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...PV mounting structures
PV Module Siting
Siting is most important: in order to get the most power, photovoltaic modules need maximum exposure to direct sunlight for the longest time - any shading will reduce module output considerably. Potential shading at different times of the day and year must be considered.
Some other factors to consider are: ease of installation & maintenance; potential power losses are due to long cable runs; location of other system components - batteries, inverter and load.
PV's work best at lower temperatures, consequently they should be installed at a distance from hot roof's etc. to allow ventilation behind the PV array must be provided for in the roof design. In hot climates use of the higher voltage modules is preferable to offset the voltage reduction due to temperature.
Module Mounting Methods
Modules may be mounted on a pole, a ground support, a wall of a building, a building or vehicle roof, or on a boat deck. The main considerations are day long access to unobstructed sunlight and wire lengths to batteries. Appearance and ease of access for any cleaning etc. should also be considered.
Ideally panels should be placed so that they are perpendicular to the noon day sun, ie. due South and at an angle of inclination approximately equal to the angle of latitude, although they will function when mounted flat (in fact on overcast days this can be better since the light is diffuse and reflected). A steeper angle of inclination will enhance output during winter months when the sun is lower in the sky, at the expense of some reduced output in summer, (a fixed mount would have an angle of latitude plus 15 º). A simple system where the angle can be changed manually twice a year (in Spring & Autumn) is best and does not involve much cost or effort.
Mounting frames can easily be fabricated oneself - to avoid electrolytic corrosion aluminium angle and plated or stainless steel nuts & bolts should be used, also mounts should be strong and capable of withstanding wind. Alternatively a range of high quality standard kits are available. These are pre-drilled to accept modules and include stainless steel fasteners. We can also fabricate suitable custom built support structures to suit individual requirements.
Sometimes when choosing an array mount it's useful to leave room for a system to grow. Usually the extra cost for a frame to take extra modules will be small and then any future expansion will be straightforward. CAUTION! Never leave a module unsupported or unsecured. If a module should fall, the glass can break. A module with broken glass cannot be repaired.
| Advantages of Different Mounting Methods | |
| Rooftop Mounting | Helps to avoid shadows from trees, but access for seasonal adjustment & installation can be difficult. |
| South Wall Mounting | Works if there is enough wall space. |
| Ground Mounts | Easy access & installation but take up wall space. |
| Pole Mounts | Can be easy to set up & adjust. |
| Tracking Mounts | Can add several extra morning & afternoon hours of full power production. |
Small PV Panel Brackets and Mounts
Single Module Mount
Bracket for pole, floor or wall mounting. Module tilt angles of 10 or 80°.
| Product Code | Description |
| BPTS-1 | Fits BP Solar SX-5M & SX-10U modules |
| BPTS-2 | Fits Spectra SPEC-10 |
| BPTS-3 | Fits BP Solar SX-20U & SX-30U |
Single Module Stand-off Brackets
Product code: SPFK-1
Caravan Fixings
Spoiler style fixings to mount PV modules.
These are fastened to the roof with Sikaflex adhesive and so do not
puncture the roof.
Fixing kits include everything to prepare the roof and fasten
the profiles to the roof using adhesive and to the module with screws.For single modules use one Spoilerset (two pieces) positioned on
each end of the module.
For BP3125S & other large modules or two
modules use a Cornerset and a Joinerset. Fits modules with frames up to 66mm deep and lifts the module 32mm off the roof.
| Product Code | Description |
| MT-SP53 | Spoilerset length 530mm |
| MT-SP60 | Spoilerset length 600mm |
| MT-EP | Cornerset (4 pieces) |
| MT-VP | Joinerset (2 pieces) |
| MT-KLB/1 | Fixing kit for 1 module |
| MT-KLB/2 | Fixing kit for 2 modules |
Single Module Roof Wall Mount
Product code: BPHV-1
Consists of two pairs of aluminium sections: one pair fastens to the PV module, and the other to any
flat surface. Allows the module to be tilted to different angles from 10 to 75°. Fits BP Solar modules
SX-20U; SX-30U; BP350U & BP380J/S.
