Roof Mount Systems

Roof Mounts Systems for Solar Panels

When installing a solar panel system, you should understand first the different types of installation processes and methods to determine what is the ideal method for your solar power system needs. Besides, examining the advantages and disadvantages of all installation types is necessary when considering solar for your residential or commercial properties to get the best return on your investment.

For today’s article, we will highlight the roof mounting system and the important things you need to know before choosing this type of solar installation method.

What is a Roof Mounting System?

A roof-mounted solar panel system is a type of installing PV modules in your house roof. This type of solar panel installation is an excellent option for both residential and commercial applications. Unlike other methods, it is way more economical and low in maintenance. Whether you are installing a solar power system to power your home or run your business, they can give you the best return on your investment.

Among the other mounting methods, roof mounting is the most popular mostly to homeowners due to its convenience and other benefits. By getting a roof-mounted solar system, you will not only take advantage of getting the best and maximum natural sunlight exposure, but you can also enjoy the perks of solar power without taking up too much space on your property, unlike the ground-mounted solar installation.

Applications Ideal for Roof-Mounted Systems?

Any residential or commercial application is ideal for roof-mounted solar panels installations. As long as the properties are naturally exposed to the sun then you can choose a roof mount system. Although it is very common to residential properties, they are also beneficial on huge facilities such as commercial buildings, hospitals, hotels, universities and campuses, or any building with a large roof that is easy to access. Besides, solar panels can be mounted on asphalt shingles, sheet metal, tile and any other type of substrate, both ideal for flat and sloped roofs. However, before your installer sets up your solar panels on your home’s roof, they would assess first the quality and current condition of your roof to avoid future problems.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Roof Mounting Systems

When planning to get a roof-mounted solar power system, you should also consider first the advantages and disadvantages of it so you know if it would fit your preference and needs.

Pros of a roof mount:

• A roof mounting system can utilize the free space at the rooftop that otherwise wouldn’t be used to anything.
• The initial installation cost is lower than the ground-mounted solar system.
• It doesn’t need a huge space of land that could be used for other purposes.
• It is beyond the reach of any unauthorized person so it is free from accessing the panels. 
• At some point, since the solar panels are covering your roof, they can protect the roof from exposure to any bad elements.

Cons of a roof mount:

• For shingle roofs, you need to undergo roof penetration to pass the installation requirements.
• If your roof is a bit old, then your installer may require you to get a new roof before installation.
• You might have to remove and reinstall panels if you need to repair or replace your roof.
• It can add loads to your roof, and in some cases, the roof could require additional support mechanisms to carry the added weight.
• Can damage your roof since a roof-mounted solar power system is fixed onto the roof, requiring holes and screws to attach it.

Final Thoughts

Installing roof-mounted solar panels is the common type of solar panel installations. However, it requires careful consideration of the layout of your property’s roof and the location of your property. As part of the installation process, your installers will examine if it fits your property to determine if it would fit the roof mount system installation or not.

Distributors

Solar Products Distributors

Distributors are those companies working as big warehouses that served as the middlemen between the consumer/customer and the manufacturer. Typically, in distribution, a company is handling the sourcing, stocking and logistics but nowadays they are also helping manufacturers in product designing and solving other business conflicts. 

Aside from other industries, distributors also play a vital role in the solar industry. Solar distributors become long-term partners of solar manufacturing companies and even solar contractors. They are not only serving as warehouse facilities but partners that also provide strategic solutions to help solar companies achieve their desired outcomes. Solar distributors assist solar manufacturing companies by storing. handling and shipping their solar products to their buyers. On the other hand, they help solar contractor companies in outsourcing high-quality solar products. 

These solar distributors are the ones who deal with homeowners who want to go solar, businesses that work with the solar industry and solar installers who offer solar system services to both residential and commercial customers. But on top of that, the solar distributor’s main role is to maintain its commitment to outsourcing and handling high-quality products and delivering them to customers at a good value. 

Up to these days, many solar distributors have been operating and helping many solar companies in distributing their products. So, if you are looking for the most trusted and reliable solar distributor, you can easily find one by checking out solar outsourcing companies that provide easy access to reliable information, news, data and a list of solar suppliers and distributors near you.

Zimbabwe

Solar Market Outlook in Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe government has recently launched its National Renewable Energy Policy. They have obtained assistance from the World Bank in order to procure large scale solar PV projects. The World Bank has opened a tender via the African Power Platform in order to boost the renewable energy capacity. 

Solar is the primary source of energy among independent power projects in Zimbabwe. As of July 2021, there were seven new solar PV projects that were installed with a solar capacity of 66 MW. These projects are expected to become ready and fully functional by the end of 2021, which should boost the country’s solar and renewable energy industry. 

The new solar developments are also proof that there are adequate regulations in place in Zimbabwe designed to benefit investors and consumers alike. The government is hoping to maintain policies that will encourage more investors in the future. 

By the end of 2020, Zimbabwe has reached 17 MW capacity in solar installations. They are targeting to reach 1GW of capacity by 2025. 

Solar Energy Equipment Supply Capacity in Zimbabwe

As of now, there are limited options for suppliers and distributors within Zimbabwe. Individual and commercial consumers of solar installations do have access to global suppliers, as well as those from neighboring countries. 

Top 8 Major Seaports & Logistics in Zimbabwe

There are various ports and logistics companies operating in Zimbabwe to maximize the ability to transport solar power equipment. The top ports available in Zimbabwe are

• Chiredzi,
• Thompson Junction,
• Rusape,
• Harare,
• Victoria Falls,
• Mutare,
• Bata, 
• Hwange.