Wind loads on a low-rise gable roof with and without solar panels and comparison to design standards

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper aims to understand how photovoltaic (PV) panels impact wind loads on low-rise buildings. The hypothesis posits that solar panels on a roof reduce wind-induced forces on components and cladding. To test this hypothesis, we experimentally investigated a 1:7.5 scale model in an open-jet wind facility, considering cases of bare roof and roofs with PV panels in three different configurations. The findings indicate that PV panels offer varying benefits based on the wind direction angle, generally reducing total wind forces on the primary structure. The addition of solar panels yields wind load reductions of 45–63%, depending on the configuration and details of the solar panel system, implying that buildings may not require additional reinforcement for PV panels. The findings have significant implications for enhancing the design and installation of residential solar energy systems, promising a more sustainable and secure future amid climate change and extreme weather challenges.KEYWORDS: Solar energy systemsroof damagehurricanesresiliencesustainability AcknowledgmentsThis research was funded by Solar Alternatives, PosiGen, and the Gulf States Renewable Energy Industry Association (GSREIA). Thanks to Mr. Jeff Cantin, Mr. Tom Neyhart, and Mr. Stephen Wright for their sup- port. Additional support was received from the NSF I-Corps program at Louisiana State University, and the Louisiana Board of Regents (ITRS, LEQSF(2022-25)-RD-B-02; RCS, LEQSF(2021-22)-RD-A-30). The findings are those of the authors and do not reflect the opinion of the sponsors.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationFundingThe work was supported by the Louisiana Board of Regents [LEQSF(2022-25)-RD-B-02]; Louisiana State University [NSF I-Corps Lift2]; Solar Alternatives Inc. [Project #: AM211536].Notes on contributorsAly Mousaad AlyAly Mousaad Aly is an associate professor at Louisiana State University. Aly's research aims to advance knowledge in Wind Engineering and Structural Control to build more resilient and sustainable infrastructure, enhance safety, and reduce the tremendous cost of rebuilding after windstorms and earthquakes. He is the director of the LSU WISE research and education program (wise.lsu.edu). He was instrumental in bringing to life a state-of-the-art Open-Jet wind testing facility, which has proved capable of reproducing realistic wind effects on structures to resolve challenging scale issues. Aly has served as a wind engineering research fellow focusing on green energy infrastructure at Western University. His work included conducting an experimental study on vegetated building envelopes for the Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) building in Milan. He contributed to projects at the wind tunnel of the Polytechnic University of Milan, addressing wind effects on tall buildings, large roofs, bridges, and sensitive structural elements. Aly played a crucial role in aerodynamic/aeroelastic studies for the CityLife-Milano project, encompassing the Isozaki, Hadid, and Libeskind towers. He also innovated in the implementation of smart dampers in super-tall buildings and developed a novel energy-based probabilistic approach to assess the effectiveness of this damping technology for vibration control under multiple hazards. Aly has co-authored more than 60 peer-reviewed journal publications. He earned a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Milan and is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Louisiana.Emily RoneEmily Rone began her undergraduate studies at Louisiana State University (LSU) where she participated in the Accelerated Master’s Program, was an active member and elected president of the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers, completed her senior bridge design project, and successfully defended her honors thesis for the Ogden Honors College. In December 2020, Emily received her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a minor in Structural Engineering and graduated Summa Cum Laude with College Honors; she was also named the McLaughlin Medalist and a University Medalist, the highest honors of the College of Engineering and the university. Emily continued directly into the graduate program at LSU where she enjoyed the rigorous coursework and research, her extracurricular activities such as the Student Steel Bridge Competition Team and the LSU Women’s Rugby Football Club, and working part-time as a Civil Engineer Intern at Stantec, Inc in Baton Rouge. Upon completion of her master’s degree, Emily advanced to a full-time position at Stantec.