PV Mounting Systems

Question 1

The majority of residential PV systems are ___(ground, roof, or pole)_____.

Answer 1

roof-mounted

Roof-mounted PV is the most popular option for residential PV systems. Rooftops are often the largest unused spaces in urban and suburban settings, where the houses are.

Question 2

Which PV mounting options make use of pre-existing built spaces?

Answer 2

carports; steep roof-mount

Both roof-mounted and carport PV arrays have the benefit of using pre-existing spaces that otherwise serve only one purpose, making them a multi-purpose space. Ground-mounted arrays are usually built in fields or farmland that has not been developed.

Question 3

Tracker systems yield the greatest benefit on sites that have a(n) ________ solar window.

Answer 3

greater than average

A site with a solar window greater than the minimum standard of 9 am – 3 pm is needed to fully realize the benefits of using a tracker. It is important to have the widest solar window possible to be able to take full advantage of a tracker adjusting the array to be perpendicular to the sun earlier in the morning and later in the evening. A 9 am – 3 pm solar window is considered the minimum amount of solar access for a site to be considered appropriate for PV.

Question 4

Choose three advantages of pole- and ground-mounted arrays from the list below:

Answer 4

The ability to position the array so it is facing the ideal orientation;
Cooler cell temperature compared to a roof mount;
Easy access for system maintenance

Because pole- and ground-mounted arrays are free standing structures, they have unique advantages including: They are easy to access during construction and maintenance; they enjoy greater airflow around the modules which can help lower cell temperatures; and because they aren’t attached to a pre-existing roof structure, the orientation and tilt angle can be optimized

Question 5

True or False: Low-slope ballasted mounts always require mechanical attachment to the roof structure

Answer 5

false

Low-slope ballasted roof mounts use the weight of the ballast to hold the array in place and to resist the wind forces exerted on the array. Although some ballasted arrays are “hybridized” with some mechanical attachment points, many have no mechanical attachments to the building structure

Question 6

Choose two advantages of carport systems

Answer 6

creates a multi-use space;
minimizes access by non-qualified individuals.

Carports need to be installed at a height which allows cars and trucks to be parked underneath them. This usually means the array is at least 10’ above the ground, which makes it hard for non-qualified individuals to access the array. Carports also take advantage of space that’s already being used for parking, so no previously unused space is needed for the PV array

Question 7

In a typical rail-less mounting system, the PV modules will use the mounting feet to connect directly to ______________.

Answer 7

the roof structure

In rail-free or rail-less pitched roof racking modules are mounted directly to the mounting feet, so they will be connected to the roof or main structure. This can eliminate the need to purchase, transport, and install long rails

Question 8

Two of the most important things to consider when choosing a racking type are ___________ and ____________.

Answer 8

wind loads; snow loads

When choosing a racking structure for a project it is very important to consider site-specific data and characteristics, in addition to the load to be supported by the structure (the weight of the array and other equipment). Snow loads and wind loads must be taken into consideration, as well as seismic loads in places with earthquake activity

Question 9

Compared to other PV mounting systems, higher PV cell temperatures are more likely in __________

Answer 9

roof mounts

Modules installed on roofs, especially those installed closer than 6” to the roof surface, tend to operate at higher temperatures than ground or pole mounts

Question 10

common mounting equipment (IMAGE)

Answer 10

study!