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Climate-Specific Design – Risk vs. Value Engineering
Mother Nature offers an endless supply of clean energy from the sun, but she also has a more challenging side that can threaten your solar array. As your Owner’s Engineer, Pure Power ensures that every asset you build or acquire is designed to withstand all the conditions it will face over its 25+ year lifespan—without being over-engineered and unnecessarily costly.
A solar system isn’t built for average conditions; it's designed for the worst-case scenarios Mother Nature can throw at it. Unfortunately, some vendors or installers may cut corners in design and fabrication to reduce costs, which shifts risk onto the owner. **As your Owner’s Engineer, we take a holistic approach, evaluating equipment, design, installation, climate, and location to ensure you get the benefits of value engineering without exposing yourself to unnecessary risks.**
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To maximize the longevity and performance of your solar system, it's essential to consider environmental factors that can place unusual stress on components. These long-term effects must be accounted for during the planning phase. Common climate-specific challenges include snow and frost, coastal high winds, seismic activity, and extreme heat with high UV exposure.
**Snow and Frost Considerations**
In areas prone to snow and frost, structural and performance issues must be carefully addressed. Ground-mounted systems in snowy regions need extra clearance—typically three feet from the ground—to allow snow to shed properly. This is significantly higher than the usual 18–20 inches. Snow loads can be particularly damaging to fixed-tilt structures, while single-axis trackers are generally less affected due to their movement. A geotechnical report is crucial here to account for snow-related forces and potential foundation heaving caused by frost.
Performance-wise, PVsyst simulations must factor in the impact of snow cover. Ignoring this can lead to underperformance, even in tracker systems. We rely on the scientifically validated Marion snow loss model rather than untested proprietary tools, ensuring accurate predictions.
**Coastal High Wind Considerations**
Coastal areas face not only strong winds from hurricanes but also flooding risks. Wind mitigation strategies are vital, especially for trackers, where stow angles and power availability play a key role. It's preferable to have systems that can survive extreme wind events without relying on redundant backup systems, as seen in past failures like Fukushima.
Flood mitigation is equally important. Raising mounting structures and electrical equipment above flood levels helps protect against water damage. Proper elevation is critical in these environments.
**Seismic Considerations**
In earthquake-prone zones, seismic activity heavily influences structural design. Low-slope roofs and ballasted ground mounts are particularly vulnerable. Ballasted systems rely on friction and weight to resist seismic forces, but increasing ballast can strain the roof structure. Anchoring may offer a more efficient solution in some cases.
For ground-mount systems, floating designs may not be cost-effective in high-seismic areas. Developers should evaluate foundation options early to avoid costly changes later.
**High Heat and UV Considerations**
Unlike structural concerns, high heat and UV exposure affect long-term performance and component durability. While initial performance may not be impacted much, degradation over time can be significant. UV exposure can accelerate the breakdown of wires, labels, and plastic enclosures. Choosing UV-resistant materials and protecting components from direct sunlight are effective mitigation strategies.
Inverters placed in high-heat environments should be selected carefully. Central inverters typically handle higher temperatures better than string inverters, and shading them can improve efficiency. In low-slope roof applications, optional shade covers are available for added protection.
**Tornado Design Considerations**
In tornado-prone areas, extreme wind speeds and flying debris pose serious threats. Solar and storage systems must be reinforced with durable materials and secure anchoring. Layouts should minimize exposure to wind funnels and debris paths. Aerodynamic designs, such as streamlined panel shapes and protective covers, can help reduce wind pressure and prevent damage.
By addressing these environmental challenges proactively, you can ensure your solar project remains resilient, efficient, and valuable for decades.