Key Factors in Selecting the Appropriate Photovoltaic Mounting Structure Foundation Type
Key Factors in Selecting the Appropriate Photovoltaic Mounting Structure Foundation Type Geographical and Geological Conditions: The type of surface soil (such as clay, sand, or rock), bearing capacity, groundwater level, and seismic intensity all influence the foundation design. For example, soft soil or sandy ground is suitable for helical piles or embedded concrete blocks, while hard rock layers are better suited for anchor bolts or direct anchoring.
Environmental Conditions: Factors such as wind speed, snow load, hail, and proximity to the coast (considering salt spray corrosion) must be taken into account. In high-wind areas, more robust concrete foundations are required, while in corrosive environments, corrosion-resistant materials should be selected.
Project Scale and Layout: Large-scale ground-mounted solar farms often use concrete cast-in-place piles or precast block foundations for rapid installation and large-scale deployment. Rooftop photovoltaic systems, on the other hand, require customized mounting structures based on roof type (pitched or flat) or suspended/rail-based foundations considering the roof's load-bearing capacity.
Cost Budget: The cost of materials and construction varies significantly for different foundation types, requiring a balance between initial investment and long-term maintenance costs. While concrete foundations have higher upfront costs, their durability may provide long-term benefits.
Installation Speed and Convenience: When project timelines are tight, choosing easily installable foundation types such as helical piles or precast blocks is more suitable, as they reduce on-site workload and shorten the construction period.
Adjustability and Expandability: For systems that require angle adjustments for solar panels or future expansion, rail-based foundations or mounting structures with reserved expansion interfaces are more appropriate.
Operation and Maintenance Convenience: The foundation design should facilitate future operation and maintenance, ensuring easy access for inspection and repairs while also considering vegetation management and drainage.
Environmental Impact Assessment: Minimizing damage to the ground surface and ecological impact is another consideration when selecting a foundation type. For example, floating foundations have the least impact on water bodies.