7 Responses to " Wall mount solar collector versus roof mount? "

1. admin says:

   March 16, 2009 at 11:43 pm

   Darren a solar collector should be mounted on the best south or near south un-obstructed area. We prefer wall mounts when doing solar installation as they have a few advantages. First it is easier to maintain a solar collector should they require service or need to remove snow in a heavy storm. There is no climbing on an icy roof! Secondly the installation is quicker and less expensive as you are closer to the basement. Finally the wall mounted solar heaters don’t require any roof penetration which if not done right can lead to problems.

   As far as angles are concerned, if you flat mount it to the wall you will get better performance in the winter than the summer. You can come out of the wall using the frame kits on most solar collectors. or add a 90 degree frame for more angle.

   If you are in a snow region the reflection off the snow will greatly increase your solar thermal output durring the winter by installing the collectors on a wall.

   I hope this helps!

   Dan
2. kurort says:

   May 1, 2009 at 2:48 pm

   Wonderfull…
3. How I Lost Thirty Pounds in Thirty Days says:

   May 4, 2009 at 2:09 am

   Hi, nice post. I have been thinking about this issue,so thanks for writing. I’ll certainly be subscribing to your blog.
4. Duke says:

   May 7, 2009 at 7:51 pm

   wow, I to am planning to build, and will try to install on the south wall, makes sense. I have a solar electric set up now and have to keep cleaning off the snow steady.
5. admin says:

   May 8, 2009 at 9:30 am

   Snow is always an issue with solar panels whether electric PV or solar Theremal. If you do a roof mount be sure to raise the panels 6″ or more off the roof. This way wind can flow under the collectors minimizing the change of snow build up. Vacuum tube solar collectors have the advantage in that there is space between each tube so wind and snow loads are reduced.
6. Convert To Solar Panels says:

   May 11, 2009 at 1:59 pm

   Convert To Solar Panels…

   It’s time to put money back in your pocket and convert to solar panels…
7. Kelly Brown says:

   June 12, 2009 at 12:54 pm

   The article is usefull for me. I’ll be coming back to your blog.