To help you understand how these technologies work and compare, this guide explores every detail of rail and rail-free mounting systems for rooftop solar panel installations.
In the case of a rail-less solar system, you need to remove the solar panels. A rail-mounted system is easy to install as you do not need to attach each panel individually. Installers can complete the entire process at a brisk pace. However, rail systems without tracks need precise drilling, layering, and other technical inclusions.
What is a rail-less solar installation?
With a rail-less installation, you get a clean and elegant setup that hides all of those wires, hides the mounting brackets, and generally leaves your solar panels blending into your roof a lot more than they would have otherwise.
What is a solar panel rail system?
A solar panel rail system is a set of aluminum crossbars to hold solar panels in place. They elevate the solar panels above the roof, leaving clearance for roof maintenance and snow removal.
Yes, a solar panel can be attached to a railed system. Having the solar panel attached to a railed system allows for easy access to the roof if there is a leak. If you choose a rail system with a tilting bracket, you can easily adjust the angle of the solar panel to accommodate for seasonal changes in sunlight.
What are rail free solar panels?
Rail free solar panels don't have that problem! They sit much lower to the roof profile, don't allow as much wind to get under them, and can actually be designed to take advantage of more aerodynamic technology that works like an airplane wing to move the air over them much more efficiently.
How railed solar panels work?
The metal rails are fixed to the roof using screws or bolts of adequate sizes. The solar panels slide on the rail tracks, allowing high slope adjustability. A railed system allows clearance between the existing rooftop and solar panels. Hence, you can clean the rail system easily.