4 Types of Solar Panel Mounting Systems that are reliable and strong

The sun’s effectiveness is unparalleled, providing the energy needed for all life on Earth to thrive. Hence solar energy is becoming increasingly popular as a renewable energy source, and solar panel mounting systems are becoming more common in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. One important aspect of solar panel installation is the mounting structure that supports and secures the panels.

Axe Struct is a company that offers a variety of solar mounting systems, each designed to meet specific installation requirements.

The Different Types of Solar Panel Mounting Systems

To assist you in choosing the perfect Solar Panel Mounting Systems, we will unpack the various options available from Axe Struct.

Ground Mounting Structures

Ground Mounting structures are used when solar panels need to be installed on the ground, generally without the need for useable space under the structure. These types of solar panel mounting systems are ideal for maximising yield, as they allow flexibility in panel placement, making them ideal for installations where the orientation and tilt of the panels need to comply with a specification.  Axe Struct offers ground mount solutions only in fixed tilt.  Adjustable ground mounting structures can be tilted to optimise the solar panel’s angle based on the location and time of the year.  These adjustable structures are for very small systems and not something Axe Struct offers.

When it comes to choosing a Ground Mount system, there are several factors to consider, such as installation method and environmental corrosivity. Our company offers three variations of Ground Mount systems: GM Economical, GM Exclusive, and GM Elite.

GM Economical and GM Exclusive feature hot-dipped galvanised steel posts, which can be either driven into the soil or placed into pre-drilled holes with concrete backfill. However, the GM Exclusive has only one post per rafter, while the GM Economical has two posts per rafter. In cases where cost-saving is a concern, the hot-dipped galvanised protection can be switched to pre-galvanising if soil and environmental conditions allow for it.

On the other hand, GM Elite uses aluminium posts that can be installed on top of a concrete foundation. This system features a diagonal section under each rafter, allowing for smaller foundations. We take care of the foundation sizing, which can be either pile-type or block-shaped.

Economical: A simplified solution uses universal steel sections and traditional connection methods.

Elite: An all-aluminium solution for a visually rounded and uniform appearance.

Exclusive: A single post per rafter solution to minimise the number of poles for a reduced installation cost.

Roof Mounting Structures

Roof mounting structures are used when solar panels need to be installed on the roof of a building. These types of solar panel mounting systems are ideal for residential and commercial buildings. Roof-mounted solar panels are a popular choice if roof space is available, considering the proximity to the electrical connection.

Axe Struct offers eight roof mounting systems: Railless, Railed, Angled Railed, Angled Railless, Ballast Railless, Ballast Railed, Inroof and Walkway.

Railless: A lean solution by eliminating structural elements of a flat roof. Offers a drastic cost reduction to conventional solutions.

Railed: A structural sound solution with supporting rails on a flat roof to unify the assembly.

Angled Railed: A pitched solution for optimal production of your solar system. The A-frame concept is utilised for ease of installation, alignment and structural integrity. Angled rails are available for vertical/portrait panel orientation.

Angled Railless: A tilted solution for optimal production of your solar system. The A-frame concept is utilised for ease of installation. The angled railless option is provided for landscape/horizontal panel orientation.

Ballast Railless: A solution for concrete roofs which integrates to rails for ease of installation.

Ballast Railed: An integrated solution which reduces structural elements for concrete roofs.

Inroof: No roof sheeting is needed since standard solar modules integrate with our rail sealing system to serve as a waterproof cover.

Walkway: A walkway solution for easy access to your solar system.

Floating Mounting Structures

Floating mounting structures are solar panel mounting systems used when solar panels must be installed on water bodies such as lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. This type of structure consists of a buoyant platform anchored to the bottom of the water body, and the solar panels are mounted on top of the platform. 

Floating mounting systems are typically made of high-density polyethene (HDPE) and Aluminium, and they are ideal for water bodies used for hydroelectric power or irrigation.

Carport Mounting Structures

Carport mounting structures are used when solar panels need to be installed in a parking lot or garage for the coverage of vehicles.  These systems can also be used as coverage for storage and animal shelters.

There are several factors to consider, such as aesthetics and environmental corrosivity. Axe Struct offers three variations of Carport Mounting systems: CP Economical, CP Elite, and CP Exclusive.

The CP Economical is not a cantilever system and features hot-dipped galvanised steel-lipped channel posts that are planted in concrete foundations. In contrast, the CP Elite is a semi-cantilever system with aluminium rectangular tube posts on concrete foundations. Meanwhile, the CP Exclusive is a full cantilever system with hot-dipped galvanised I-beam posts on concrete foundations. We take care of the sizing of these foundations, which can be either pile-type or block-shaped.

When selecting a Carport Mounting system, it’s important to consider aesthetics and environmental conditions. Our three variations of the Carport Mounting system offer different options to suit different needs and preferences. The CP Economical is a cost-effective option that provides sturdy support. The CP Elite and CP Exclusive are both cantilever systems that offer a sleek and modern design, with the CP Exclusive providing the most cantilevered coverage.

Based on your project needs, our team of engineers will make adjustments and assemble a solution kit based on your requirements. Our design team also covers adjacent civil inputs, and our engineers can optimise base sizes with smart solutions.

Carport Mounting Economical

A simplified, cheaper solution uses universal steel sections and traditional connection methods. These sections are integrated with our aluminium rail design to optimise the mounting of solar panels.

Abridging the design minimises the cost of the system and streamlines remote projects. It can be adapted for rough terrains by utilising large adjustment capabilities and the system’s flexibility.

Carport Mounting Elite

An all-aluminium solution for a visually rounded and uniform appearance. Suitable for relatively even terrains with fine adjustment capabilities.

Precision sections for a truly modular assembly to improve installation times.

The semi-cantilever solution offers raised ground connections to allow motorists easy access in and out of their vehicles.

Carport Mounting Exclusive

A cantilever solution to obtain the most practical layout for motorists. Less prone to accidents with the removal of obstructing posts. This streamlined solution offers no hindrance to parked cars’ opening doors.

Sections have flanged ends with slotted holes for effortless assembly of the system. Cantilevered members integrate with our aluminium rail design to optimise the mounting of solar PV panels.

Axe Struct is South Africa’s leading solar mounting manufacturer for all types of structures and offers the highest quality materials and workmanship.

Whether you’re looking for ground mounting, roof mounting, pole mounting, floating mounting, or carport mounting systems, Axe Struct can advise you on the best option, explaining each of its unique advantages.

Consult with us to ensure that your solar panel mounting systems are precisely what you need to maximise the Earth’s natural resource, the sun!