What are the basic definitions of ground photovoltaic mounting systems and the characteristics of their structural design?

Basic definition of ground photovoltaic mounting system

The ground photovoltaic mounting system is a structural system designed specifically for ground-mounted photovoltaic (solar) panels. Its main function is to provide a stable support platform to ensure that the solar panels can receive sunlight at a suitable angle, direction and position on the ground, thereby effectively converting solar energy into electrical energy. ground photovoltaic mounting systems are usually used in large solar power plants, especially in open areas, farmlands or wastelands, to provide a photovoltaic installation solution that does not rely on buildings.

This support system not only needs to have strong support capabilities, but also needs to have high durability and resistance to wind and snow pressure, because it is usually exposed outdoors and faces the test of various severe weather. The design and installation of the support must be adjusted according to the local climate, geological conditions and the needs of photovoltaic panels to ensure the long-term stable operation of the system.

Structural design features of ground photovoltaic mounting systems

The structural design of the ground photovoltaic mounting system needs to meet multiple requirements, including load-bearing capacity, stability, wind resistance, corrosion resistance, etc. The following are several main features of the structural design of the ground photovoltaic mounting system:

Stability and load-bearing capacity of the support

The primary design requirement of the ground photovoltaic mounting system is to ensure stability and sufficient load-bearing capacity. The support needs to bear the weight of components such as solar panels, inverters and batteries, while also withstanding the pressure from external environments such as wind, snow and rain. The support structure is usually made of materials such as steel, aluminum alloy or galvanized steel, which have strong corrosion resistance and load-bearing capacity.

In order to ensure the stability of the support, the type and load-bearing capacity of the ground soil must also be considered during the design. The design of the support foundation may adopt different methods, such as screw piles buried underground or concrete foundations, which need to be selected according to geological conditions.

Flexibility in adjusting angles and directions

In order to maximize the benefits of solar power generation, the design of the ground photovoltaic mounting system must allow the photovoltaic panel to adjust the angle to adapt to different seasons and geographical locations. Factors such as sunshine angles and seasonal changes in different regions have a great impact on the power generation efficiency of photovoltaic panels. Therefore, the support system is usually designed as an adjustable structure to flexibly adjust the tilt angle of the panel according to changes in sunshine.

There are usually two ways to adjust the angle: fixed angle and adjustable angle. Fixed-angle bracket systems determine an optimal angle when they are designed, and are suitable for areas that do not require frequent adjustments; while adjustable-angle bracket systems usually use mechanical or electric devices to flexibly adjust the angle of the photovoltaic panel according to seasonal or climatic conditions.

Wind and snow pressure resistance

When designing a ground photovoltaic bracket system, the wind speed and snowfall in the area where it is located must be taken into account. For example, in areas with strong winds, the bracket needs to have a higher wind resistance to prevent the photovoltaic panel from being blown or damaged by strong winds. In order to enhance wind resistance, the base of the bracket is usually enlarged or more fixed support points are used to ensure the stability of the system.

In cold areas, the bracket system also needs to consider the pressure of snow accumulation to avoid deformation of the bracket or damage to the panel due to excessive snow weight. Therefore, the design of the bracket needs to have sufficient strength to withstand snow pressure, and the snow needs to be cleared regularly to ensure the normal operation of the system.

Corrosion resistance and weather resistance

Since the ground photovoltaic bracket system is exposed to the outdoors for a long time, the corrosion resistance and weather resistance of the bracket are important considerations in its design. The material of the bracket system is usually selected from materials with strong corrosion resistance, such as stainless steel, hot-dip galvanized steel or aluminum alloy. These materials can effectively prevent corrosion in harsh environments such as humidity, saline-alkali, and high temperature, and extend the service life of the system.

The surface coating of the bracket is usually treated with anti-corrosion treatment to further enhance the system's antioxidant and UV resistance to cope with long-term exposure to solar radiation.

Modular design and ease of installation

Most modern ground photovoltaic bracket systems adopt modular design, making the system installation easier and faster. Modular design allows bracket components to be uniformly standardized for production, and transportation and installation become more efficient. Installers only need to assemble and fix the prefabricated bracket components according to certain steps, reducing the complexity and time consumption of on-site construction.

Modular design also facilitates later maintenance and replacement. If a component fails or needs repair, only the part needs to be replaced without affecting the operation of the entire system.

Saving land resources and optimizing land use

In the design of ground photovoltaic bracket systems, the rational use of land resources must also be considered. For example, some ground photovoltaic bracket systems use the "ground interval installation" method, so that there is an appropriate interval between each photovoltaic module, which can not only ensure the power generation efficiency of photovoltaic panels, but also ensure space for other uses on the land, such as agricultural planting and pasture planting. Some systems even combine photovoltaic brackets with agriculture to develop a "agricultural photovoltaic complementarity" model to achieve efficient use of land resources.

Efficient drainage design

Drainage issues also need to be considered when designing ground photovoltaic bracket systems, especially in areas with heavy rainfall. Sufficient space should be left between the foundation of the bracket system and the ground to avoid water accumulation causing pressure or corrosion on the bracket. At the same time, the design of the bracket must also take into account the natural flow of rainwater to avoid the formation of puddles around the bracket, which affects the drainage and air permeability of the soil.