Components of Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic (PV) Mounting Structures

A photovoltaic mounting structure is a specialized support system designed to place, install, and secure solar panels in a solar power generation system. Ground-mounted PV structures typically consist of the foundation, supporting parts, and connectors. Below is a detailed description of each component:

1. Foundation

• Function:
  The foundation forms the base support for the mounting system. Its primary role is to transfer various loads borne by the system to the ground, ensuring long-term stability and safety. The foundation’s design and construction quality directly affect the reliability and lifespan of the entire PV system.

• Common Types:
  Depending on geological conditions and installation requirements, foundations can be categorized into:

• Concrete Foundations: Strong load capacity and stability; suitable for areas with favorable geological conditions.

• Pile Foundations: Adaptable to complex geological conditions such as soft soils or collapsible loess.

• Ground Anchor Foundations: Secure the structure using buried anchors that rely on soil friction and anchoring force; these are easy to construct and cost-effective.

2. Columns

• Function:
  Columns serve as the primary vertical support, carrying the weight of PV panels and associated equipment, and transferring these loads to the foundation. They ensure the PV panels maintain their height and position under various environmental conditions.

• Common Types:

• Fixed Columns: Typically made from steel tubes, I-beams, or channel steel with a fixed height and position.

• Adjustable Columns: Designed with mechanisms to allow height or angle adjustments, catering to varying terrain or optimizing sunlight angles.

3. Beams

• Function:
  Beams are horizontal components connecting the columns and supporting the PV panels. They distribute the load from the PV panels evenly, transferring forces such as wind and snow loads to the columns. Beams also maintain the spacing and alignment of the PV panels, ensuring a uniform array layout and optimal efficiency.

• Common Types:
  Made from materials such as rectangular tubes, C-shaped steel, or channel steel, with the cross-sectional shape and size determined by factors like panel dimensions, weight, and span. For large PV installations, truss or composite beam structures may be used to enhance strength and stability.

4. Braces

• Function:
  Braces are auxiliary components designed to enhance the structural stability of the mounting system. They are often installed between columns and beams or columns and foundations, forming triangular or other stable geometric configurations. Braces improve resistance to horizontal forces and bending moments, increasing wind and seismic stability.

• Common Types:

• Rigid Braces: Made from materials such as steel pipes or angle iron, connected via welding or bolts for fixed stability.

• Flexible Braces: Made from steel cables or wires, combined with turnbuckles for tension adjustment, allowing adaptability to varying load conditions or structural deformations.

5. Connectors

• Function:
  Connectors link various components of the PV mounting structure, ensuring a stable and unified system. The quality and performance of connectors are critical to the safety and reliability of the structure.

• Common Types:

• Bolts, Nuts, and Washers: Most commonly used for their ease of installation, adjustability, and disassembly.

• Welded Joints: Provide higher strength and stability but lack flexibility for future adjustments.

• Clamps: Used in specialized connections or for quick assembly and disassembly.

6. PV Panel Fasteners

• Function:
  These fasteners secure the PV panels to the horizontal beams, ensuring stable positioning under environmental forces such as wind or earthquakes, and preventing damage or displacement.

• Common Types:

• Pressure Blocks: Secure the PV panel frame to the beams with pressure, offering ease of installation and reliable fastening.

• Clamps: Grip the panel frame, suitable for panels with specific shapes or dimensions.

• Bolts: Provide strong fastening but are more labor-intensive to install and remove.

By understanding the components and their roles, you can design or select a PV mounting structure that ensures the safety, efficiency, and longevity of a ground-mounted solar power system.