The Power of Fixed Mounts: Boosting Solar Efficiency and Sustainability

Introduction

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation, as a renewable energy source, is rapidly becoming an important part of the global energy transition. With the increasing demand for clean energy, the application scope and scale of photovoltaic (PV) systems are expanding. In photovoltaic systems, fixed mounts, as one of their key components, undertake the important task of supporting and fixing solar panels.

Fixed mounts are not only crucial to the installation and stability of solar panels, but also directly affect the system's power generation efficiency and long-term operational safety. Since the light absorption and power generation efficiency of solar panels are closely related to their tilt angle and direction, a reasonable design of the fixed bracket can maximize the overall performance of the PV system. By optimizing the design and material selection of the mounting bracket, it can ensure the stability and durability of the PV modules under various environmental conditions, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance the overall economic benefits.

 

 

Types of fixed mounts

In PV systems, the types of fixed mounts mainly include ground mounts and roof mounts. Each type of mount has its own unique design, structure and application scenarios, so understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different mount types is crucial to choosing the right mount.

Ground Mount

Ground mounts are usually used in large-scale PV power plants, and their main function is to fix the PV modules on the ground to ensure their stability and optimal light angle. Ground mounts are generally categorized into two types: fixed mounts and adjustable mounts.

• Fixed bracket: Once installed, the tilt angle and direction of this type of bracket are fixed and suitable for areas with relatively stable light conditions. Fixed brackets have a simple structure and low cost, making them suitable for laying over large areas. However, since the angle cannot be adjusted, it may not be possible to obtain optimal light in different seasons and time periods.
• Adjustable bracket: This type of bracket can be adjusted to obtain the best light angle according to seasonal changes or specific needs. Although its structure is more complex and costly, it can significantly improve the power generation efficiency of PV systems in areas with changing light conditions.

Roof Racking

Roof mounts are used for PV systems on residential and commercial buildings, and their design mainly takes into account the load-bearing capacity of the building structure and aesthetics. Roof racks can be categorized into fixed and movable types.

• Fixed Roof Racking: This type of racking fixes the PV modules to the roof, usually parallel or inclined to the roof surface. Its design needs to take into account the material and slope of the roof to ensure the stability and safety of the bracket. Fixed roof mounts are relatively simple to install and are suitable for most building types.
• Active Roof Racking: This type of racking can be adjusted according to the angle of sunlight and light intensity to improve the power generation efficiency of the PV system. The design of movable roof mounts requires consideration of more complex structural requirements and is usually more costly. However, the advantage of movable roof mounts is that they can be adjusted according to real-time light conditions, thus improving the system's power generation efficiency.

Choosing the right type of mounting

When choosing a fixed mount, the following factors need to be considered: project size, geographic location, climatic conditions, budget, and the specific needs of the PV system. By choosing the right type of mounting, you can ensure the optimal performance of your PV system in different environments, reduce maintenance costs and improve the overall economic efficiency.

The type of fixed mounting has a direct impact on the efficiency and long-term reliability of a PV system. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different types of fixed mounts can help designers and engineers make more scientific decisions when planning PV systems. As technology continues to advance and market demand changes, the design and materials of fixed mounts will continue to be updated, and more innovative mounting solutions are likely to emerge in the future.

 

 

Design considerations for fixed mounts

The design of fixed mounts is a crucial aspect of PV system construction, affecting the overall performance and safety of the system. When designing fixed mounts, several factors need to be considered, including geographic location, climatic conditions, and load requirements, to ensure their reliability and effectiveness in a variety of environments.

Geographic location: The design of the fixed bracket must give full consideration to the geographic characteristics of the installation site, including topography, soil type, and the surrounding environment. These factors will affect the foundation design and installation method of the bracket. For example, in windy or rainy areas, the stability and anti-corrosion properties of the bracket are particularly important. Designers need to determine the depth and type of foundation for the bracket based on local geological survey data to avoid structural failure due to unstable foundation.

