Phtovolatic Panel Wind "Sails" ... :)

[Shockah]

As I drove past the "new-install" a couple years ago, I wondered what their wind rating would be...?

Well, the recent "strong" winds reached no where near 100mph,,, more like gusts @ 60mph.

So I guess that answered my question: 59mph.

[inetdog]

As I drove past the "new-install" a couple years ago, I wondered what their wind rating would be...?

Well, the recent "strong" winds reached no where near 100mph,,, more like gusts @ 60mph.

So I guess that answered my question: 59mph.

Well, those downed panels with their faces turned to the wall of to the ground could certainly still be producing some voltage, but questionably enough current for a hazardous shock. As "storing up a charge until touched", well any sheet of metal can do that, just not very well....

I would have to say that either the racking was underenginieered, the assembly faulty, or the wind load calculations did not take into account the exposed position of the panels. Or a combination of all of the above.
I wonder if anyone checked for tightness of fasteners in the three years since the installation?
What was the last time you saw a solar PV installer employee with a torque wrench?

[peakbagger]

Its flat roof, unfortunately they didn't show any roof top views but it could be a ballasted system as many flat roof owners have no interest in drilling holes in the membrane. Tilted panels are particularly vulnerable to odd aerodynamics. Nothing wrong with a properly designed ballasted system but a lot easier to screw up than mechanically fastened.

[Naptown]

That appeared to be a Snapnrack installation and it appears that the kee fittings on the top pipe support are what came loose.
And you are right about the torque wrench or lack thereof. It is critical on this type of installation.

[inetdog]

...
And you are right about the torque wrench or lack thereof. It is critical on this type of installation.

In your experience, is it good enough to get the initial torque correct and let the design of the fittings will take care of the rest, or is are follow up torque checks as part of system maintenance justified?

[Naptown]

In your experience, is it good enough to get the initial torque correct and let the design of the fittings will take care of the rest, or is are follow up torque checks as part of system maintenance justified?

Haven't gone back to check but rest assured I will be. Glad I only have about 60 KW installed with that racking system but all on the ground.

[inetdog]

Please let us know what you find.

[Shockah]

That appeared to be a Snapnrack installation and it appears that the kee fittings on the top pipe support are what came loose.
And you are right about the torque wrench or lack thereof. It is critical on this type of installation.

Only photo of installation that I could find...

2334650908.jpg