Top of Pole Solar Panel Mount - Solar Electric Supply

Top of Pole Solar Panel Mounts

Pole mounts for most popular brands of solar modules

The Top-of-Pole Mounts we carry are available in several sizes ranging from 1- module through 24-modules -- up to 260 square feet. The rack design is determined by the area of the module(s) to be mounted, not necessarily the number of modules.

Top-of-Pole mounts are designed for maximum strength and ease of installation. Our racks are module-specific and not universal, which helps to reduce the number of parts. This simplifies assembly and minimizes assembly errors. No aluminum components are threaded to be attached to other components. All of our mounting sleeves are heavy gauge steel and have fully welded caps. Hardened bolts are used to lock the mounting sleeve to the pole.

MODULE-SPECIFIC DESIGN
Using a module-specific design allows us to build racks with the fewest number of parts. All racks are made to fit the specific module that is to be mounted. This ensures that the system is assembled in just the manner it is intended. No measuring or guesswork is required. All the holes are located exactly where needed. Gaps between modules are minimal and uniform. There will never be excess rack material extending beyond the modules.

MATERIALS
Strongbacks, Elevation Pivots, and Mounting Sleeves are made of heavy gauge steel flat bar, square tubing and pipe or mechanical tubing conforming to ASTM A36 and ASTM A500-Grade B.

All parts are mig-welded, burrs are removed, corners are coped, and edges are sanded. All steel parts are coated with two coats of industrial urethane enamel paint. Solar module mounting rails are made of mill-finish 6061-T6 structural aluminum angle or channel. All holes are deburred, and edges are coped and sanded. Stainless steel module mounting hardware is provided with each rack. Standard rack assembly hardware is zinc-plated Grade 5. A stainless steel hardware upgrade is optional.

ELEVATION ADJUSTMENT
All standard Top-of-Pole Mounts have six tilt-angle settings from 15° to 65° in 10° increments. The elevation adjustment is positive locking in each position eliminating the possibility of slippage. The racks are balanced about the pivot bolt to make elevation adjustments easy. Other tilt combinations and racks welded at fixed angles are offered as options.

WINDLOADING CAPABILITY
Standard mounts are designed and warranted to withstand 30 lbs / sq. ft.
(approximately 90 mph or 145 km/hr ) . Designs capable of withstanding greater loads are available.

POLE MOUNTING
All racks have sleeves sized to slip over readily available standard sizes of installer-supplied SCH40 (Schedule 40) steel pipe. The largest mounts (225 sq. ft. and above) mount on SCH 80 steel pipe. The mounting sleeves have set-bolts spaced 90° apart to firmly secure the rack to the pole.

Typical installation of top-of pole
solar panel mount in the Mojave Desert.

6.4KW solar panel array for a remote home system in Northern California.

* If you need a taller pole for snow clearance or to clear nearby obstructions you will need to have
more pole in the ground. For each extra foot that you add above ground you will need
approximately 6” in the ground in concrete. If you have to go more than 2ft-3ft higher than what is shown
in the table you may need a larger diameter pole. Please consult us.