Importance of the fixing structure in the photovoltaic system

Product engineer at 2P Acessórios highlights that the structure is the foundation for the generator to remain resistant
13-12-21-canal-solar-Importância da estrutura de fixação no sistema fotovoltaico
The purpose of the structures is to ensure that the panels will not come loose from where they were installed. Photo: reproduction

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 refers to the structure), we still noticed a lack of knowledge when choosing the supports”, reported Vaz.

Fixing structures installed on the roof. Photo: reproduction
Photovoltaic modules are placed on the project’s roof. Photo: reproduction

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. Therefore, 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.

Installation process of fixing structures. Photo: reproduction

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.

Picture of Mateus Badra
Matthew Badra
Journalist graduated from PUC-Campinas. He worked as a producer, reporter and presenter on TV Bandeirantes and Metro Jornal. Has been following the Brazilian electricity sector since 2020.

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