{"id":93017,"date":"2021-01-20T08:01:47","date_gmt":"2021-01-20T13:01:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/\/?p=93017"},"modified":"2021-01-08T10:08:42","modified_gmt":"2021-01-08T15:08:42","slug":"racking-manufacturers-evolve-their-systems-for-increasing-panel-sizes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/\/2021\/01\/racking-manufacturers-evolve-their-systems-for-increasing-panel-sizes\/","title":{"rendered":"Racking manufacturers evolve their systems for increasing panel sizes
2021 Trends in Solar<\/span>"},"content":{"rendered":"

Solar racking manufacturers have had the seemingly unending task of keeping their systems compatible with the latest iteration of PV module. While large-format modules are already being used in ground-mount and some flat commercial rooftop projects, installers are inquiring about racking systems adapted to newer panel dimensions for residential applications, too.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The panel has always come before the racking, and it\u2019s been up to manufacturers to play catch up. Previously, a typical 60- or 72-cell module would run between 65 and 74 in. long and 39 or 40 in. wide, respectively. Silicon wafer sizes have leaped from<\/span> 125 mm to 210 mm<\/span><\/a> in the last dozen years, with modules like Canadian Solar\u2019s<\/span> HiKu series<\/span><\/a> now reaching more than 90 in. lengthwise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

Unirac<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve always tried to test with the biggest modules that we thought would be applicable to that market. These modules are bigger than any of those modules, so we\u2019re having to go back to all of our certifications and also adjust those to take these larger-format modules into account,\u201d said Ernest Gallegos, director of products with Unirac. \u201cIt\u2019s really been disruptive for racking manufacturers, whether they want to admit it or not, whether they realize it or not yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As panels integrate newer wafer sizes and layouts, the increased module sizes might not necessarily affect the number of penetrations in a rooftop project, but it will require greater consideration for panel clamps. Snow load and downward pressure aren\u2019t as much of an issue as wind and uplift.<\/span><\/p>\n

The number of modules on a rooftop project could remain the same, but an increase in square footage from large-format modules would create a bigger surface area and \u201cthe effect of the wind doesn\u2019t change, but it\u2019s applied over a bigger area, which means higher loads on your clamps,\u201d Gallegos said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor the most part, if the total size above the rail says the same, then your attachment spans are going to stay the same,\u201d he continued. \u201cNone of that is affected, but when you start talking about your clamps and if your clamps are designed to handle a certain module, then your clamps need to get more robust. Your rails, your T-slots, your hardware, whatever they\u2019re designed for, will need to be more robust on the rail.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Structural code<\/span> ASCE 7-16<\/span><\/a> helps engineers calculate system loads on rooftop projects across many industries, but it also sets limits on structures that can be installed on a roof, including solar panels. The code limits PV module cord length to 6 ft. 7 in. (2.04 m) on flush, flat and pitched array designs, and larger-format panels are bucking against that limit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no good, direct code-based way to establish loads on these right now,\u201d Gallegos said.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re not sure exactly how other people are dealing with it, but we\u2019re trying to figure it out ourselves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As solar panels increase wattage and size, there will need to be new structural codes to advise system design, and racking manufacturers will try to keep up.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Solar racking manufacturers have had the seemingly unending task of keeping their systems compatible with the latest iteration of PV module. While large-format modules are already being used in ground-mount and some flat commercial rooftop projects, installers are inquiring about racking systems adapted to newer panel dimensions for residential applications, too.\u00a0\u00a0 The panel has always…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19854,"featured_media":93018,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[640,3004,1690,3011,4787],"tags":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post","12":"entry","13":"has-post-thumbnail"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nRacking manufacturers evolve their systems for increasing panel sizes<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Solar racking manufacturers have had the seemingly unending task of keeping their systems compatible with the latest iteration of PV module. 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