Roof-Mounted Solar Array Manufacturing

Determining wind loads on roof-mounted solar arrays to calculate ballast weight required to secure the system in place 

Since 2009, the growth of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations across North America has transformed the unused rooftops of commercial and industrial buildings into vital sources of renewable energy. With support from government incentives and the retirement of coal-fired power, the demand for efficient and secure rooftop systems has surged. These arrays must remain stable during high wind events, making the calculation of ballast weight a key consideration. This project focused on understanding how regional wind climates, building shapes, and array configurations influence wind loads on roof-mounted PV systems. The findings enabled the development of standardized design resources to support the safe and effective deployment of solar energy systems across varying rooftop conditions.