The world is moving towards a greener future. One of the key constituents of this transition is the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources. Solar energy is one such renewable source that is gaining popularity due to its eco-friendly and cost-effective nature. This solar energy is harnessed with the help of solar panels. Photovoltaic systems are very versatile and scalable. Therefore, they can be mounted on various surfaces, including walls, roofs, and ground.
Wall-mount solar panels are an attractive option for both residential and commercial properties as they can be installed on the exterior walls of buildings. Wall-mount solar panels can save a lot of roof and yard space and utilize this idle space for solar electrical power production.
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Important Points To Remember
- Wall-mount solar panels utilize the idle space around the side of your home and use it for solar power production.
- Vertical solar panels will require special mounting brackets for their installation process.
- You can install wall-mountable solar panels either parallel to your home walls or in the form of a canopy.
- In winter, the wall-mount solar system’s electrical power production is at the maximum level.
- Wall-mount solar PV modules are easy to install, maintain, and clean as compared to rooftop solar PV modules.
What's in this Article?
- How does the Solar Panel installation take place?
- How can we install the Wall Mount Solar Systems?
- What are the best Walls to Mount your Solar PV Modules?
- Is there any difference between Rooftop and Wall-Mounted Solar Systems power production?
- What are the advantages of Wall Mount Solar Panels?
- Are there any drawbacks to installing Wall Mount Solar Panels?
- Can I install Solar Panel System in my yard?
- For what type of Homes Are Wall Mount Solar Panels a smart investment?
How does Solar Panel Installation take Place?
Penetrating mounts are the key components in mounting solar panel systems on your rooftop. For this purpose, first, the holes are drilled into your rooftop. Then, studs are used to fix solar panels into the drilled holes. These studs will help us to secure the solar panel systems on the rooftop. To further strengthen this bond, tar is poured on the attachment points between the studs and the solar panels. The whole installation process is completed with the Flashing. Flashing is done to make your rooftop water-resistant and increase the durability of your rooftop.
How can we install Wall Mount Solar Systems?
For installing wall-mount solar panels, firstly it is important to check the suitability of your home walls. The wall must be strong enough to support the weight of the panels. Wall mount systems require a special hardware kit. The problem with wall mount systems is that they have to work against gravity to stay in place. So, their installation process requires a lot of extra material which includes extra brackets, nuts, bolts, washers, and of course extra labor as well. These wall-mounting brackets will have an extra grip on the wall-mountable solar panels which eventually protects them from falling under extreme weather conditions. Therefore, avoiding any future calamities from happening.
What are the best walls to mount your Solar PV Modules?
Mounting brackets usually require two screws which get attached to either side of solar panel frames. Afterward screws, nuts, bolts, and washers attach the brackets to the wall. You have to make sure that the brackets are leveled and securely attached to the wall. These mounting brackets are quite flexible which helps to achieve the optimal angle for power production.
Wall-mounted systems already face lags like high slopes and great angles with sun rays which eventually decreases the overall efficiency of solar power production in solar PV modules. Under such circumstances the placement of solar panel systems becomes crucial. Therefore, to attain maximum output out of wall mount systems their placement should take place on the south-facing walls of your house.
Is there any difference between Rooftop and Wall-Mounted Solar Systems power production?
Rooftop and ground mount solar PV modules produce more electricity as compared to wall mounts. This happens because of two prime reasons, one, the wall-mount solar panels have to face a high slope, and second, they are installed closer to the ground. In the winter season, the power production of wall mount systems is at its peak, this happens because the sun starts setting lower in the sky. This causes the sun’s rays’ angle to perfectly align with the slope of the wall mount solar panels. But in summer when the sun shines high in the sky, the rooftop, and ground-mount solar systems generate more electrical power than wall-mount systems. Additionally, if you move further down the equator, the suitable your home gets the wall mount system. Why? Because the sun starts to set lower as you move down the latitude.
A study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that wall-mounted solar panels are a highly efficient and cost-effective way to generate electricity. The study analyzed the performance of wall-mounted solar PV panels and compared them with roof-mounted panels. The result showed that wall-mounted solar panels have a slightly lower performance rate due to shading and environmental factors. But overall the performance of both systems was equal.
What are the advantages of Wall Mount Solar Panels?
Mountable solar panels can have several advantages over other rooftop or ground-mount solar panels. From utilizing the unused space of your home for renewable energy production to lowering your electricity bill, wall-mount solar panels can do it all. Let’s look at some of the advantages of vertical solar panels or wall-mount solar panels.
1. Installation process and maintenance are easy:
Wall-mount solar panels are easy to install and maintain. Unlike rooftop solar PV modules, scaling, and installation does not require climbing the roof and drilling holes into the rooftop of your home which sometimes can cause water leakage through the rooftop. Additionally, wall-mount panels also provide a better visual representation. Also, the maintenance of the wall mount system is comparatively easier.
2. The cleaning process is quite easy:
Since vertical solar panels are parallel to the side wall of your home the debris, dust, and snow development on panels do not take place. And when building up does take place it is automatically washed up by the rainwater. Other than that the leaves pilling also does not impact the wall mount panels because of their parallel placement. So, in short, the cleaning process of wall mounts is easy as compared to rooftop solar PV modules.
3. Aesthetically pleasing:
Are there any drawbacks to Wall Mount Solar Panels?
Since wall-mount solar PV modules are parallel to your home walls, they require special mounting brackets which can cause the initial installation cost of solar panels to jack up. Another drawback of mountable solar panels is that if you install them on the west side of your home’s walls, they are not going to work as efficiently as rooftop systems. This happens because the sun’s direction is usually south or southwest.
Moreover, if you still install mountable solar panels on the south side of your home, their efficiency will still be less than rooftop and ground-mount solar panels. This happens because the angle of sunrays will not be able to hit the wall mount panels properly. This leads us to another problem, which is the slope of wall mount solar panels. The slope of wall mount solar panels is quite high than usual solar systems. Which makes it difficult for solar rays to reach solar panels. These are some of the main reasons why the efficiency of wall mount panels is low as compared to rooftop or ground mount panels.
Can I install Solar Panel System in my yard?
Yes, you can install solar panels in your yard. You can install solar panels any place where the sun shines. For solar installation, a person’s requirements and preferences are the prime focus of the installation process. Therefore, solar panel installation can not only be limited to just rooftops. The solar panels have the installation ability on the side walls of your home, Barnes, pergolas, yards, and even in your garage.
To install solar panels in your yard, you will require two things. One is a reinforced pole structure and the second is a cement foundation. If you are facing the problem of a shaded rooftop then, getting a ground-mount or wall-mount solar panels is the best possible solution for your problem.
For what type of Homes Are Wall Mount Solar Panels a smart investment?
Wall-mount solar panels are a smart investment for those people who want to utilize the extra space along the side of their home. They can also resolve the problem of shaded rooftops. Wall mount panels are best for your home if your home walls are southward facing. They are also suitable for your home if your hometown faces a prolonged winter season.
In conclusion, installing wall mount solar panels is an excellent investment for those who are looking to increase their energy efficiency, reduce their carbon footprint and lower their electricity costs. Wall mount solar panels are now more durable, efficient, and accessible than ever before. With proper maintenance, wall mount solar panels can provide reliable, clean energy for decades, making them an attractive long-term investment for any home or a business owner.
