One of the most important ways to combat climate change and the global energy issue is by promoting the use of solar energy. About 80% of the energy required to heat indoor spaces and water can be replaced by solar power, which can significantly reduce climate change1. The design and size of solar structure components have grown more important as solar panels increase. The size of different components, such as legs, rafters, purlins, and their corresponding thicknesses, must be carefully considered to ensure the strength and lifetime of solar panel arrays. The main factors and methods for sizing these structural components for solar panel structural design are covered in detail in the next section.
Understanding Structural Requirements
It is important to understand the basic structural requirements for solar panels before getting into the details of sizing solar panel components. Wind, snow, earthquakes, and the weight of the solar panels themselves are just a few of the environmental stresses that solar installations must face. In addition, a project’s unique characteristics, building rules in the area, and geographic location all have a significant effect on structural design. It is important to understand the structural requirements when thinking about installing solar panels to ensure the solar panel efficiency and safety.
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Solar Structure Types for Efficient Solar Panel Structural Design
There are different kinds of solar mount structures, each designed to fit a particular installation type, environment, and project specifications. These are a few common forms:
RCC roof mount:
Reinforced cement concrete is known as RCC. Solar panels are mounted on concrete rooftops using RCC roof mounting devices. The distance between the solar array and the solar inverter is shortened by roof-mounted racks.Reinforced cement concrete is known as RCC. Solar panels are mounted on concrete rooftops using RCC roof mounting devices. The distance between the solar array and the solar inverter is shortened by roof-mounted racks.
Ground Mounts:
A ground mount involves mounting solar panels to a rack structure joined to the ground steel beams or another metal post.
Solar carports: Solar canopies are another name for solar carports. It’s a structure that produces electricity in addition to shading your cars. These are almost the same as the ground mounted installation process.
Shed mounts:
A shed mount solar structure is a framework designed to hold solar panels on a shed’s roof or outside walls. The size and requirements of the shed and the solar panels being placed are usually taken into account while creating these structures.
Tracking structures:
Solar panels can maximize energy output by tracking the path of the sun throughout the day with tracker mount structures. There are mostly two kinds of tracking structures, single axis and dual axis.
Low-rise structure: A low-rise solar mount structure is a kind of framework or support system that is intended to hold solar panels at low elevations above the ground or near the ground. Usually, these structures are employed when space is at the limit or when a low profile is required due to aesthetic concerns.
Elevated structure:
A structure or framework intended to raise solar panels above the ground or roof surface is called an elevated solar mount structure. When ground area is at an all-time low or when elevation provides benefits like more solar exposure or better circulation for cooling, these buildings are commonly employed.
Read More: Types of Solar Panel Mounting Systems
Selection of Mounting Structures for Solar Panels Based on Environment
Several factors, including project needs, environmental circumstances, site characteristics, and budget limits, must be taken into account while choosing the right solar mount structure for a project. To assist you in the selection process, consider the following guide:
- Conduct a comprehensive site study prior to choosing a solar mount structure. Location, topography, soil conditions, wind, snow loads, seismic activity, shade, and space availability are a few examples of aspects to take into account.
- Determine the project’s detailed specifications, such as the solar array’s size, orientation, tilt angle, and intended energy production. Take into account if tracking measures are required to optimize energy output and if the project is off-grid or grid-tied.
- Wind Load: Select a mounting structure that can resist the highest expected wind speeds at the location. Take into account elements like the structure’s height and aerodynamic design to reduce wind resistance.
- Snow Load: If the project is situated in a region that has frequent heavy snowfall, pick a mounting structure that can handle the extra weight of the snow. Mounts with adjustable tilt angles or strengthening can be required.
- Roof Mounting: Based on the kind of roof and its load-bearing capability, select from flush mounts, tilt mounts, or ballasted mounts.
- Ground Mounts: Perfect for bigger installations on open terrain. For maximum sun exposure, options include dual-axis trackers, single-axis trackers, and fixed-tilt mounts.
- Cost and Durability: Choose a solar module mounting structure that provides the most value for money while keeping durability, performance, and cost considerations in mind. While deciding between various mounting solutions, consider the possible savings in energy output as well as the long-term maintenance expenses.
Read More – Solar Mounting Structure Guide
Mounting Structures for solar panels Parameters
To ensure maximum efficiency and durability, selecting the right solar mounting system requires taking into account several factors. Here are some important factors to take into account:
- Building age: Because of things like roof quality, structural integrity, and suitability for contemporary mounting technologies, solar panel installation works best on moderately to newly constructed buildings that are less than 20 years old. To install solar panels, older structures may need structural assessments and renovations.
- Wind speed: To choose mounting hardware and installation methods that will survive both gusts and extended winds, wind speed assessment is an important tool. These are influenced by several factors, including the regular wind patterns in the area, local building codes, and the solar array’s unique design. In India solar structures are made to withstand 150 kmph wind load and tilt angles are adjusted between 10 and 40 degrees 4.
