Mounting Solar Panels DIY Guide

General Guidance for DIY Solar Panel Mounting

As electricity costs continue to rise, many homeowners are turning to renewable energy solutions such as solar panels to achieve greater self-sufficiency. With over 26 years of experience in the industry, we can help you avoid common pitfalls when planning and installing your solar panel system.

Planning Your Installation

Every solar panel installation requires extensive planning to ensure safety and efficiency.

Step 1: Measure Your Roof
Start by measuring your roof to determine how many solar panels it can accommodate. Solar panel sizes have increased significantly over the last two decades, from 150W to 500W panels. On average, a solar panel measures 1200mm wide by 1800mm long, so accurate measurements will help you decide how many panels your roof or ground mount can hold.

We offer fixing kits tailored for all roof types, supporting installations from 1 panel to 200 panels.

Scaffolding for Safety
For domestic roof installations, ensure the project is properly scaffolded to prevent accidents. For ground-mounted installations, we provide the same level of support, regardless of the system size.

Choosing the Right Mounting System

Once you’ve completed your measurements, explore our website to find the appropriate solar panel fixing kit for your needs.

On-Roof Kits

Our on-roof kits are designed with 450mm rafter spacing in mind. For new, untiled roofs, brackets should be positioned to align with this spacing.

Existing Roofs

When affixing panels to an existing roof:

• Remove the tiles to secure the stainless steel brackets directly onto the wooden rafters.
• Ensure the brackets are properly positioned to hold the solar panel fixing rails.

Key Considerations for Mounting

1. Material Selection
Always use stainless steel brackets and screws to prevent corrosion over the lifespan of the system.

2. Bracket Positioning

• Brackets must be spaced along the rafters according to the dimensions of the solar panels.
• Measure the fixing points on the rear of the panels and use this information to determine the positioning of the rails.
• If a bracket sits too low, pack the rafter with hardwood pieces to achieve the required level.

3. Bracket Flashing Kits
Our kits include flashing components and hardwood pieces to address any packing issues. Once brackets are securely in place, you can install the fixing rails.

4. Rail Joiners
When two rails need to be joined, we provide rail joiners for a permanent connection, which can be secured with T bolts and M10 nuts.

5. Panel Clamping
Position solar PV panels on the rails using end clamps to secure the outer edges and mid clamps for joining multiple panels.

Additional Features

Our bracket flashing kits come with extra components to ensure a durable installation:

• Cable Tidy Clips: Prevent loose cables from moving in strong winds, protecting MC4 connections from damage.
• Rail End Caps: Finish the installation neatly while safeguarding against environmental wear.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines and using our comprehensive fixing kits, you can ensure a safe, efficient, and durable solar panel installation. Our kits are designed to simplify the process, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, whether you’re mounting panels on a roof or at ground level. Explore our options and start your journey towards renewable energy today!

For more information on Mounting Solar Panels DIY Guide talk to Solar Dragons