Wind Loads on a Solar Panel at High Tilt Angles

Featured Application This work aims to provide a good estimation of wind loads on a solar panel to ensure proper operation under the extreme wind strength and wave climates. The data will be also useful for the design of a mooring system. Abstract A solar photovoltaic system consists of tilted panels and is prone to extreme wind loads during hurricanes or typhoons. To ensure the proper functioning of the system, it is important to determine its aerodynamic characteristics. Offshore photovoltaic (PV) systems have been developed in recent years. Wind loads are associated with wind, wave climates, and tidal regimes. In this study, the orientation of a single panel is adjusted to different angles of tilt (10 degrees-80 degrees) and angles of incidence for wind (0 degrees-180 degrees) that are pertinent to offshore PV panels. The critical wind loads on a tilted panel are observed at lower angles of incidence for the wind, when the angle of tilt for the panel is greater than 30 degrees.