Installation Guide

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Installation Instructions for Roof / Wall /Ground Mounts for PV Panels
In the northern hemisphere, this mount should be oriented so the panels on it face as close to due
south as possible. In the southern hemisphere, facing north.
The mount is made to attach to a roof, side wall, or flat horizontal surface. If the mount is to be
attached to a roof, lag bolts may be used if at least 4” of the 5/16” lag bolts on each mounting foot
are screwed into a solid wood member. For side wall installations, the upper mounting feet must be
attached with bolts that go completely through the wall or if 5/16” lags are used, they should be
screwed into at least 3” of solid wood, e.g. into a 2" X 6" wall stud. If mounted to the ground, it must
be similarly fastened to a concrete foundation, or wood deck.
It is important that nothing casts a shadow on the solar panels at any time of day. Any shadow falling
on the panels will greatly reduce the amount of power generated by the array. For this reason it is
important to install the mount away from eaves, overhangs, and other obstructions.
There are several adjustment positions for this mount. In any given season, the surface of the solar
panels should be as close to perpendicular to the rays of the sun as possible. Each of the adjustment
positions should allow you to keep your mount within 10 degrees of perpendicular to the sun.
When mounting on a roof top it is desirable to install the bottom of the panels near the ridgeline. For
optimum southern exposure this ridge should run east – west. If you mount the panels on the
southern roof they may not lie down flat enough in the summer for a perpendicular orientation to the
sun. This is particularly true on steep roofs.
If you have someone to help you lift the assembled mount into place, go ahead and fasten the panels
onto the rails before installation. Bolt the first panel onto the two long slotted rails placing it on the
end of the rails marked TOP. Use the mounting holes on your panels which will allow you to have
the best access to the wiring junction boxes on the back. Hold this first panel 2" down from the top
end of your slotted rails. This will allow the back brace to stick past the rails when the array is laid
down flatter as in summertime orientation. Attach this first panel with the stainless bolts provided,
finger tighten only. Attach the rest of the panels one at a time below the first one. There should be
approximately ¼” between panels.
When all the panels are on the rails there may or may not be some excess rail left, depending on the
brand of PV you are using. This excess may be trimmed off, or can be left at the bottom of the array
to create more distance between it and the mounting surface to allow for snow build up without
shading the bottom panel. Square up the panels so the sides are straight, then tighten the bolts with
a wrench.
Fasten the support legs to the back of the panel rails, and then attach the feet to the bottom of the
back braces and panel rails.
Lift the whole unit into place and attach with lags or bolts.
If you are working alone or the installation is somewhat awkward, you may want to install the mount
first and then add the modules at the end.