Ground-mounted structures for photovoltaic panels and weather conditions

GROUND-MOUNTED STRUCTURES FOR PHOTOVOLTAICS

TAILORED TO THE NEEDS OF YOUR BUSINESS

Did you know that Germany, the European leader in photovoltaics, has annual sunshine levels very similar to Poland? This is excellent proof that it is not the number of cloudless days that determines the success of a solar energy investment, but the intelligent adaptation of technology to local conditions. In the Polish climate, where winters can be harsh and winds blow with force, the foundation of the installation plays a key role in ensuring safety and maximizing profits.

Polish Sun and Challenges for Photovoltaic Structures

Poland is located in a climate zone that offers very favorable conditions for solar energy production. Annual sunshine levels place us among the leading European locations suitable for the development of photovoltaics. The vast majority of annual solar radiation reaches our territory from spring to autumn, when the days are longer and the angle of incidence of the sun’s rays is more favorable.

It is during this period that the panels operate at their highest efficiency, generating energy surpluses for the less sunny winter months. This characteristic cycle, from intense summer sunshine to winter slowdown, places unique demands on structures for photovoltaic panels. They must withstand extreme temperature differences and variable loads resulting from the changing seasons. Proper consideration of these factors at the design stage determines the durability and profitability of the entire investment.

Wind: The Invisible Enemy of Photovoltaic Installations

The force of the wind is one of the most destructive weather factors, especially in open areas where photovoltaic farms are usually located. Polish uplands and lowlands are not shielded from sudden gusts that can generate enormous pressure on the surface of the panels.

Mounting structures for photovoltaic farms in the face of aerodynamic forces

Standard mounting structures for solar farms must be designed not only to carry the constant load resulting from the weight of the panels, but above all to resist dynamic aerodynamic forces. During strong winds, the panels behave like sails, attempting to lift the entire structure or tilt it. It is crucial to use steel or aluminum profiles with adequate strength, precisely calculated spacing between supports, and a solid foundation.

The foundation is an element whose importance cannot be overstated. It transfers all forces directly to the ground. In the case of photovoltaic farms, various foundation solutions are used, ranging from steel screw anchors to massive concrete beams. An improperly selected mounting structure under wind load may deform, panels may be torn from their fixings, and in extreme cases the entire installation may be completely destroyed.

Snow Loads and Structural Durability

Winter conditions in Poland mean not only frost, but above all snow, the weight of which constitutes a serious static load for any ground-mounted photovoltaic structure. Due to its geographical diversity, Poland is characterized by different snow load zones defined in building standards.

Ground-mounted structures for photovoltaics in snow load zones

Every centimeter of snow, especially when wet and heavy, adds kilograms of pressure per square meter of panels. In mountainous regions, these loads can be many times greater than in lowland areas. Imagine a situation where a layer of snow several centimeters thick covers each of the hundreds of panels in a photovoltaic farm. The total load may amount to many tons. Therefore, structures for photovoltaic panels must be made of materials with high yield strength and include appropriate safety margins already provided at the engineering calculation stage.

Modern mounting systems often also offer adjustable panel tilt angles, allowing optimal positioning depending on the season. Setting the panels at a steeper angle in winter facilitates natural snow shedding under the influence of gravity and reduces the risk of exceeding permissible loads.

Rain and Frost: Long-Term Threats to Structures

Although rain and frost may seem less dangerous than hurricane-force winds or multi-ton snow loads, their long-term impact can prove just as destructive. Polish climatic conditions are characterized by high variability and a large number of rainy days.

Frequent rainfall, especially when combined with air pollution, leads to corrosion of metal components. Therefore, every mounting structure for photovoltaics must have a high-quality protective coating. Hot-dip galvanized steel or anodized aluminum is currently the industry standard, ensuring many years of resistance to rust and oxidation.

The issue of cyclic frost and thaw

Cyclic frost and thaw, which in Polish conditions occur particularly intensely in early spring and late autumn, pose a serious test for structural connections. Water that penetrates gaps and bolted joints freezes at low temperatures and expands in volume by up to several percent. This process, repeated dozens of times during the season, gradually loosens bolts, breaks micro-cracks in protective coatings, and weakens the entire structure.

