Choosing the Right Solar Mount: The Foundation of a Reliable System

By Aaron Robbins, Creative Manager, QuickBOLT

When planning a solar installation, it’s easy to focus on panels, inverters, and electrical components. But reviewing your solar mounts is just as critical. Availability and inventory play a key role in project timelines—choosing a mount that’s reliable and in stock ensures smooth installations.

Mounts are the foundation of every solar system. They secure the rails to the roof, ensuring stability and longevity. However, because mounts are one of the least expensive parts of an installation, they’re often overlooked. This can lead to rushed or poorly chosen mounts, increasing the risk of leaks, structural issues, and customer complaints. Over time, these problems can hurt a solar business’s reputation and the industry as a whole.

What to Consider When Choosing a Solar Mount

Since mounts are the backbone of a solar system, selecting the right one is crucial. Here are key factors to keep in mind:

• Type of Surface: The roof type determines the appropriate mount. Asphalt shingles, metal, tile, and flat roofs all require different mounting solutions to ensure compatibility and ease of installation.
• Load Capacity and Structural Integrity: A mount must support the weight of the panels and withstand environmental stresses like wind and snow. Choosing a mount with strong pullout ratings ensures long-term system stability.
• Installation Method: Whether a mount attaches to the rafter or deck, is rail-based or rail-less, installation affects labor time, cost, and the risk of roof damage.
• Durability and Longevity: Solar panels last up to 25 years, and your mounts should match that lifespan. Stainless steel and aluminum mounts offer excellent corrosion resistance and long-term reliability.
• Cost: While mounts typically account for about 10% of the total system cost, cutting corners on quality can lead to costly service calls and customer dissatisfaction.
• Local Weather Conditions: Mounts must withstand wind uplift, heavy snow loads, and temperature extremes. Choosing mounts tested for these conditions minimizes risk.

A Mount Is More Than Just a Piece of Metal

A high-quality mount isn’t just about materials—it’s about reliability. It matters who makes your mounts. When selecting a supplier, ask yourself:

• Can you reach their sales reps or customer support when needed?
• Do they answer their phones?
• How long have they been in the solar business?

Choosing a manufacturer that understands real-world installation challenges ensures you’re investing in a product designed with installers in mind.

Planning Inventory for Future Jobs

Once you’ve chosen your mounts, the next step is ensuring you have enough stock. Forecasting for upcoming jobs helps prevent project delays and last-minute scrambles for parts. Proper planning creates margin in your business, but it’s often more of an art than a science.

QuickBOLT’s Solar Mounting Solutions

QuickBOLT has been in the fastener business for over 37 years and in the solar industry for more than a decade. We offer a range of mounts designed for various roof types and installation needs. Here’s a look at some of our top options:

• QB2 with Microflashing® – A rafter-mounted solution for asphalt shingle, EPDM, and TPO roofs, featuring MIAMI-DADE approval.
• Butyl Bottom Deck Mount – A direct-to-deck option for asphalt shingle, EPDM, and TPO, offering strong pullout strength.
• QB RibRider® – A reliable mount for trapezoidal and ribbed metal roofs, designed for high wind loads.
• The Throne – A standing seam metal roof solution requiring no penetrations.
• Tile Roof Hooks – Multiple options for flat tile, curved tile, flat or curved, and metal tile roofs, providing a secure mounting foundation.

QuickBOLT is committed to solving real installation challenges. Products like The Puck™ provide a clean, efficient solution for conduit support, while QuickPATCH™ quickly and reliably seals missed rafter holes to prevent leaks.

The QuickBOLT Difference

Choosing the right mount means choosing a mount company that prioritizes quality, availability, and installer success. QuickBOLT has been in the fastener business for over 37 years, providing solar installers with reliable, well-engineered solutions that ship fast. Whether you need mounts for asphalt, EPDM, TPO, or metal roofs, QuickBOLT delivers secure, leak-proof mounting solutions that keep your projects on track.

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