Vertical Mounting Questions

[Xplode]

I am curious if there is anything special to consider when mounting panels vertically to a wall.

Can I use the same sort of racking as the roof, just mounted on the wall?

Is it better to run the racking itself vertical (so the clamps are above/below the panel) or horizontal (so the clamps are pinching the sides of the panel)?
I feel like the obvious choice is vertical but wanted to know what you think.

I tried googling but it's hard to find anything for "vertical solar panel mount" other than a pile of DIY guys on youtube who have used screws into the sides of their panels for all kinds of amateur mounting configurations... I prefer to find out how it should really be done.

[Mike90250]

First, check with the racking mfg, if their system is rated for vertical use. Then do what they say.

Generally, vertical is much worse than horizontal, unless you are in the Arctic Circle, except for winter time in snowy areas, then you get the reflection off the snow, which can be a boost to the harvest.

[Xplode]

Hey Mike, was more of a generalized question. I am considering winter friendly options for my cabin and was mostly curious if there was any "general notes and considerations" for best practices when mounting vertical.

The numbers for vertical in my area are actually not that bad, and definitely better in the winter than horizontal. But this is a side thought to supplement the panels on the roof to get through the snow season.

[J.P.M.]

I am curious if there is anything special to consider when mounting panels vertically to a wall.

Can I use the same sort of racking as the roof, just mounted on the wall?

Is it better to run the racking itself vertical (so the clamps are above/below the panel) or horizontal (so the clamps are pinching the sides of the panel)?
I feel like the obvious choice is vertical but wanted to know what you think.

I tried googling but it's hard to find anything for "vertical solar panel mount" other than a pile of DIY guys on youtube who have used screws into the sides of their panels for all kinds of amateur mounting configurations... I prefer to find out how it should really be done.

Off the top of my head, I'd first call the racking folks as Mike has suggested. After that, and if you strike out there, I'd consider a portrait orientation for the panels with bottom weight and wind support and top wind support by C channels, top and bottom, with a web depth on the channels as close to the panel frame depth plus any required clearance for a retainer clip for side/uplift loadings, and with a flange depth for the C channel a bit less than the panel frame width. Might take a bit of head scratching, but doable.

However, while that can be a fun way to spend some time, I'd probably exhaust all the racking folks ideas and methods before I set out on a major design.

Whatever you decide, consider the loads imposed on the panel supports and what they're are attached to. Those are often the parts of the design given the least, or no, consideration, particularly with respect to wind loads, especially for designs with some clearance behind the panels.

[RenewablesRock]

With all the hassles I am having to go through with mounting my panels, I was thinking about doing the wall mount option. If anyone knows where I can get wall mounts sufficient for 310 watt panels, please post a link. The ones I have found on Amazon and eBay have been 28" wide max. I think my panels are a little wider.
I am looking to do something exactly like these lower 4 panels on the back of my house if I could find the mounting kits for them. Then I don't have to worry about putting holes in my roof nor worrying about having to spend $290 for each ground mount and get permits to pour concrete structures all over my back yard. These panels would be almost like awnings. Super easy to walk underneath so I could get easy access to do the wiring.

[Xplode]

Whatever you decide, consider the loads imposed on the panel supports and what they're are attached to. Those are often the parts of the design given the least, or no, consideration, particularly with respect to wind loads, especially for designs with some clearance behind the panels.

Great Advice. Fortunately I think like this and would install the panels on the side of the building that is parallel to the prevailing winds, so shielding from the stresses imposed will be relatively easy. I also helped build the structure, so I know where the supports in the walls are.



As for your question RenewablesRock - I'm new here so take my advice with a grain of salt, but I have used unistrut products a lot in my day job and you might consider just building yourself a frame out of something similar. There is aluminum versions of the product available (instead of heavy steel) but the cost is about double. Just build the canopy structure to fit your sizing of panels and clamp down? Just heed the wind/snow load warnings as mentioned by JPM.

[littleharbor]

I framed an eyebrow across the south side of a friends house in Baja. I then used conventional racking (pro Solar) screwed to the framing to mount the panels. I made sure to use plenty of Simpson hardware and screws for strength.