Page 110 - Solar Power in Building Design The Engineer's Complete Design Resource

80 SOLAR POWER SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Figure 3.15 A typical ground mount solar power installation used in
solar farms. Courtesy of UniRac.

fastening hardware, such as nuts, bolts, and washers. Prefabricated solar power sup-
port systems are also available from UniRac and several other manufacturers.
When installing solar support pedestals, also known as stanchions, attention must
be paid to structural design requirements. Solar power stanchions and pedestals must
be designed by a qualified, registered professional engineer. Solar support structures
must take into consideration prevailing geographic and atmospheric conditions, such
as maximum wind gusts, flood conditions, and soil erosion.
A typical ground-mount solar power installation includes agricultural grounds;
parks and outdoor recreational facilities; carports; sanitariums; and large commercial
solar power-generating facilities, also known as solar farms (see Figure 3.15). Most
solar farms are owned and operated by electric energy-generating entities such as
Edison. Prior to the installation of a solar power system, structural and electrical plans
must be reviewed by local electrical service authorities, such as building and safety
departments. Solar power installation must be undertaken by a qualified licensed
electrical contractor with special expertise in solar power installations.
A solar mounting support system profile, shown in Figure 3.16, consists of a galva-
nized Unistrut railing frame that is field-assembled with standard commercially available
manufactured components used in the construction industry. Basic frame components in
general include a 2-in galvanized Unistrut channel, 90-degree and T-type connectors,
spring-type channel nuts and bolts, and panel hold-down T-type or fender washers.