We talked briefly about tracking systems and some design considerations for the tilt angles in Lesson 2. However, we didn’t elaborate on the mounting types available for PV systems. Each PV system is different from the rest in terms of racking structure and mounting types. This is due to the fact that PV systems are space constrained and the installation requirements vary from one place to another. For that reason, many structural holding solutions have been developed to accommodate different needs such as ground mount, pole mount, and roof mount. Each type comes with advantages and disadvantages that allow a good designer to make the optimal decision for each specific PV system.
This type of mounting structure allows multiple rows of modules to be installed on the ground, as shown in Figure 5.1.
This structure is common in public areas where the system is space constrained, as seen in Figure 5.2.
Single and Dual axis tracking systems are discussed in detail in EME 812 (3.3. Types of tracking systems) [6] and EME 812 (3.4. Engineered devices for solar tracking) [7]
There are various types of roof mounts that don’t require roof penetration especially when the roof is flat, as illustrated in Figure 5.3. Of these types, ballasted roof mount is one of the most used racking structure for PV systems installed on flat roofs. It utilizes the weight of concrete or sand to ensure the system stays still to stand all kinds of external forces such as pullout wind forces.
These mounting structures allow the system to be installed parallel to the roof for the best esthetic solution for pitched roofs, as seen in Figure 5.4.
There are other mounting types that are beyond our discussion for this class and students are encouraged to look for different racking structures for their own benefit.
For more information about the mounting structures of the PV system, please refer to your Required Reading: Chapter 10 from the Dunlop text. Please note that some information in the reading chapter is not directly related to this topic; however, students are encouraged to read through the chapter for their own benefit.
Links
[1] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sideka_Solartechnik_Ibbenb%C3%BCren_14.JPG
[2] https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en
[3] https://www.e-education.psu.edu/eme810/node/558
[4] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU1QB1a5XJa_nTHD2lzr7Ew
[5] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Applied_materials_solar_arrray3.jpg
[6] https://www.e-education.psu.edu/eme812/node/584
[7] https://www.e-education.psu.edu/eme812/node/585
[8] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Solarpanelabochstativ.jpg
[9] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Photovoltaikanlage.jpg