Solar Panel Framing System

The optimum angle for solar panels in the UK is 35-40 degrees, facing south. 

The angle of panels is important in order to gain the best exposure to solar energy. However, this angle may change throughout the year as the height the sun rises to, changes; in winter months, a steep angle may be required, whilst in spring and summer months, a lower angle between 20 and 45 degrees will be the most productive angle. It is best, therefore, to take an average of between 35-40 degrees.

Yes, adjustable solar panel frames are available however can be costly, especially for large scale solar farms. Adjustable solar panel frames allow for the angle of a panel to be changed, so that it can remain perpendicular to the sun throughout the year.

This is often not practical for large scale systems, and the costs of this outweigh the benefits of adjusting the panels; bespoke framing set at an average angle offers an economic alternative which continues to optimise the performance of fixed panels. 

Typically, solar panel frame mounts are made from stainless or galvanised steel or aluminium, although there have been some recent developments in this area which has seen glass and polymers used as framing materials.

Aluminium is one of the most common materials for framing, especially for roof installations due to its lightweight property.

Galvanised steel is also commonly used as a solar panel frame material due to its improved strength and corrosion resistance properties, making it particularly suitable for ground installations; steel solar panel frames are also a more cost-efficient option and have a smaller carbon footprint than aluminium.

Solar panel frame mounts are used to position your solar panels to your roof or ground system. For ground installations, the frame connects to the ground mount and other supporting infrastructure to provide a stable and uniform position for the solar panels to be fitted into.

Solar panel frame mounts also contribute to the efficiency of the solar panel in generating energy since they determine the angle the panel is held at in relation to the sun; adjustable mounts for both ground and roof installations can be used so that maximum levels of sunlight hit the panel all year round.

Solar panel frames are not a legal requirement for your solar farm, but the frame is an important component of the system which should not be ignored. Frames organise your solar array in terms of uniformity and placement so you can maximise the number of panels on your land. They also give strength to the panel, protecting against outdoor elements such as wind and snow, and can be further adjusted so that the angle of the panel is optimised for sunlight absorption.

Frames are great mounts compared to ground alternatives such as console bins since they still make it possible for wildlife to live on the grounds surrounding them and for crops and plants to grow underneath them, which can help alleviate any environmental effects.

The average solar panel frame thickness is around 3 mm to 3.5 mm, however this depends on the material used and the requirements of the frame.

The main solar panel frame components needed for a mounting system include:

• Ground mounts – the mount attaching the frame to the ballast or pile on the ground.
• Ballast boxes or piles – the fixture which secures the frame and mount to the ground; ballast boxes are an above ground installation method whilst piling fixes the mount into the ground.
• Tilt legs – enables the solar panel to be angled for optimum sunlight throughout the year.
• Solar panel frames – the frame which holds the PV panel in place, securing and protecting the panel.