PV Module Pole and Flat Roof Mounts
Side Of Pole Mounts
Product code: PV-P2
These galvanised steel mounts clamp onto 3" diameter tube and suit standard BP Solar
modules of 50-80 Wp. Mounts for larger modules or 2" tube available to special
order. Usually used when the pole is required for some other purpose, eg. wind turbine pole, lighting or
communications antenna. 10 to 70 ° tilt.Simple Tilt Mount
Product code: BP3-MK
Consists of two sets
of triangular aluminium section assemblies which allow a BP Solar BP3125S 12V
module to be securely mounted to a flat surface such as roof or wall. 60 ° tilt.
‘ConSole’ Flat Roof Mounts
These are high quality, low cost, support structures for the installation of modules on flat
roofs. Made from 100% recycled, chlorine free polyethylene the ConSole has a
long life and requires no maintenance. Easy to install with integrated cable ducts and cooling slots. Electrically insulating.They use
gravel or concrete tiles as ballast to weigh them down so avoiding any fixing
holes in the roof cladding. 25 ° tilt.Product code: ConSole 2.3 (for one module, BP380i/S)
Product code: ConSole 4.1 (for one module, BP3165S, BP7175S)
SOL-50 Flat Roof Mounts
Product code: SP-5/20
These highly stable kits use the
SOL-50 mounting system and are perfect
for flat roof PV installations. Fits 5 modules such as BP3165S or BP7180S. They
are weighed down using flagstones with no fixings required to the roof
structure. Anti-slip mats protect the roof cladding. Includes protected cable
runs in the horizontal & vertical framing. Suitable for building heights up to
20m. 30 ° tilt.
Data sheet up to the top
'T' Type Ground Mounts
These sturdy low level PV mounting structures, made from galvanised 2"
tubular steel are designed to be fixed to a concrete foundation base,
but can be modified for use on almost any surface and can be coupled
together to make up an array of any size.
Tilt can be varied from 10 to 60º. Raises bottom of PV modules 500 - 700
mm above ground level.
Designed to withstand adverse environmental conditions (windspeeds up to
200 km/hr).
Includes fasteners but excludes module interconnect cabling and array
junction box.
Structures can be supplied without tubes allowing them to be obtained
locally to save shipping costs.
For BP380 size modules.
'A' versions for BP3165 size. | Product Code | Description |
| BP-T2 | 2 module (BP380) structure kit |
| BP-T3 | 3 module (BP380) structure kit |
| BP-T4 | 4 module (BP380) structure kit |
| BP-T5 | 5 module (BP380) structure kit |
| BP-T6 | 6 module (BP380) structure kit |
| BP-T7 | 7 module (BP380) structure kit |
| BP-T8 | 8 module (BP380) structure kit |
| BP-T2(A) | 2 module (BP3165) structure kit |
| BP-T3(A) | 3 module (BP3165) structure kit |
| BP-T4(A) | 4 module (BP3165) structure kit |
‘N’ Type Ground Mounts
These structures
provide a higher level mounting for medium sized systems with easy installation.
Made from galvanised
steel and designed to be fixed to a concrete foundation base.
Tilt can be varied
from 10 to 60 º. Raises bottom of PV modules 420 - 1250 mm above ground level.
Includes fasteners
but excludes module interconnect cabling and array junction box.
For BP380 size modules. 'A' versions for BP3165 size.
| Product Code | Description |
| BP-SKN04 | 4 module (BP380) ground mount structure |
| BP-SKN08 | 8 module (BP380) ground mount structure |
| BP-SKN12 | 12 module (BP380) ground mount structure |
| BP-SKN04(A) | 4 module (BP3165) ground mount structure |
| BP-SKN08(A) | 8 module (BP3165) ground mount structure |
| BP-SKN12(A) | 112 module (BP3165)ground mount structure |
PV-MAX2 Ground Mounts
Product code:PV-MAX/30
This is a modular system for mounting large PV arrays in open areas.
Made with high quality components, it allows easy to erect economical systems with long lifetimes.
Usually
concrete strip foundations are used that can consist either of pre-cast concrete
blocks or can be made on site.
Other foundations are
possible such as piles or screw in foundations depending upon ground conditions.
Sturdy aluminium
supports are fastened to these which carry aluminium crossbeams to which the PV
modules are fastened. All materials are made from durable aluminium or stainless
steel.
Strong cross beams
permit large span lengths.
Kit listed suits 30 800 x 1600 mm PV modules (eg BP3165S) and uses three support frames. 12m long, 2.55 m high
Custom Mounts
Mounting systems either made from aluminium or steel or for incorporation as additional buildings or structures can be made to suit many different applications and locations. to the top
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Stoke Prior, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0NR