Substrates are used under solar panels to protect the panel from protrusions (i.e. Screw heads) above metal roofs, substrates are also used under standard grade solar panels (most brands) to prevent abrasion from roof surface to the solar panel; commercial grade panels (i.e. Vortex) do not require substrate when installed on shingle or concrete tile roofs due to its heavy duty composition (up to 30% more material content than all other competing products).  Substrates are also used in ground mounted panels to add some insulation between the ground and the panel.

Various Materials can be used as a substrate: corrugated fiberglass or 90lb rooting material are commonly used. The substrate is placed under the solar panel and held down by the panel and wind straps. Solar Direct offers recycled solar panels with the headers removed as an economical and “green” alternative.

Skid Plates can be used under each Rubber Coupling connection between panels to prevent abrasion to shingle roof surfaces – because the solar panel expands and contracts each day up to 2” in length, the Rubber Coupling can eventually wear into the shingle surface.  Galvanized sheet metal cut into 4”x4” squares can be used; adhere the Skid Plate centered under the Rubber Coupling with a dab of caulking.

For more information or to purchase a solar pool heater, please visit The Energy SuperMarket