Calculating Wind Loads On Solar Panels

We recommend the use of section 6 5 12 4 1 and supporting figures only for the design of the pv module attachment clips and hardware to the structure and for calculating loads on individual pv modules.

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. With the introduction of the asce 7 10 there are two potential design principles used for calculating wind and snow loads for pv systems in the u s. Determine design wind speed and calculate design wind pressures using asce 7 10 icc evaluation services acceptance criteria ac 428. Online wind load calculator for solar pv system.

Acceptance criteria for modular framing systems used to support photovoltaic pv panels ac 428 is required to obtain an icc es. October 14 2016 2016 solar energy industries association 2. Maximum wind speeds and snow loads can be found through. Wind speed the height of the panel above the roof and the relative location of the panel on the roof.

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. For example the weight per square footing for asphalt shingle weight per 100sq ft lbs range is 190 250. The exact number changes depending on the specifications of the chosen panel model as well as the sunshine available at the project site. Wind loading on solar panels depends on three basic factors.

This paper will show how to calculate for wind and snow loads using both design principles. The weight per 100sq ft kg range is 85 110. Off grid solar load calculator one of the most important things to do before going solar is to calculate the amount of electricity you are currently using. Despite the lower wind load zone the wind load can be in individual cases by topographic conditions or other location effects very significant.

A home that consumes 1 000 kwh per month will normally need between 20 and 30 solar panels. Start here if you re unsure of the diameter of mounting pole frame duty or foundation size you need for your project then you came to the right place. You will use this information to determine the size of solar power system you will need. On the web you can find wind load calculator to determine the wind load.

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. Until all state building codes have transitioned to asce 7 10.