How it works | System Components

Panel Mounting Racks

What is it?
A solar panel mounting rack is a metal frame specifically designed to mount or 'rack' groups of solar panels together to make one continuous flat surface in order to get maximum exposure to the sun.

Some racks even move with the sun in order to keep the angle of the panels at the premium position to the sun's rays. These are called tracking rack or 'trackers'.

How will it be installed?
The panel mounting rack can be installed in a few different ways depending on your site and the surrounding shade and conditions. Typically the panels are mounted flush onto a north facing roof of your home. If the slope of your roof or the aspect is not good enough, legs can be attached to the frame to adjust the tilt of the panels or the direction that they face. In other situations, the frame might be mounted to the top of a sturdy pole away from shade trees or other sun-blockers such as sheds or even neighboring buildings. Often in rural areas with many trees around he house, but open paddocks nearby, the legs of a panel rack can be secured into concrete footings in the ground. With some extra building expense and a bit of creative design sense this can even be made into a nice shade structure for people or stock animals.

Though we are happy to provide them, its rare that we recommend a tracking rack with our systems. Depending on conditions, it is often more cost effective to put the money that would have been spent on a very expensive 'tracker' into buying more panels for your system. This can often mean greater over-all power output for your home.

How long does it last?
A panel mounting rack and it's components are built to withstand a lifetime of outdoor exposure to match the longevity of the solar panels. They are usually made out of high quality aluminium and / or galvanized steel. The mounting racks systems that we typically sell with our systems are premium grade Australian made racks that are certified to a hurricane-level rating.

More info...
Depending on where your panels will be installed and the ease of access, it can sometimes be beneficial to buy an 'adjustable leg' mounting rack. This type of frame can be adjusted to change the 'tilt' or angle of the panels towards the sun — depending on the time of year. Though this is ideal, we often find that due to the safety concerns involved with roof mounted systems, it is sometimes better to just mount the panels fixed for the best yearly average. If you are particularly interested in an adjustable leg mount, we recommend using a qualified professional to make your adjustments for you.