Simulation Investigation of the Wind Load of Photovoltaic Panels

Abstract

In this article, a simulation and evaluation of the mechanical stress exerted by the wind on photovoltaic panels is performed. The stresses of the solar cells in a PV module are calculated using the finite element method, taking into account the wind pressure and the allowable mechanical stresses, according to the regulatory requirements. Seven different operating positions of the photovoltaic panel during its rotation from 0° to 90° are considered. In each of these positions, a distributed load for computer simulations is 1 kN/m2. It is clear from them that for all operating positions of the panel, the maximum stresses are obtained in its frame. These stresses in different cases vary around the value of 50 MPa and are not dangerous for the structure.