Solar Panel Mount Sizing Tool

This mount is intended for double-hung windows (similar to those shown in the picture above) with ¾” channels on both sides.

A double-hung window is a type of window where both the bottom and top window sections (called “sashes”) can be opened by moving them up or down. They typically have vertical channels on each side that the sashes slide up and down in. The channels in your window must be at least ¾” deep and ¾” wide.

This tool will help guide you through the process of determining if our window mounting system is appropriate for use in your window. There are many different types of double hung windows, so this tool is meant as a rough guide only. Email us at yo@energytransitiondesign.com if you have additional questions.

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The mount is about 24” high and needs at least that much vertical space. Measure from the base of the window opening up to ensure there is at least 24” of clearance.

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Raise the bottom sash and measure the width of the open area. The minimum mount size must be smaller than this dimension.

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The window frame width is the window opening plus the depth of both channels. Measure from one side channel to the other side channel. The maximum mount size must be larger than this dimension.

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Decide which way you will be orienting the solar panel, landscape (left) or portrait (right).
The solar panel width (the horizontal dimension whichever way you choose to orient it) cannot exceed the window opening width.
Measure the width or get the dimensions from the manufacturer.

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Measure the horizontal distance between the holes on the back of your solar panel that your brackets will be bolted to. (You can also check the product datasheet for dimensions.) The horizontal distance will depend on the design of the solar panel, orientation, and hole choice. 4 common variations are shown below. The horizontal distance between these holes cannot be greater than the window frame width minus 7”.

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Measure the vertical distance from the bottom hole to the top of the frame. The distance will depend on the design of the solar panel, orientation, and hole choice. 4 common variations are shown below. The mounting brackets are 30" long, so the maximum distance cannot exceed ~29.25". You must ensure there is an open hole at the top to be able to attach the brackets to the clamps.

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Measure the width and depth of the vertical channels on both sides of your window, as shown below. Both dimensions must be at least ¾”. (These channels are sometimes called window jamb tracks or balance tracks.)

Window Frame
Window Opening
Solar Panel
Mounting Holes
Mounting Brackets

Additional Requirements

  • Your solar panel should always face towards the equator. In the northern hemisphere, this means that a southern orientation is best. In the southern hemisphere, a northern orientation is best. Easterly or westerly can also work.
  • You must consider any obstructions, like trees or buildings, that may block sunlight. If there are obstructions that cast a shadow on your panel, it will under perform. It is very hard to estimate obstructions with the naked eye, so you should over estimate how much shade an obstruction will cause.
  • You cannot install this product with a screen in the bottom section of your window, so you must be able to raise or remove it.
  • If you're window is high up, above an area with heavy pedestrian traffic, or structurally weak; you will need to screw the mount into the sides of the window frame.
  • The use of this product may restrict your ability to lock the window as you would normally. A window lock is included with this product, but it is not intended for security purposes or guaranteed to work with all windows. It is primarily intended to help keep the window securely in place for the weather barrier. If this is a concern, you may want to purchase additional window locks for security purposes.

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