Climatic conditions: Different climatic conditions have a significant impact on the design requirements for fixed supports. The following aspects need to be considered when designing:

• Wind load: in areas with high wind speed, the bracket needs to have sufficient wind resistance. Designers should refer to local wind speed data and conduct wind load analysis to ensure that the bracket can withstand the effects of extreme weather.
• Snow load: In snowy areas, the fixed bracket needs to be able to withstand the weight of snow. Designers need to assess the impact of snow load on the bracket based on local snowfall records and take appropriate reinforcement measures.
• Temperature changes: Temperature changes may lead to thermal expansion and contraction of materials, so materials with good thermal stability should be selected during design, and joints and connection parts should be reasonably designed to avoid damage caused by temperature changes.

Load Requirements: The weight of the PV module and its arrangement has a direct impact on the design of the fixed support. Designers need to calculate the total load that the bracket needs to bear according to the weight and number of selected PV modules, and ensure the safety of the bracket in various working conditions. In addition, the structural design of the fixed mount needs to comply with relevant building codes and standards to ensure its stability and safety over a long period of time.

• **Safety and Stability:**Safety and stability are the top priority in fixed bracket design. Designers must consider the loading conditions under various extreme situations and conduct detailed structural analysis when carrying out stent design. The overall safety of the fixed bracket can be improved by using suitable materials and optimizing the bracket structure.

Design Codes and Standards: Relevant design codes and standards should be followed during the design process of the fixed bracket to ensure that it meets the industry requirements. Building codes may vary from country to country and region to region, and designers need to be aware of local regulations for compliant design.

The design of fixed supports requires consideration of a variety of factors, including geographic location, climatic conditions, load requirements, safety and stability. During the design process, designers should conduct sufficient site investigation and data analysis to ensure the rationality and effectiveness of the bracket. Through scientific design, the fixed bracket can not only support the normal operation of PV modules, but also maintain its stability in extreme weather and environmental conditions, providing a guarantee for the long-term operation of the PV system.

 

 

Material Selection

The choice of material for a fixed bracket has a significant impact on its performance, durability and cost. Depending on the usage environment and design requirements, fixed brackets can be made of a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, plastic and composite materials. Each material has its own unique properties and application scenarios, and this article will discuss in detail the characteristics of these materials and their applicability in fixed supports.

Steel

Steel is one of the most commonly used materials in photovoltaic fixed mounts, mainly due to its high strength, high load-bearing capacity and good durability. Steel is categorized into types such as hot rolled steel, cold rolled steel and stainless steel, where hot rolled steel and cold rolled steel are mainly used for the main structural part of the bracket, while stainless steel is usually used for connectors and bolts to improve corrosion resistance.

• Advantages:

  High Strength: the high strength of the steel enables it to withstand large loads, making it suitable for use in large-scale photovoltaic power generation projects.

  Durability: galvanized steel can effectively prevent rust and corrosion, extending the life of the bracket.

  Cost Effectiveness: Compared to other materials, steel is less expensive and suitable for large-scale applications.

• Disadvantages:

  Weight: steel is relatively heavy, increasing the difficulty of transportation and installation.

  Corrosion resistance: Although galvanizing improves the corrosion resistance of steel, rusting may still occur under harsh environmental conditions.

Aluminum

Aluminum, another common material for PV mounting brackets, is widely used for its light weight, corrosion resistance and good thermal conductivity. Aluminum is typically used in smaller scale PV systems, especially in roof mounts.

• Advantages:

  Lightness: the lower density of aluminum reduces the overall weight of the mount, lowering transportation and installation costs.

  Corrosion resistance: aluminum has good corrosion resistance and is suitable for use in wet or marine environments.

  Recyclability: Aluminum is recyclable, in line with the concept of sustainable development.

• Disadvantages:

  Higher Cost: Compared to steel, aluminum is more costly and may affect the overall project budget.

  Lower Strength: Aluminum's relatively low strength may make it unsuitable for applications that are subjected to large loads.

Plastic

Plastic materials are less commonly used in PV mounts, and are mainly used for some specific connectors and protection components. Common plastic materials are polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE).

• Advantages:

  Light weight: plastic materials are very light weight, easy to transport and install.

  Corrosion Resistance: plastics have good resistance to most chemicals and are suitable for wet environments.

• Disadvantages:

  Low Strength : Plastic materials have low strength and are usually not suitable for large loads.

  Poor temperature resistance: Plastics are prone to deformation or aging in high temperature environments, limiting their range of applications.

Composite Materials

Composite materials are materials with different properties combined together for better performance. For example, Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) is a new type of composite material that is widely used in the design of photovoltaic (PV) mounts due to its excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.

