Ballast solar mounts are a solar panel mounting system designed for flat roofs with slopes of approximately 1 to 7 degrees. They are usually round or square frames made of aluminum, with a top clamp for the solar panel and a bottom "tray" that holds a counterweight.

Instead of relying on penetrations, sealants, and flashing like traditional methods, ballasted solar mounts use gravity to press the panels onto the structure. To hold the panels in place, solar installers place concrete blocks or landscape pavers in pans, although water jugs or sand are sometimes used. The tray section is designed to reduce pressure points and prevent standing water to protect the surrounding area.

I rack solari zavorrati presentano inoltre una pendenza predefinita per massimizzare la produttività e ridurre l'ombreggiamento causato dai pannelli circostanti (tradizionalmente 10 gradi o meno). Ciò garantisce anche la sicurezza contro il sollevamento del vento riducendo la resistenza incontrata dai pannelli. Una volta installati, i sistemi solari di zavorra in genere aggiungono da due a sei libbre di peso aggiuntivo per piede quadrato.