Photovoltaic Structure Design : How to Design Rooftop, Ground-Mounted, and Pole-Mounted Photovoltaic Mounting Systems?

Photovoltaic Mounting System Design

Based on the photovoltaic power generation system capacity design, the number and size of photovoltaic modules, the optimal tilt angle of the array, the installation location and method of the photovoltaic modules, etc., the photovoltaic mounting system is selected and designed. The design of photovoltaic mounting systems requires that they be sturdy and reliable, and fully consider factors such as load-bearing capacity, wind resistance, earthquake resistance, and corrosion resistance.

1. Rooftop Photovoltaic Mounting System Design

The design of rooftop photovoltaic mounting systems should be tailored to different roof structures. For sloped roofs, a mounting system parallel to the roof slope can be designed, with the mounting height approximately 10cm above the roof surface to facilitate ventilation and heat dissipation of the photovoltaic modules. Alternatively, a roof tilt angle mounting system with a lower front and higher back can be designed to maximize the solar energy received by the photovoltaic modules. Flat roofs generally require a triangular mounting system, with the tilt angle of the mounting surface being the optimal receiving tilt angle for the photovoltaic modules.

2. Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic Array Mounting System Design

Ground-mounted photovoltaic array mounting systems can be divided into fixed, adjustable, and automatic tracking types. Ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) brackets must possess sufficient strength to meet the static load (e.g., snow weight) and dynamic load (e.g., typhoon) requirements of the PV array, ensuring safe, secure, and reliable array installation. The connection between the modules and the brackets, and between the brackets and the foundation, must be secure and able to withstand winds of up to 120 km/h (33.3 m/s) without damage. The minimum distance between the lower edge of the modules and the ground should not be less than 0.5 m, primarily considering the following factors: ① the maximum local snow depth; ② a height higher than the local flood level; ③ prevention of mud and sand splashing onto the PV module surface during rain; ④ prevention of damage from small animals.

3. Design of Pole-Mounted Brackets

Design of Pole-Mounted Brackets Pole-mounted brackets are generally used in various solar streetlights, courtyard lights, and solar power supply for highway cameras. The design requires the length and width dimensions of the solar cell modules, the location and spacing of the mounting holes on the back of the modules, and an understanding of the optimal tilt angle of the solar cell modules at the site of use, or a modified optimal tilt angle determined in the system design. When designing a bracket, it can be designed as needed, with a fixed tilt angle, an adjustable azimuth angle, or both an adjustable tilt angle and an adjustable azimuth angle.