How Do Solar Panel Work? A solar panel is a ... - Digital Consummate

Solar Panel Mounting
For home solar arrays, we generally recommend mounting solar panels at the top of a sturdy pole. This
is called a pole top mount. They are easy to install. They keep the panels off the ground and out of
harm’s way but are easy to adjust and to reach for snow removal. Yes, when the snow stops falling and
the sun comes back out, you want to be able to sweep the snow off those panels. So think about where
you place them, how far they are from the house, and how high up they are.
A pole top mount can be either fixed, which means it holds the panel stationary, or it can move, or
track, with the sun. A solar panel mount that allows the panel to move with the sun is called a tracker.
Fixed Racks can include Ground Mounting, Roof Mounting, Pole-Side Mounting, Boat/RV Mounts, as
well as Pole Top Mounting. All trackers are mounted on poles, and so are technically pole top mounts.
The pole of a pole top mount must be anchored in the ground by digging a hole and filling it with
concrete. The size of hole in diameter is usually 18 inches to 2 feet (18 inches plus the diameter of the
pole). The depth of the hole must be 1/2 of the height of the pole above ground. If the pole will be 7
feet above ground, you have to dig a 3 1/2 foot hole.
The placement of your solar panels, whatever kind of mounting system you are using, can make a huge
difference in the amount of electricity you are able to produce. Be very careful not to place your
panels in an area that is shaded by trees or buildings or any other object. Note carefully that the
shadow made by your house moves at least 22 feet farther to the south in the winter. If you place your
panels within that distance, you’ll be very disappointed during those short winter days.