Installing solar panels isn’t just about choosing the right modules or inverters — the mounting structure plays a crucial role in performance, safety, and durability. The type of solar structure you select depends on your roof type, available space, load capacity, and budget.
1. Fixed Tilt Solar Structures
• Description: Panels are fixed at a specific angle based on your location’s latitude.
• Best for: Simple, cost-effective rooftop installations.
• Advantages: Low cost, easy installation, minimal maintenance.
• Limitations: Cannot adjust to seasonal changes → slightly less efficiency.
2. Adjustable Tilt Solar Structures
• Description: Panels can be tilted manually 2–3 times a year for summer and winter optimization.
• Best for: Homeowners and small businesses looking for improved efficiency.
• Advantages: Higher energy generation than fixed tilt, flexible design.
• Limitations: Manual adjustment required; higher upfront cost than fixed tilt.
3. Elevated (Raised) Solar Structures
• Description: Panels are installed on an elevated frame, usually 8–10 feet above the roof, allowing usage of the roof space below.
• Best for: Urban homes, hostels, and commercial buildings where rooftop space is also needed for other purposes (water tanks, AC units, etc.).
• Advantages: Utilizes the rooftop fully, better ventilation under panels.
• Limitations: Higher installation cost due to steel structures and foundations.
4. Ballasted (Non-Penetrating) Solar Structures
• Description: Panels are placed on weighted frames without drilling holes in the roof.
• Best for: Flat RCC roofs where drilling is not preferred.
• Advantages: No roof damage, easy to install and remove.
• Limitations: Requires a strong roof load capacity to handle the extra weight.
5. Solar Carport Structures
• Description: Panels are mounted on a specially built elevated structure that doubles as a car parking shed.
• Best for: Homes, offices, and commercial spaces with open parking areas.
• Advantages: Dual use of space (parking + solar generation).
• Limitations: Higher cost compared to standard rooftop structures.
6. Tracker-based Solar Structures (less common in residential roofs)
• Description: Panels move automatically to follow the sun’s path throughout the day.
• Best for: Large-scale commercial or industrial rooftops where maximum energy generation is needed.
• Advantages: Can increase efficiency by 15–25%.
• Limitations: Very high cost, complex installation, and rare in small rooftop projects.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right solar mounting structure for your rooftop is as important as selecting the panels themselves.
• On a budget? – Fixed tilt.
• Want better efficiency? – Adjustable tilt.
• Need usable space under panels? – Elevated structure.
• Flat RCC roof without drilling? – Ballasted.
• Parking + solar? – Carport.
By selecting the right structure, you can maximize your solar system’s output while making the most of your rooftop space.
