The mounting method options represent the most common styles for mounting PV panels. The options effect the calculation by determining the rise in temperature above ambient that the panels will experience in each installation style due to the amount of air circulation behind the panels which can be used for cooling.
- Roof indicates that the panels are going to be mounted on the same angle as the roof pitch, and that there will be less than 150mm (6 inches) of clearance between the backs of the panels and the roof surface. The temperature rises by 35°C for this option.
- Rack indicates that the panels will be mounted in such a way that the bottom edge of the panels will be significantly closer to the roof surface than the top edge or where there is more than 150mm (6 inches) of clearance between the backs of the panels and the roof surface. This option should also be selected if the panels will be mounted on the ground on a non-mobile rack. The temperature rises by 30°C for this option.
- Pole indicates that the panels will be mounted on a pole, or on a tracker device for following the sun across the sky. The temperature rises by 25°C for this option.