Solar Panel Mounting / Racking Support

Pole Mounting Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I expand my pole mount to fit more panels?

The 2 Panel Pole Mount is not expandable. The 2P pole mount can only accommodate two panels so if you’re adding more panels to your solar array, you’ll need a second 2” post and 2P mount kit. The larger kits (4P and 8P) require a 4” post so it’s easiest and most affordable to stick with another 2” post and 2P mount.

In most cases, 4 Panel Mount kits can be upgraded to hold 6 or 8 panels with an 4P->8P Upgrade Kit. There may be some extra overhang of rail length past the ends of the solar panels. This can be chopped off with a Sawzall or left there, which allows for the adding of more solar panels in the future. One common example is extra rail length on both ends when using 6 solar panels centered on the 8P mount.

A 4 Panel Pole Mount Upgrade to an 8 Panel Pole Mount is $150. Call us at 888-637-4493 to order the upgrade!

Which way should these panel be oriented?

Your solar panels will affix with their long side across your two horizontal
panel rails in ‘landscape mode’ using the hardware in the kit.

Is this a roof mount?

No, our pole mounts are NOT for roof mounting. We suggest using some L or Z brackets and unistruts for a DIY roof mount.

Can the Pole Mount be parted out, I only want the rails?

No, we do not part out any of our kit components.

I already have panels, could they be compatible?

Any 100W or generally smaller is usually compatible with the Pole Mount. There are tons of different panel thicknesses out there - we carry two types of clamps that may accommodate your panels: 30 mm and 35 mm. Please specify the clamp size required when ordering a Pole Mount.

For larger panels, like 315W, we recommend our Scalable Ground Mount.

How tall do I make the Pole Mount?

The quick answer is- up to you! Most people opt for an 8 to 12 foot pole, that they bury at least 30 inches in the ground (potentially deeper for more freeze prone areas and looser soils). Some customers go for a really tall pipe to prevent theft, while others choose a shorter pole for eye-level ease of maintenance. You will not get better production if your panels are further above the ground. As long as they are faced south, tilted at the right angle and don’t experience any shadows, the pole height does not matter.

RPS Solar Panel Mount Kit User Manuals

2021 – Present
NEW 8P Mount Kit – User Manual
NEW 4P Mount Kit – User Manual
NEW 2P Mount Kit – User Manual

2015 – 2021
RPS – 2P SPLIT Mount Kit – User Manual
RPS – 4P Mount Kit – User Manual
RPS – 4P Mount Kit 2×2 – User Manual (2020)
RPS – 8P Mount Kit – User Manual
4×6 Pressure Treated Post Mount Modification

If You Can’t Find a Steel Pole…

Considering using a 5/6 Treated Fence Post? Read this first. (only for the 2021-Present Kits)

100W Solar Panel Mount Grid: Using parts from your local hardware store

2 Panel Pole Mount Video Tutorial

4 Panel Pole Mount Video Tutorial

Scalable Ground Mounting Support

Scalable Ground Mount Manual

NEW Scalable Ground Mount Kit – User Manual (2021- Present)

Scalable Ground Mount Kit – User Manual (2015-2021)

Determining the Number of Poles Needed for Your Mount

Although the above installation video depicts a mount using four poles, larger mounts might need 6, 8,12,14 or even 16 poles. All poles are customer supplied, 2in steel pipe (2-3/8 OD steel pipe). More poles increases the amount of cement required for installation.  The name of your pole mount will tell how how many poles and bags of cement to purchase, see below graph….