- Roof capacity accessibility: Several factors, including structural integrity, position, shadowing, and local legislation, must be considered when evaluating the roof capacity for installing solar panels. Usually, structural engineers assess load-bearing capability to make sure the roof can sustain the weight of the panels and endure external pressures like wind.
- Area: There are a few things to take into account while choosing the best location for solar panel installation. This includes as little shade as possible from structures, trees, or other obstacles. Evaluation of other elements is necessary, such as roof pitch, structural integrity, and local regulations.
Solar Structure Design Software
Solar structure design software is used by solar specialists, engineers, and architects to design, plan, and optimize solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. These tools can help predict possible savings, compute energy output, and simulate various scenarios, making them essential for solar installation.
The majority of solar panel design software comes with functions including shading analysis, electrical system design, weather and solar irradiance data integration, and 3D modeling, though each program is unique. They can also assist in creating customer proposals, compiling material lists, and ensuring compliance. Some solar design software are, Opensolar, Helioscope, SolarEdge, Aurora Solar.
Thickness of Solar Structure Components
The stability and load-bearing capability of solar structures are largely dependent on the thickness of structural elements such as steel beams and columns. Material strength, load distribution, and expected environmental loads are some of the variables that must be taken into account when calculating the right thickness. To find the ideal thickness for various structural requirements for solar panels, engineers usually use industry-standard formulae and structural analysis tools. The answer can be divided into two parts 2 solar laminate thickness and solar panel frame thickness.
In 90% of situations, for 60-cell solar panels, the solar glass makes up the majority of the solar laminate thickness, measuring 3.2mm. Other parts include the solar cells, the solar laminate’s back sheet, and two encapsulant sheets. Although they have varying thicknesses on their own, the laminate’s thickness can range from 4.2 to 4.6 mm when it is fused at high temperatures and vacuums 2.
Sizing Legs:
Legs serve as the framework for solar panel arrays; they are sometimes referred to as support posts or columns. The process of sizing legs is figuring out the right height, diameter, and spacing to hold the panels’ weight and resist snow and wind pressures. Leg size is influenced by several factors, including foundation type, soil conditions, and structure layout. In addition, engineers have to take durability and corrosion resistance into account when choosing materials for the legs; because of these advantages, they frequently use aluminum or galvanized steel.
Rafters :
The horizontal beams known as rafters are used to support solar panels and shift weight to the supporting structure. Calculating the span, section modulus, and moment of inertia of rafters is necessary to size them such that they can bear applied loads without experiencing undue distortion or deflection. Structural analysis techniques are employed by engineers to maximize rafter size and spacing while minimizing material consumption and expense. Rafter design is further influenced by factors including maintenance access, thermal expansion, and attachment techniques. Wood is the most common building component of rafters, but steel or engineered wood products can also be used to create rafts. Local building codes, roof design, and roof covering are some of the components that affect rafter spacing.
Purlins:
Secondary solar Structure Components called purlins hold the solar panels in place and connect the rafters. Sizing purlins involves figuring out their span, section characteristics, and load-carrying capability, much like rafters. Purlins support the array’s structural stability by uniformly distributing the panel weight over the rafters. Components for purlins can include steel, wood, or engineered wood products such as glulam (glued laminated timber) or LVL (laminated veneer lumber). Galvanized steel sections, such as C-sections or Z-sections, are frequently cold-formed into purlins for use in steel-framed structures.
The process of sizing solar structure components is complex and multidimensional, requiring careful consideration of several variables such as project-specific circumstances, material qualities, environmental stresses, and structural needs. Engineers can build structurally sound, economical, and environmentally friendly solar installations by using innovative technical methods and industry standards. Optimizing the size of solar structure components will be important for accelerating the global adoption of solar power as the need for renewable energy sources rises.
Read More: Selecting Materials for Solar Structure
FAQS
1. Why is the structural design important for solar panels?
Structural design ensures that solar panels are securely mounted and can withstand environmental factors like wind, snow, and earthquakes, maximizing efficiency and longevity.
2. What factors should be considered when designing solar panel structures?
Key factors include wind load, snow load, environmental conditions, roof capacity, building age, and the type of solar mount structure suitable for the location.
3. What is the difference between ground mounts and roof mounts for solar panels?
Ground mounts are installed on the ground using a rack structure, suitable for larger installations, while roof mounts are attached to the roof, ideal for residential or smaller commercial installations.
4. How do I determine the right thickness for solar structure components?
Thickness is determined by load distribution, material strength, and environmental stresses, using structural analysis tools and industry standards.
5. What is the typical lifespan of solar panel mounting structures?
With proper design and materials, solar panel mounting structures can last 25 years or more, often matching the lifespan of the solar panels themselves.