• Advantages:

  High strength: the strength of composite materials is comparable to steel, but much lighter in weight.

  Good corrosion resistance: composites have excellent resistance to chemicals and the environment, making them suitable for harsh environments.

• Disadvantages:

  High cost: composites are relatively expensive to manufacture and may increase project budgets.

  High technical requirements: Composite materials have high technical requirements for processing and manufacturing, which affects their popularization and application.

When choosing materials for fixed supports, designers need to consider the specific requirements of the project, budget and environmental conditions. Different materials have different performance characteristics and are suitable for different application scenarios. Therefore, when designing a PV system, a reasonable selection of bracket materials can improve the overall efficiency and safety of the system.

The selection of materials for fixed mounts is an important part of PV system design, which directly affects the performance, durability and economy of the mounts. By fully understanding the advantages and disadvantages of various types of materials, designers are able to make more scientific decisions, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of the PV system. With the continuous development of new materials, more innovative solutions will emerge in the field of photovoltaic mounting in the future, providing stronger support for the development of renewable energy.

 

 

Installation and Maintenance

Installation and maintenance of fixed racking is a critical part of ensuring the proper operation of a PV system. A proper installation process can improve the stability of the racking and the power generation efficiency of the system, while good maintenance can help extend the service life of the racking. The following is a detailed discussion of the installation process, precautions and maintenance recommendations for fixed mounts.

Installation Process

The installation process of fixed racking usually includes the following steps:

Site Survey and Preparation: Before installation, the site is first surveyed in detail, including soil type, terrain features and surrounding environment. The results of the survey will influence the foundation design and installation program of the bracket.

Foundation construction: according to the design requirements, the construction of the stent foundation is carried out. The foundation is usually categorized into concrete foundation and bolt foundation, and it is necessary to ensure that the depth and strength of the foundation comply with the design specifications. The construction quality of the foundation directly affects the stability of the bracket.

Stent assembly: after the foundation construction is completed, the stent is assembled. Assembly, should be in accordance with the design drawings step by step installation of each component, to ensure that the connecting parts of the fastening and solid.

Photovoltaic Module Installation: After the bracket assembly is completed, install the photovoltaic module. During the installation process, attention should be paid to the alignment and tilt angle of the components to ensure the power generation efficiency of the system.

System Inspection: After completing the installation, the entire PV system is inspected to ensure that the electrical connections are correct, the racking is stable, and the system is operating normally.

Installation Precautions

During the installation of the fixed racking, the following points need to be noted:

• Following design specifications: The installation process must be carried out in strict accordance with the design drawings and relevant specifications to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the system.
• Safety measures: Installers need to wear the necessary safety equipment to ensure personal safety during construction. At the same time, warning signs need to be set up to avoid non-relevant personnel near the construction site.
• Weather effects: Installation operations should be avoided in rain, snow or strong wind conditions to reduce the risk of accidents.
• Periodic Inspection: After the installation is completed, the racking and PV modules should be inspected regularly to ensure their normal operation.

Maintenance recommendations

Maintenance of the fixed mount includes regular inspections and necessary maintenance measures to ensure its long-term stable operation. The following are some maintenance recommendations:

Periodic Inspection: Regularly inspect the connection parts, foundation and overall structure of the mount to detect and solve potential problems in a timely manner. Especially after extreme weather, the focus should be on checking the stability and safety of the racking.

Cleaning PV modules: Regularly clean dust and dirt from the surface of PV modules to maintain their good light absorption efficiency. Abrasive materials should be avoided when cleaning to avoid damaging the module surface.

Anti-rust treatment: For steel brackets, anti-rust treatment should be carried out regularly to prevent the impact of rust on the bracket. Professional anti-rust coating can be used to ensure the durability of the bracket.

Test grounding system: Ensure that the grounding system of the fixed bracket works properly to avoid electrical safety problems caused by grounding faults.

Record maintenance: Establish maintenance records to record each inspection and maintenance for follow-up management and evaluation.

The installation and maintenance of fixed mounts is an important part of PV system construction and operation that cannot be ignored. Through scientific and reasonable installation process and regular maintenance, the power generation efficiency and service life of PV system can be effectively improved to ensure its stable operation under different environmental conditions. Therefore, paying attention to the installation and maintenance of fixed brackets during the implementation of PV projects will have a profound impact on the economic benefits of the whole system.

