Calculating Wind Loads On Solar Panels

Solar panels hold up well in high winds.

Calculating wind loads on solar panels.

When you want to install solar panels it is vital to understand certain features of the roof and the solar panels. A solar panel roof load calculator helps you to establish the size and the weight of the solar panels that your roof can accommodate. 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. 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.

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. 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. Wind speed the height of the panel above the roof and the relative location of the panel on the roof.

The limiting factor for solar panel wind resistance is almost never the panels themselves. 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. The pv array should be mounted a maximum of six inches above the roof surface. In order for a structure to be sound and secure the foundation roof and walls must be strong and wind resistant.

By step procedure for calculating wind loads on pv arrays. 2 twoupwindsectorsextending45degreesfromeither side of the chosen wind direction are the markers. Use add appliance to add an empty row and the x button on the right to each row to delete that row. Wind loading on solar panels depends on three basic factors.

3 use section 1609 4 2 and section 1609 4 3 to determine the exposure in those sectors. Determining wind and snow loads for solar panels 10 example calculations in the following example we outline how a designer should calculate the effect of wind and snow on a pv module for commercial buildings based on few assumptions and using main wind force resisting systems design. 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. Generally solar panels are highly resistant to damage from windy conditions.