What are the sources for structural analysis of a solar panel ? 1

[yirmidokuz]

Hi all,

The company I am working for, initiates a new project that to produce aluminum frames and construction parts for solar panels.
To design its own model we need a structural analysis. In addition as i looked through roughly, we should consider wind&snow loads to compel our solar panel structure.

Eventually we are considering to do this project with the assist of an engineering company.

I would like to be guided through sources, books, papers, videos, etc. to learn the basics for this type of structural analysis.
The least knowled I would like to gain, that as much as I would like to feel comfortable while discussing about the issues with the engineering company.

Thanks.

 

[MacGruber22]

These are two respected documents for analysis of low profile roof top solar panels:

http://seaoc.org/bookstore/seismic-...ntary-rooftop-solar-photovoltaic-arrays-seaoc

http://seaoc.org/bookstore/wind-des...ltaic-arrays-flat-roofs-seaoc-report-pv2-2012

Be aware that there is criteria for the geometry that must be met in order to use these analysis methods. As the PV2 document mentions, solar panels laying flat to roofs need to be designed by ASCE 7 roof components and cladding, because the wind pressure coefficients will be very very similar to the supporting roof. There are a lot of examples from various solar companies for this type of analysis:

https://www.solarworld-usa.com/~/media/

http://www/files/technical-bulletins/determining-wind-and-snow-loads-for-solar-panels.pdf

"It is imperative Cunth doesn't get his hands on those codes."

 

[JStephen]

Also note that there are different building codes depending on if you're in the USA, Europe, Australia, etc., so deciding which area is the first priority.
In the US, there are regions of high wind and negligible snow loading, regions of high snow loading but low wind loading, regions of high seismic loading, etc., so design may vary accordingly.

 

[yirmidokuz]

Is there anyone advice or show guidance for ground mounting solar systems ?

 

[Bendog01]

A few years ago my company was hired as a third party consultant to review structural calculations for ground mounted solar panels. The client was concerned because there were a few structural failures that occurred in the NE due to snow loads. We were given a document published by a leading manufacturer of solar panels that outlined wind and snow loads for solar panels. For snow loads they referred to ASCE 7-10 Pf=0.7*Ce*Ct*Is*Pg. The calculations we reviewed followed this equation but it was our opinion that the 0.7 factor, which is a ground to roof conversion factor, should not be considered. The client agreed.

 

[DamsInc]

If you're going to be teaching yourself about structural design, don't forget about geotechnical engineering as well! I don't work in the industry but I have heard of a few solar farms suffering from significant frost heave. The design doesn't end with the frame, you need something to support it too.

Speaking of which, I always wonder what caused this: