Installation, Mounting and Site Assessment
Site assessment
Installation, Mounting and Site Assessment covers choosing a location and fixing the array safely. Check solar access from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the year, including future tree growth and new buildings. In Uttar Pradesh, modules are generally faced true south and tilted close to the latitude, roughly 25–27°. Avoid shading; even a small shadow can disproportionately reduce string output. Inspect roof condition, waterproofing, wind loading and access for maintenance.
Mounting
Use corrosion-resistant rails and clamps rated for the module frame. Keep the required clearance above the roof for cooling, and leave walkways for cleaning. Route cables in UV-rated conduit or trays, form drip loops and avoid standing water. Torque clamps and rail joints to the manufacturer's values, and do not drill through the module frame.
Worked example
A roof at 26°N is planned with a 10° tilt to reduce wind load. The lower tilt increases reflection losses and reduces winter output, but may be acceptable if summer performance dominates. The better check is row spacing: if the next row shades the lower edge before 9 a.m. in December, increase spacing or raise the mounting. Tilt is not chosen only by roof convenience.
Traps
Do not install modules flat on a roof without drainage and airflow. Do not penetrate a waterproof membrane without sealing and checking. Do not ignore the inverter's minimum string voltage on a hot day; high temperature lowers Vmp.