Mounting Structures

Photovoltaic arrays must be mounted on a stable, durable structure that can support the array and withstand wind, rain, hail, and other adverse conditions. Sometimes, this mounting structure is designed to track the sun. However, stationary structures are usually used with flat-plate systems. These structures tilt the PV array at a fixed angle determined by the latitude of the site, the requirements of the load, and the availability of sunlight. .

Fixed mounting systems are mounted on a roof, on the ground, or on a pole top. Roof mounts work well for most residential PV systems if the building is oriented towards true south. Roof Mounts can be adjusted for the proper north/south angle. Top of pole or ground mounts work best if mounting on the building does not yield unobstructed sunlight during the peak hours of the day.

Tracking Racks  for solar arrays can increase the output of the solar array from 10% in winter months to 30% in the summer. There are active and passive tracking racks. Passive racks use no photovoltaic power to do the work, so there is less opportunity for failure, and active racks optimize power collection.

UniRac offers a wide variety of fixed mounting systems for all solar modules.. The Unirac Solar Mount system is our first choice for fixed roof mount racking. These well designed racks allow for fast installation with a great degree of mounting flexibility. The Unirac SunFrame line is excellent for installations where the modules must appear as "roof integrated" as possible. The UniRac U-LA line is optimum for larger, fully engineered, ground mount systems. The Unirac PV Pole Mount family of fixed racks is excellent for pole mount applications from a single module to much larger arrays.