Calculating Wind Loads On Solar Panels

Today s photovoltaic pv industry must rely on licensed structural engineers various interpretations of building codes and standards to design pv mounting systems that will withstand wind induced loads.

Calculating wind loads on solar panels.

By step procedure for calculating wind loads on pv arrays. The euractive roofer project undertook numerous wind tunnel tests using scale models of roofs with panels as well as testing theoretical calculations that can in time form the basis of a european standard. 3 use section 1609 4 2 and section 1609 4 3 to determine the exposure in those sectors. When building a structure it is important to calculate wind load to ensure that the structure can withstand high winds especially if the building is located in an area known for inclement weather.

The pv array should be mounted a maximum of six inches above the roof surface. Wind speed the height of the panel above the roof and the relative location of the panel on the roof. 2 twoupwindsectorsextending45degreesfromeither side of the chosen wind direction are the markers. 4 the exposure with the highest wind loads is chosen for that.

In fact most in the energysage panel database are rated to withstand significant pressure specifically from wind and hail. Adding to skyciv s already list of free tools is the new wind load calculator for asce 7 10 as 1170 2 and en 1991 ec1 this easy to use calculator will display the wind speed by location via a wind speed map as prescribed by the above building codes. The approach is applicable to pv modules mounted on rooftops that are no more than 60 feet high when the pv array is oriented parallel to the roof surface and when the mounting structure is sufficiently rigid. When you want to install solar panels it is vital to understand certain features of the roof and the solar panels.

Wind loading on solar panels depends on three basic factors. In order for a structure to be sound and secure the foundation roof and walls must be strong and wind resistant. A solar panel roof load calculator helps you to establish the size and the weight of the solar panels that your roof can accommodate. Wind loads are important consideration in structural engineering in the design of a structure.

The solar america board for codes and standards put together a report to assist solar professionals with calculating wind loading and to design pv arrays to withstand these loads. Use add appliance to add an empty row and the x button on the right to each row to delete that row. Fill out each field for each appliance if you are unsure about the wattage of your appliance click on add appliance from load chart button to add that appliance from the list that we prepared for you with estimated wattage. Solar panels hold up well in high winds.