Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-12-11 Origin: Site
In early 2024, following a heavy snowstorm at a photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Heilongjiang Province, staff noticed an intriguing phenomenon: areas equipped with new anti-snow mounting systems remained largely snow-free, while traditional mounting areas required manual clearing. This discovery sparked industry-wide reconsideration of the role mounting system design plays in enhancing operational efficiency in cold regions.
"Many might not realize that snow accumulation affects not only power generation but also adds extra load on mounting systems," explained Wang, a technical director at a Heilongjiang PV plant. Calculations show that snow 15 cm thick can exert more than 50 kg/m² of additional load, placing significant demands on mounting structures.
According to the latest report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), PV installations in cold regions are growing at an annual rate of 40%. While technological advances make high-altitude regions’ abundant solar resources attractive to developers, the challenges posed by extreme weather remain substantial.
To address the challenges of snow, leading companies have introduced innovative designs. Among the most notable is the "intelligent snow-melting mounting system," which incorporates these core technologies:
Self-Adjusting Tilt Angle Design
The latest snowfield mounting systems feature adjustable tilt angles that automatically adapt to weather conditions for optimal snow-shedding. Studies show that at tilt angles of 35-40 degrees, most snow naturally slides off.
Surface Treatment Technology
"We apply a special hydrophobic nano-coating to the mounting surface," explained an R&D director at a renowned mounting manufacturer. "This coating reduces snow adhesion, making it easier for snow to slide off when paired with an appropriate tilt angle."
Thermal Management System
An innovative heating system is seamlessly integrated into the mounting structure. When significant snow accumulation is detected, the system activates targeted heating to accelerate snow melting. Powered by PV-generated electricity, its energy consumption accounts for just 0.5% of the total plant output.
A 500 MW PV base launched in late 2023 in Inner Mongolia adopted a comprehensive anti-snow mounting solution. Located in an area with annual snowfall exceeding 50 cm, traditional mounts required frequent manual snow removal during winter.
The new solution achieved remarkable results:
Reduced manual snow removal by 85%
Increased winter power generation by 23%
Significantly enhanced mounting structural integrity
Decreased maintenance costs by 40%
"The system’s intelligence amazed us," remarked the project’s operations manager. "Using a weather alert system, the mounts adjust to optimal angles before snowfall, drastically reducing snow buildup."
Although anti-snow mounting systems have higher upfront costs, they offer significant advantages over the lifecycle:
Traditional mounts: ¥0.15 per watt
Anti-snow mounts: ¥0.22 per watt
Intelligent snow removal system: Additional ¥0.08 per watt
Power generation increase: Winter gains of 20-25%
Maintenance cost reduction: Annual savings of ¥300,000-400,000
Payback period: 1.5 years shorter compared to traditional systems
As technology advances, snowfield PV mounting systems are evolving toward greater intelligence and integration. Experts predict the following trends in the coming years:
AI Applications
Machine learning algorithms will optimize snow removal strategies and predict snow accumulation risks.
Material Innovations
Lightweight, high-strength materials such as carbon fiber will further reduce system weight and enhance load-bearing capacity.
Integrated Design
Mounting systems will be deeply integrated with module monitoring and intelligent operation systems, creating holistic solutions.
For investors planning PV projects in cold regions, experts suggest:
Fully consider extreme weather impacts during early planning.
Choose suppliers with experience in cold-region projects.
Focus on comprehensive solutions rather than solely minimizing costs.
Emphasize professional training for maintenance teams.
As global energy transitions accelerate, PV power in cold regions is becoming increasingly prevalent. Anti-snow mounting innovations not only address technical challenges but also open new opportunities for the PV industry.
As one industry expert put it: "In extreme cold environments, the mounting system is like the 'bones' of a PV plant. Only robust designs ensure reliable system operation."
With continued technological advancements and accumulated practical experience, snowfield PV mounting systems will become smarter and more reliable, providing strong support for the expansion of clean energy applications in cold regions.
