Short answer: one top of pole mount holds up to 3 large 300-400W panels or up to 6 100W panels on a single ground pipe. For more than that, spread the array across several poles with array top caps.
Panels per pole at a glance
| Your panels | On one pole | More than that? |
|---|---|---|
| 100W panels | Up to 6 (about 600W) | Add poles with array top caps |
| 300-400W panels | Up to 3 (about 900-1,200W) | Add poles with array top caps |
When a single pole is the right choice
- You need a small system: a cabin, shed, gate, pump or camera.
- You want to adjust the tilt easily through the seasons.
- You want the simplest install: one hole, one pipe, one mount.
See the top of pole mount, or our guide to the 100 watt solar panel pole mount.
6, 8 or more panels: when to go multi-pole
Once you go past 3 large panels or 6 small ones, a single pole is the wrong tool. Instead, set a row of ground pipes, put an array top cap on each one, and run 2" cross pipe between them. You can build anything from a small array on 2 poles to dozens of panels on up to 20 poles.
| Single pole | Multi-pole array | |
|---|---|---|
| Mount | Top of pole mount | Array top caps (one per pole) |
| Ground pipe | 3" or 4" | 2" or 2.5" |
| Poles | 1 | 2 to 20 |
| Panels | Up to 3 large or 6 small | 1 to dozens |
Small solar panel pole mounts
For one or two small panels, a top of pole mount still works, and it leaves room to grow to six later without replacing anything.
Questions
Can I put 8 solar panels on one pole?
Not with our top of pole mount. It holds up to 6 100W or 3 large panels. For 8 panels, build a multi-pole array with array top caps.
Can I mix panel sizes?
It's best to use matching panels on one pole so they sit evenly on the rails and wire together cleanly.
What pipe do I need?
See our pipe size guide for the outside diameter chart and which mount fits each size.
