Wind-Induced Pressures on Solar Panels Mounted on Residential Homes
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 20, Issue 1
Abstract
This paper presents wind load investigations on solar panel modules mounted on low-rise buildings with gable roofs that have two distinct slopes. Wind loads on the solar panels mounted on several zones of the roofs were systematically investigated in a boundary-layer wind tunnel for different wind directions. The results from the wind-tunnel investigation are compared with ASCE provisions for residential bare roofs. The comparison shows a good agreement with the ASCE standard provisions for the main force resisting system. Nevertheless, the cladding loads on individual modules may be lower or higher than those on the corresponding area of a bare roof (depending on their location and array configuration and the roof’s slope). Avoiding the roof critical zones (zones 3 and 2) is recommended to avoid high net minimum pressures acting on the solar panel modules. Solar panels mounted in zone 1 are locally subjected to higher suction at their outer edges. This is most likely attributed to the effect of a raised secondary roof formed over the main roof. The impact of the secondary roof effects is noticeable for small modules compared with larger modules.
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Acknowledgments
Financial support from the Florida Center of Excellence through the Florida International University International Hurricane Research Center is acknowledged with thanks. The help received from Mr. Warsido and Mr. Erwin during the wind tunnel testing is appreciated. The authors also acknowledge the informative discussion with Mr. Barkaszi from the Florida Solar Energy Center (Solar America Board for Codes and Standards, http://www.solarabcs.org).
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© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 17, 2012
Accepted: May 28, 2013
Published online: May 30, 2013
Published in print: Mar 1, 2014
Discussion open until: May 4, 2014
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