Solid ground-mounted structures for photovoltaics must be designed to eliminate points where water can accumulate. All profiles should be open at the bottom or equipped with drainage holes, and the fastening components used should be made of stainless steel or properly protected against corrosion.

Extreme Weather Events and PV Installations

Recent years have shown that climate change is bringing an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events. Violent storms with intense hail, tornadoes that are beginning to appear even in Poland, and prolonged heatwaves pose additional challenges for photovoltaic structures.

Hailstones several centimeters in diameter falling at high speed can damage not only the panels themselves but also structural components, especially those made of composite materials. Extreme heat, in turn, tests the thermal expansion of materials. Steel and aluminum expand under high temperatures, which must be taken into account in the design by using appropriate expansion joints.

How to Choose the Ideal Structures for Photovoltaic Panels in Polish Conditions?

Photovoltaic Farm: Certifications and Building Standards

Investing in a photovoltaic installation is a decision made for decades. The typical lifespan of panels is estimated at around twenty-five to thirty years, and the supporting structure should last even longer. The profitability of the entire project depends not only on the efficiency of the modules themselves, but equally on the reliability and durability of the entire structure.

It is crucial that structures for photovoltaic panels have the appropriate certifications and approvals confirming their resistance to wind and snow loads calculated in accordance with Polish building standards. It is worth paying attention to the markings indicating the wind and snow zones for which a given structure has been designed.

Flexibility and Adaptation to Local Conditions

Investors should look for solutions that offer flexibility in design and the possibility of adapting to the specific requirements of the location. A reliable supplier of photovoltaic structures will propose various types of foundations depending on soil conditions, terrain slope, and anticipated loads.

The materials used to manufacture the structure are fundamental to its durability. Hot-dip galvanized steel provides the best protection against corrosion and can additionally be powder-coated to improve aesthetics. Aluminum, lighter and naturally corrosion-resistant, is particularly suitable for roof-mounted structures, where every kilogram matters. Fasteners should be made of A4-grade stainless steel, capable of withstanding even the most aggressive weather conditions.

Maintenance and Monitoring: The Key to Installation Longevity

Even the best structure requires regular maintenance and monitoring. Annual technical inspections should include checking the condition of the foundations, verifying the tightening of all bolted connections, assessing the state of anti-corrosion coatings, and confirming the geometry of the entire structure.

Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the structure after extreme weather events. After strong winds, heavy snowfall, or hail, it is advisable to carry out an additional inspection. Early detection of a problem and its repair is always less costly than replacing entire sections of the installation after a failure.

Safety and Efficiency for Years

By keeping all the presented principles and challenges in mind, you can be confident that your photovoltaic installation will remain safe, efficient, and profitable throughout its entire service life, regardless of the whims of Polish weather. Polish weather conditions are demanding: violent windstorms, heavy snow, cyclic frost and thaw. All this makes choosing the right ground-mounted structure for photovoltaics a decision that cannot be left to chance.

Investing in a high-quality structure is not an expense, but a long-term saving and a guarantee of peace of mind. Properly selected mounting structures for photovoltaic farms, adapted to local conditions, certified, and professionally installed, form the foundation of the profitability of the entire project.

Are you planning to build a photovoltaic farm and looking for a partner who will take care of every detail? At Stenerg, we specialize in the design and construction of ground-mounted structures for photovoltaics tailored to the specifics of the Polish climate. Our mounting systems meet the highest safety standards and are prepared for all weather conditions. Feel free to contact us to discuss your investment and create an installation together that will serve for decades.

Sample Projects

3,2 MW

Bolechów, Lower Silesian Voivodeship

1MW

Połaniec, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship

DM-V2 is a PV substructure designed for large-scale (utility-scale) photovoltaic farms.

1MW

Jedlno Drugie, Łódź Voivodeship

DB-V2 is a structure designed for photovoltaic farms with bifacial modules, proven in large-scale projects. The system has been implemented in ground-based investments, where it contributed to the rapid commissioning of the installation and the reliable operation of the entire system.

1MW

Jedlno Pierwsze, Łódź Voivodeship.

For a 1 MW photovoltaic farm, we delivered a robust DB-V2 substructure tailored to modern bifacial modules. This solution ensures maximum use of solar energy and long-term durability.