🌞 Maximising the Lifespan of Your Solar Racking and Railing

Solar energy systems represent a significant investment into the future, and although much of the conversation surrounding them tends to focus on the panels themselves, a good portion of a solar power system’s overall lifespan can be attributed to the mounting system, the racking and railing that help support the panels. The lifespan of a system’s racking and railing can have an impact on everything from a system’s performance to the amount of maintenance it is likely to require over its lifetime. In this article we will take a closer look at how long solar racking and railing typically last, what factors can affect that lifespan, and what homeowners can do to help a system’s solar mounting system stand the test of time.

Understanding the Lifespan of Solar Racking and Railing

Solar racking and railing systems are designed to be durable: they’re built to withstand the weather, and to hold your panels securely in place in all conditions. On average, solar mounting systems should last at least 25 years, which is roughly the life expectancy for your panels. In reality, the lifetime of your mounting system depends on its material quality, the environmental conditions under which it operates, and how well you maintain it.

Factors Affecting Durability

• There are various factor that can affect the life of solar racking and railing systems.
• The type of material the system use is a factor, aluminium and stainless steel are popular materials for both of these material are rust and corrosion resistant.
• Environment factors can affect the life of the system, the closer the system is to saltwater the higher the chance of a corrosion, and if the system is installed in a region with extreme temperature and high winds, the system will be exposed to the extreme weather elements, and an improper installation can lead to a structure issues which can lead to a reduction in the life of the system.

Maintaining Your Solar Mounting System

This includes getting your solar racking and railing cleaned properly, periodically inspecting the system to check the general condition of your racking and railing, verify that all connections are tight, and make any necessary repairs immediately. You may also wish to consult with your installation experts about the details of your system and what is critical for your geography and local environmental conditions in terms of maintenance.

Key Learnings and Actionable Insights

• Taking good care of your solar racking and railing will extend the life of your rooftop investment.
• Invest in high-quality materials for your solar mounting system to ensure durability and longevity.
• Think about environmental variables at your site that will affect longevity of your solar racking and railing.
• Conduct regular maintenance and inspections to identify and address potential issues early.
• Ensure aprofessional installation to avoid structural problems that could compromise the system's integrity.