Wind Loads on Rooftop Solar Panels for a Flat-roof Cubic Building

Abstract

Objective: Rooftop solar installations may be susceptible to significant damage during strong winds. With the increase in solar photovoltaic generation, most building wind codes need to be updated to provide relevant wind resistance design information. The present study aims to estimate wind loads on rooftop solar panels for a cubic building under the design wind speed specified by the Swiss wind code. Methods: Wind tunnel tests and computational fluid dynamics modeling were carried out to determine lift force coefficients for rooftop solar panels on a cubic building. The tests involved a single panel connected to a force balance, and in a subsequent phase, a panel array with pressure taps located on the upper and lower surfaces of the panels. The computational model was initially validated using measured data, and then wind loads were computed under an atmospheric boundary layer profile for the design wind speed. Results: Lift force coefficients for rooftop solar panels on a cubic building were measured and computed for various building orientations. When the flow directly impinged on the lower face of the panels, maximum lift coefficients as high as 0.7 were computed. Conclusion: Adding shielding backplates, ensuring system porosity, and mounting panels together are effective strategies for reducing loads.