Print this page Wind Load Calculations for PV Arrays
Brian M. McCaffrey, P.E.
Course Outline
This 2-hour course will introduce you to the principles of determining wind loads on PV arrays. With the lack of codes and standards that address the mounting of PV arrays to rooftops, this course provides design guidance, including sample calculations for determining wind loads on PV arrays based on the recognized ASCE Standard 7-05.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will have learned the following:
- The differences between wind loading on PV arrays and other rooftop structures;
- Techniques for proper selection of pressure coefficients;
- How geometric parameters of the PV arrays affect wind loads;
- How the PV array location on the rooftop affects wind loads;
- Techniques for calculating wind loads on PV modules; and,
- Techniques for calculating wind loads on mounting structures and hardware.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for all engineers, architects, and construction professionals who are interested in gaining a better understanding of wind load calculations for PV mounting structures, modules, and mounting hardware.
Benefit to Attendee
This course will introduce the principles of determining wind loads on PV arrays.
Course Introduction
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. This is problematic since the safety and sufficiency of the structural attachments of solar equipment to rooftops are not adequately addressed in any codes or standards. ASCE Standard 7-05 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures is the standard for wind forces on structures, but it does not provide adequate guidance to the design professionals and code officials tasked with assessing PV installations. Until codes and standards are developed to address the mounting of PV arrays to rooftops, Wind Load Calculations for PV Arrays provides design guidance, including sample calculations for determining wind loads on PV arrays based on the recognized ASCE Standard 7-05.
Until codes and standards are developed to address the mounting of PV arrays to rooftops, Wind Load Calculations for PV Arrays provides design guidance, including sample calculations for determining wind loads on PV arrays based on Chapter 6 of ASCE Standard 7-05.
The approach is applicable to the typical residential application of PV arrays mounted parallel to the roof slope and relatively close to the roof surface.
Course Content
The course is based entirely on Wind Load Calculations for PV Arrays, published by the Solar America Board for Codes and Standards. It will also be helpful to reference Chapter 6 of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE 7-05) to follow along with the course document examples.
Wind Load Calculations for PV Arrays
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Course Summary
The information provided in this course could be used to introduce or enhance the student’s knowledge of wind load calculations on PV arrays. Using this knowledge, the design professional could better evaluate equipment and attachment methods to ensure that PV equipment will remain attached to structures during windstorm events, and that additional loads or load combinations do not exceed the structural capacity of the building. Additionally, the design professional should confirm which version of ASCE 7 is required by local building codes when preparing the wind load calculations. As always, good engineering judgment is paramount in any situation. Utilizing good judgment and the knowledge gained in this course can provide for a safe and secure installation of a PV array.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
