, incorrectly installed mounting and racking systems leads to leaks in the roofs and a myriad of potential safety issues. As you collect quotes, ask direct questions about the mounting and racking systems that will be used on your solar installation.  If you are told “All mounting systems are the same,” it is recommended you continue to get company quotes that answer to the quality and safety expectations you have of your solar system. Asking too many questions early on is a way to eliminate problems further down the lane.  Since solar panels are designed to last for at least 25 years, be confident the mounting and tracking systems they are hanging from are of equitable quality. Remember, your panels are only as good as they system they are mounted on.

If you continue to have questions regarding mounting and racking systems for solar panels, we invite you to reach out an email, call, or stop by our Solar Showroom located in the Historic Downtown Brentwood corridor.   

If you are doing research about Solar Companies, don’t forget to ask them these very important questions.