Wind Resistance of PV Thin Film Panels

[Cole]

I have been trying to find out the wind resistance capabilities of photovoltaics thin film solar panels and the different types of applications.
1. Mounted Flat on a Roof
2. Mounted at an angle on a rack on a roof
3. Mounted on the ground on a rack system.

I am calling it a rack since I am not sure what to call the angled track or frame mounting methods.

Also does insurance cover wind damage done to a panel or can you even obtain insurance to cover a system.

Has anyone had any wind damage experience.
Naturally, I am not talking about a hurricane or tornado.
But I am thinking of winds like we have here in Southern California called the Santa Ana's where gusts can easily be 45 to 80 mph at times.

Thanks for your comments and insight.

Cole

[Mike90250]

Mounted 6" above and parallel to a roof, is generally fine, most racks are designed to meet Florida's wind codes. Panels, you have to look at the fine print of the tech details, where they list Hail, Wind and Snow loads. I believe all are good for at least 60mph.

Angled roof, or ground mount, I can't speak for. Depends on the wind direction as to if it's trying to rip your roof off, or press the panels into the ground.

After install is signed off, add the array to your homeowners policy, if it's UL approved, and city permitted & inspected, it should be covered for a very small fee.

[Vern2]

Cole,

I called State Farm on my system and it's covered for no charge. Covered on home owners policy. The power company lets my carry my over generation from year to year, credit only. Better then nothing. $0.03 cents kwh. Phoenix, Arizona

http://www.enichesoftware.com/solar/index.htm

Vern

[sure84]

Hi cole,
I am allen from china, specialize in solar mounting racks.
usually the mountings racks can design according to different projects and requirment. at present the solar mounting racks can burden over 120KM/H wind and over 3000PA snow. t

[Vern2]

I have been trying to find out the wind resistance capabilities of photovoltaics thin film solar panels and the different types of applications.
1. Mounted Flat on a Roof
2. Mounted at an angle on a rack on a roof
3. Mounted on the ground on a rack system.

I am calling it a rack since I am not sure what to call the angled track or frame mounting methods.

Also does insurance cover wind damage done to a panel or can you even obtain insurance to cover a system.

Has anyone had any wind damage experience.
Naturally, I am not talking about a hurricane or tornado.
But I am thinking of winds like we have here in Southern California called the Santa Ana's where gusts can easily be 45 to 80 mph at times.

Thanks for your comments and insight.

Cole

Found this on thin film.

In use panels: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLAmy7SG6r0
Thin film testing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbmQVx22tO0

Vern