Solar panel structures are the foundation that supports the system for 25 years or more, and they vary depending on the installation location: inclined structures for concrete roofs, brackets and clamps for metal roofs, ground-mounted structures for farms and open spaces, and raised structures and canopies when you want to utilize the space under the panels. Choosing the right structure determines the angle of inclination, wind resistance, and ease of cleaning, rather than simply having a piece of metal under the panel.<\/p>\n
The panels remain in place for decades under the summer sun, northerly winds, and dust storms. A weak or poorly designed structure can cause the panels to loosen, crack, or blow away in strong winds, potentially damaging the roof itself. An unsuitable structure can also force you into an incorrect angle, resulting in lost production every day.<\/p>\n
In addition, the structure determines the distance between the panel and the surface, and this distance affects the panel's ventilation and temperature, and ease of access for cleaning and maintenance.<\/p>\n
This is the most common type of house in Saudi Arabia because most roofs are concrete and flat. The frame raises the panels at a specific angle of inclination towards the south, which is approximately equal to the city's latitude: about 24\u00b0 in Riyadh, 21\u00b0 in Jeddah, 26\u00b0 in Dammam and Qassim, 28\u00b0 in Tabuk, and 18\u00b0 in Abha. Details are available in the article. Solar panel angle<\/a>.<\/p>\n The steeper the angle of inclination, the greater the shadow cast by the front row on the back row, especially in winter when the sun is low. Therefore, the distance between rows is calculated based on the angle, board height, and latitude, to ensure the back row doesn't lose its yield in the morning and evening.<\/p>\n Warehouses, factories, and hangars often have corrugated sheet metal or sandwich panel roofs. The structure is then fixed to the roof itself using aluminum or iron bars and special clips that conform to the wave pattern of the sheet metal.<\/p>\n This type is common in commercial and industrial projects; you can find more details in the guide. Solar energy for factories<\/a>.<\/p>\n In farms and large rest areas, the panels are mounted on structures fixed to the ground. The advantage is that you are free to choose the ideal direction and angle, and cleaning is easier.<\/p>\n In underground structures, pay attention to the height of the bottom edge of the panels above the ground to prevent sand accumulation or water from reaching them, and to allow air to pass underneath and cool the panels. In agricultural submersible pump systems, underground structures are the usual choice, as shown on page [page number missing]. Agricultural submersible pump systems<\/a>.<\/p>\n Sometimes you don't want to lose the space under the panels: a roof with air conditioning units and tanks, a parking space, or a seating area in a rest area. In this case, the structure is raised on columns high enough to allow movement underneath, providing both shade and electricity.<\/p>\n Raised structures are a suitable location for bifacial panels if the surface underneath is light-colored, as we explained in Types of solar panels<\/a>. To assess your umbrella, try Carport Calculator<\/a>.<\/p>\nMethods of fixing concrete<\/h3>\n
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Distance between rows<\/h3>\n
Metal roof structures<\/h2>\n
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Ground structures<\/h2>\n
Foundations<\/h3>\n
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Elevated structures and carports<\/h2>\n
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Hot-dip galvanized iron or aluminum?<\/h2>\n