 

 

Economic analysis of fixed racking

As an important part of the PV system, the economics of the fixed bracket directly affects the return on investment of the entire project. The economic analysis of fixed mounts needs to take into account the initial investment, maintenance cost, power generation efficiency and market demand, etc. The following will discuss in detail how these factors affect the economic performance of fixed mounts. The following is a detailed discussion of the impact of these factors on the economics of fixed mounts.

Initial Investment

The initial investment of fixed stent includes material cost, labor cost and equipment usage fee. The cost difference of different materials and bracket types will lead to changes in the initial investment. For example, although aluminum is lighter and has better corrosion resistance, its initial cost is usually higher than that of steel. Therefore, when choosing a bracket material, you need to balance the initial investment with the cost of later maintenance.

• Material cost: The material cost of fixed bracket varies depending on the material chosen and the design scheme. Price fluctuations of steel and aluminum will affect the overall budget, so detailed market research should be conducted at the beginning of the project to select cost-effective materials.
• Labor Costs: Labor costs for installing fixed mounts are usually related to the size and complexity of the project. In larger-scale PV power generation projects, the labor cost may occupy a considerable proportion. Therefore, a reasonable construction schedule can effectively reduce labor costs.
• Equipment usage costs: During the installation of the racking, equipment such as cranes and excavators may be required, and the usage costs of these equipment should also be included in the consideration of the initial investment. Choosing the right equipment can improve construction efficiency and reduce construction time and cost.

Maintenance cost

Maintenance cost is a part of the long-term operation of a fixed support that cannot be ignored. A good maintenance strategy can extend the service life of the racking and improve the overall economic efficiency of the PV system.

• Periodic inspection: The costs required for regular inspection and maintenance of the mount include labor, tools and materials. Reasonable arrangement of inspection frequency and content can control maintenance costs while ensuring safety.
• Repair and Replacement: During the course of use, the fixed bracket may become damaged and need to be repaired or replaced. This part of the cost will vary depending on the material of the bracket and the degree of damage. Choosing materials with high durability can reduce future repair and replacement costs.

 

 

Power generation benefits

The design and installation of fixed mounts has a direct impact on the power generation efficiency of a PV system. An efficient mounting system can fix the PV modules at a reasonable angle and direction to maximize light absorption and power generation efficiency.

• Power generation enhancement: Properly designed mounting brackets can ensure that the PV modules receive sunlight at the optimal angle, increasing the amount of PV power generated. For example, choosing a tilt angle that suits the local climate and light conditions can significantly improve power generation efficiency and thus increase revenue.
• Electricity price and policy impact: Market electricity prices and government policies can affect the economics of PV power generation. With the promotion of renewable energy policies, PV electricity prices may increase, further increasing the economic benefits of power generation projects.

Market demand

Market demand is another key factor affecting the economics of fixed mounts. With the increasing awareness of renewable energy, the market demand for photovoltaic power generation has gradually risen, promoting the rapid development of the photovoltaic industry.

• Return on Investment: Against the backdrop of growing market demand, the payback period of PV projects may be shortened, enhancing the economics of fixed mounts. Investors need to pay attention to market trends when evaluating projects in order to make scientific decisions.
• Economies of Scale: As the scale of the PV industry expands, the production and installation costs of fixed mounts may decline, further enhancing their economics. In large-scale photovoltaic projects, utilizing economies of scale can reduce unit costs and improve overall returns.

A comprehensive assessment of the economics of fixed racking requires a combination of factors such as initial investment, maintenance costs, power generation benefits and market demand. Reasonable selection of bracket materials and optimization of design and construction processes can improve the economics of fixed racking to a large extent.

By comprehensively analyzing the economics, project developers and investors can better formulate investment plans and decisions, improve the overall benefits of PV systems, and contribute to the development of renewable energy.

 

 

Summary

Through the above in-depth analysis of fixed mounts in PV systems, this paper hopes to provide readers with a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to help those in need make more scientific decisions in the design and implementation of PV projects. The future of the PV industry is undoubtedly bright as technology continues to advance and the market continues to change. It is hoped that future PV projects will be able to move forward on the path of sustainable development and make a greater contribution to the global green energy transition.