We see the structure of the photovoltaic system as the foundation of a building: it is the foundation for the generator to remain resistant: well fixed and in good generation conditions.
This is the analysis of Raphael Vaz, product engineer at 2P Acessórios. According to him, when purchasing a photovoltaic generator, the customer is often observed comparing power and efficiency of modules, inverter technologies, strings or MLPE and efficiency.
“However, the quality of the fixing supports that will keep the system safe is rarely questioned: raw material used in the products, resistance to wind, corrosion, overload installed on the roof, etc.”, he said.
“Despite having a relatively low cost, when purchased at the cost of the generator (around 10% of the generator is related to the structure), we still noticed a lack of knowledge when choosing the supports”, reported Vaz.
According to the expert, the use of raw materials not suitable for corrosive regions, lack of study regarding the dynamic load of winds and the lack of periodic preventive maintenance are some of the problems that will be found in installations in a short time.
“The main objective of the fixing structures is to ensure that the panels do not come loose from where they were installed. The manufacturer cannot guarantee that the building will withstand such an overload where the installation will be carried out. So, it is always up to the engineer responsible for the work to assess whether the location to be installed can accommodate the generator,” he explained.
In Vaz's view, it is also very important that the structure meets all the requirements imposed by the photovoltaic module manufacturer. “Installation manuals require a minimum distance between tile and module for ventilation to ensure your system generates as expected.”
“We have already seen many cases of heating losses, systems being interrupted due to overheating, and in very serious cases, fire and loss of part of the generator”, he added.
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I really liked these safety reminders regarding the structures of photovoltaic panels.