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Climate-Specific Design – Risk vs. Value Engineering
Solar energy is a powerful, clean resource that Mother Nature generously provides. However, she can also present challenges that may impact the performance and longevity of your solar system. As your Owner’s Engineer, Pure Power ensures that every asset you build or acquire is designed to withstand the harshest conditions it will face over its 25+ year lifespan—without unnecessary costs.
A well-designed solar system isn't built for average weather—it's built for the worst-case scenarios. Unfortunately, some installers or vendors may cut corners to meet budget constraints, which can shift risk onto the owner in the long run. **As your Owner’s Engineer, we take a holistic approach, analyzing equipment, design, installation, climate, and location to ensure you get the full benefits of value engineering without compromising safety or reliability.**
Environmental factors play a critical role in determining how well a solar system performs over time. Stakeholders must pay close attention to locations that expose components to extreme stresses. For example, snow, coastal winds, seismic activity, high heat, and UV exposure can all significantly affect system performance and durability.
**Snow and Frost Considerations:**
In regions with heavy snowfall, structures need to be elevated to prevent snow buildup and reduce structural loads. Ground-mounted systems should have at least three feet of clearance, compared to 18–20 inches in most applications. Snow can create significant pressure on fixed-tilt systems, while single-axis trackers are generally less affected. A geotechnical report is essential for these projects to account for additional forces and potential frost heave.
**Coastal High Wind Considerations:**
High wind speeds, especially during hurricanes, require careful planning. Wind stow strategies and angles are crucial for tracker systems, as power loss during storms can be costly. Flood risks must also be considered, and elevating mounting structures and electrical equipment is a common mitigation strategy.
**Seismic Considerations:**
In earthquake-prone areas, PV systems must be designed to handle horizontal forces. Ballasted systems rely on weight and friction, but in some cases, anchoring may be more practical. Ground-mounted systems with driven piles are often more resilient, but floating ballast solutions may not be cost-effective in high-seismic zones.
**High Heat and UV Considerations:**
UV exposure and high temperatures don’t always affect structure design directly, but they do impact long-term performance. Components like wiring, labels, and enclosures can degrade faster in sunny climates. Choosing UV-resistant materials and using shade covers can help protect these elements.
**Tornado Design Considerations:**
Tornado-prone areas demand robust designs to withstand extreme wind speeds and flying debris. Reinforced mounting structures, deeper foundations, and aerodynamic layouts are essential. These measures help ensure that both solar arrays and storage systems remain operational and safe after severe weather events.