Solar Mounting & Racking Guide (2026) | PES Supply
Solar Mounting & Racking Guide (2026)
Complete guide to roof, ground, and pole mounting for solar panels
Mounting Types
| Type | Cost | Best For | Roof Penetration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Mount (Flush) | $0.50-$1.00/W | Most homes | Yes (flashed) |
| Roof Mount (Tilted) | $0.60-$1.20/W | Flat roofs | Yes (flashed) |
| Ground Mount | $0.80-$1.50/W | Open land, easy access | No |
| Pole Mount | $200-$500/pole | Small arrays, tracking | No (concrete base) |
| Ballasted (Flat Roof) | $0.60-$1.10/W | Flat commercial roofs | No (weighted) |
| Carport | $1.50-$3.00/W | Parking lot solar | No (posts) |
Roof Mount Systems by Roof Type
| Roof Type | Racking System | Attachment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingle | IronRidge, Unirac, Quick Mount | Flashed lag bolt into rafter | Most common, easiest |
| Metal Standing Seam | S-5! clamps | Clamp to seam (no penetration) | Best for metal roofs |
| Tile (Clay/Concrete) | Tile hooks or replace tiles | Hook under tile into rafter | Requires tile experience |
| Flat (TPO/EPDM) | Ballasted or anchored | Weighted blocks or roof anchors | Commercial buildings |
| Corrugated Metal | Roof bracket + butyl sealant | Lag through corrugation | Must seal properly |
Ground Mount Systems
Ground mounts are ideal for properties with open land. Benefits include:
- Optimal tilt and orientation (true south)
- Easy cleaning and maintenance access
- No roof penetration
- Better cooling (higher efficiency)
- Easier to expand
Ground mount racking uses driven posts or concrete piers:
| Foundation Type | Cost | Soil Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driven Posts (I-beam) | $50-$100/post | Soft soil, sand | Fastest installation |
| Concrete Piers | $100-$200/pier | Any soil | Most stable |
| Ground Screws | $80-$150/screw | Most soils | No concrete needed |
| Helical Piles | $100-$200/pile | Wet/expansive soil | Excellent holding |
Solar Tracking Systems
| Type | Production Boost | Cost Premium | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Axis (azimuth) | +15-25% | +$0.50-$1.00/W | Large ground arrays |
| Dual-Axis (azimuth + tilt) | +25-35% | +$1.00-$2.00/W | Pole mounts, CPV |
| Fixed (no tracking) | Baseline | Standard | Most installations |
Racking Components
- Rails: Aluminum extrusions (IronRidge XR1000, Unirac SolarMount)
- Mid/End Clamps: Secure panels to rails (spacing-specific)
- Splice Bars: Connect rail sections for long arrays
- L-Feet / Standoffs: Attach rails to roof
- Flashing: Quick Mount QBase, Oatey flashing
- Wire Management: Clips, zip ties (UV-rated), conduit
- Grounding: WEEB clips, grounding lugs
Wind & Snow Load Requirements
| Location | Wind Zone | Snow Load | Racking Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal FL/TX | 150-180 mph | 0 psf | Extra attachments, wind deflectors |
| Mountain West | 90-110 mph | 30-50 psf | Tilted mounts shed snow |
| Midwest | 105-115 mph | 20-30 psf | Standard racking |
| Northeast | 110-120 mph | 30-40 psf | Reinforced attachments |