Portrait-oriented solar modules perform better on certain roofs

In the US, business-related solar installations on roofs typically employ mounting systems that arrange solar panels horizontally. It is the favored choice for enhancing the power output per unit area of a solar installation on the confines of a commercial building’s rooftop. Mounting modules horizontally in a landscape orientation keeps the overall array profile low, lessening the shadow cast on rows of panels and the need for distance between these rows. While not as widely adopted in the US, orienting modules vertically, or in portrait mode, can be advantageous in specific weather conditions and on particular types of flat rooftops. Numerous solar initiatives utilizing portrait alignment are prevalent in Latin America due to the region’s homes often featuring flat concrete rooftops which come with impediments unsuitable for extensive horizontal arrays of solar panels, particularly if the roofs are not structurally equipped to support the additional weight of anchoring systems. Acknowledgement: SunModo. Mounting solar panels in a portrait orientation is largely comparable to installing them in a landscape format, with the primary variation being the type of mounting structure used. The installation process may differ depending on the model, yet the fundamental procedure is consistent: the racking system is attached to the roof through either anchoring it to a structural support, using weights for stabilization, or employing a mix of both techniques. For portrait-oriented solar panel installations, the modules are positioned onto the support structure and fastened in place with clamps along the longer edge of the panel’s frame. Mike O’Brien, the engineering manager at TerraGen Solar, explains that securing the panels from the shorter sides doesn’t provide the same strength for bearing loads as does proper clamping along the longer sides. This is particularly relevant in colder regions with heavy snowfall or areas with strong winds. Based in New Tecumseth, Ontario, Canada, TerraGen Solar specializes in manufacturing support structures designed especially for the portrait layout of solar panels. Established in 2009, TerraGen began as a business focusing on engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) and later expanded to create its proprietary commercial roofing mounts.