Mounting system types

Module frame with mounting holes. Left: A rail and clamp system. Right: A PV module with the proper mounting holes marked.

PV modules should be attached to some kind of structure to for pragmatic reasons like preventing damage from wind and loss to due to theft, but also to ensure that the tilt and orientation is correct to maximize energy production. A typical PV module comes with an aluminum frame for the purpose of protecting the rest of the module and to provide a mounting means. There are two ways

Each of the various mounting types has advantages and disadvantages that often make one type more appropriate than another given the application.