Solar PV mounting systems come in a wide variety of types, which can be categorized into the following classifications based on different criteria.

I. Classification by Installation Method

1. Ground-mounted Systems: These are PV mounting systems installed on the ground, primarily used in large-scale ground-based solar power plants.
   Ground-mounted systems typically adopt steel or aluminum alloy structures, featuring high strength and stability to withstand significant wind loads and snow loads.
2. Roof-mounted Systems: These systems are installed on the roofs of buildings and are mainly used in rooftop PV systems.
   Roof-mounted systems need to be designed according to the roof’s structure and load-bearing capacity. They usually use aluminum alloy or stainless steel materials, offering advantages such as light weight, corrosion resistance, and easy installation.
3. Wall-mounted Systems: Installed on the exterior walls of buildings, wall-mounted systems are primarily used in Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems.
   For wall-mounted systems, factors such as the wall’s structure, load-bearing capacity, and the distance and angle between PV modules and the wall must be considered. They typically use aluminum alloy or stainless steel materials, with characteristics of aesthetics, light weight, and easy installation.

II. Classification by Tracking Method

1. Fixed Mounting Systems: These systems keep PV modules at a fixed angle, usually designed with an optimal tilt angle to maximize the power generation of PV modules.
   Fixed mounting systems have a simple structure, are easy to install, and have low costs. They are suitable for areas with relatively stable sunlight conditions.
2. Tracking Mounting Systems: These systems can automatically adjust the angle of PV modules according to the sun’s position, ensuring that PV modules always face the sun to achieve higher power generation.
   Tracking mounting systems have a more complex structure and higher costs, but they can improve the power generation efficiency and economic benefits of PV systems. They are suitable for areas with significant changes in sunlight conditions.
3. Flexible Mounting Systems: These are PV mounting systems designed using flexible materials (such as polymer materials, special alloys, etc.) or flexible connection mechanisms.
   Compared with traditional rigid mounting systems, flexible mounting systems have better flexibility and adaptability. They can adapt to changes in the external environment (such as wind loads, snow loads, temperature changes, etc.) to a certain extent and reduce or disperse the impact of the external environment on PV modules through their own deformation.

III. Classification by Material

1. Aluminum Alloy Mounting Systems: Aluminum alloy mounting systems are one of the commonly used materials for PV mounting systems, featuring light weight, corrosion resistance, easy processing, and aesthetics.
   They are suitable for various installation methods and tracking methods, and can meet the needs of different customers.
2. Stainless Steel Mounting Systems: These systems have high strength, corrosion resistance, and long service life, making them suitable for PV systems in harsh environments.
   Stainless steel mounting systems have higher costs but offer good durability and stability, which can meet the requirements of long-term operation.
3. Carbon Steel Mounting Systems: Carbon steel mounting systems have high strength and rigidity, and can withstand large wind loads and snow loads. They are suitable for large-scale ground-based solar power plants.
   Carbon steel mounting systems have low costs but are prone to rust and corrosion, requiring regular maintenance.
4. Galvanized Mounting Systems: These systems are made by coating a layer of zinc on the surface of carbon steel mounting systems, which can improve the corrosion resistance of the brackets and extend their service life.
   Galvanized mounting systems have moderate costs and good cost-effectiveness, making them suitable for medium-scale PV systems.