Elevated Structure
Solar energy is the most cost-effective and long-term solution for lowering our electricity
bills and carbon footprint among all renewable energy sources.
Solar panels are also a great way to increase the value of your property and lower your
energy bills while also being environmentally friendly.
Researchers are constantly working to enhance the efficiency of solar panels while lowering their costs. Space is an important constraint to consider when designing and installing rooftop solar plants, especially in metropolitan and urban settings.
The backbone of the complete solar energy system is a proper mounting structure with an effective design system. It is not only responsible for support but also helps the system to endure bad weather.
Types of design structures:
Depending on the height of the solar roof mounting system to be installed, it is classified as follows:
Low-Rise Structure
In this structure, panels are mounted on the rooftop with a ground clearance of fewer than 1m, at the lowest point of the panel.
This is the structure with the least amount of metal required and the least amount of wind loading. As a result, with this structure, the system cost is low.
High-rise or Elevated Structure
The elevated design structure, also known as a high-rise design structure, improves solar efficiency while using less amount of roof space. Solar panels are placed at a height of 6 to 8 feet above ground level.
With a solar pergola design, the solar panel can be readily installed and the extra benefits of providing outdoor power to decorate gardens and plants may be enjoyed. However, before placing solar panels on a pergola, make sure that the pergola is strong enough to support the solar panels’ weight.
Why go for elevated design structures?
Because solar panels have a 25-year lifespan, many consumers considering a solar installation are concerned about space, particularly in metropolitan areas where rooftop space is scarce and expensive.
If we go with a traditional solar installation, it takes up the entire rooftop space and only gives us a height of 500mm above the ground (it is for cleaning purposes to remove dust and debris).
If we choose an elevated design, we will have a clearing distance of 2000 mm (depending on the consumer’s needs) from the ground level
Why consumers are shifting towards elevated design?
Rooftop space utilization: Because of the elevated design structure, the rooftop area can be used for different purposes such as rooftop gardening, cafeteria, or simply to relax or wander in the shade of the solar panels.
Solar panels can be mounted on the roof despite roof barriers (such as tanks, columns, etc.) using this design structure, which is not always possible with traditional solar design.
Improved solar output: Choosing an elevated structure allows for a nearly 20% increase in solar output capacity when employing highly efficient modules. Even with standard modules, using an elevated design structure increases solar output capacity.
Reduced shade losses and thus increased output efficiency: Elevated design structures are favored due to reduced shading losses and hence enhanced output efficiency.
Increased commercial value: The majority of raw materials and any additional accessories are placed on the rooftop of high-rise commercial buildings, reducing rooftop space. Due to space limits and roof obstructions, traditional solar installation is impossible in such instances. Elevated solar panel installation not only saves money on electricity costs but also improves the building’s environmental credentials. This aids in the certification process for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
