Solar Panel System GuideSolar racking is the structure that holds an array in place and aims it at the sun. It has to survive weather for decades and can be fixed or motorized. This page sources its facts from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Why the mounting structure matters
The Department of Energy notes that solar photovoltaic modules are where the electricity gets generated, but are only one of the many parts in a complete photovoltaic system. The mounting hardware is one of those parts.
The department states that PV arrays must be mounted on a stable, durable structure that can support the array and withstand wind, rain, hail, and corrosion over decades. The rack carries that load for the life of the system.
Fixed racks versus trackers
The Department of Energy states that rack mounting is currently the most common method because it is robust, versatile, and easy to construct and install. A fixed rack holds the modules at a set tilt.
Trackers move the array to follow the sun. The department explains that one-axis trackers are typically designed to track the sun from east to west, while two-axis trackers allow for modules to remain pointed directly at the sun throughout the day.