While a mounting system is a critical component of solar panel array, sometimes the quality and installation aren’t given the attention they deserve.
Other components of a solar power system such as the solar panels and inverters tend to steal the limelight; but without a solid mounting system and one that is installed correctly, the solar investment is at risk – not to mention the integrity of a rooftop and safety.
A recent Clean Energy Council (CEC) review found the installation manual is a critical component in ensuring that mounting systems are correctly installed.
The CEC is developing a list of “best practice” PV mounting solutions to highlight systems certified by a structural engineering company to meet all relevant Australian Standards. Additionally, these mounting solutions will also have been noted to have an approved installation manual that has been assessed by the CEC to provide all relevant information required.
Interested parties are invited to comment on the draft procedure by Friday, 28 February 2014. The draft procedure was developed with input from various parties, including representatives of Energy Matters and its sister company Apollo Energy.
Apollo Energy is the maker of SunLock, an Australian designed and made family of solar panel mounting products that includes roof, ground and pole mount options. Last year, SunLock sponsored The Australian Solar Mounting System Guide (PDF), which underlines the importance of a solid base upon which to install solar panels.
All SunLock products are compliant with relevant standards (including AS/NZS1170.2:2011/Amdt 2:2012). Engineering and compliance certificates are provided by Australian registered structural engineers and are supplied as part of the relevant installation manuals; which are available for download from the SunLock web site.
SunLock products have proved to be a popular choice among solar installers – 418 kilometres of SunLock rail was sold in Australia during the 2011-12 financial year.
