Wind loads for designing ground-mounted solar-panel arrays.

Net wind pressures acting across solar panels were obtained by testing 1/20 scale models in a range of typical array configurations in the wind tunnel. This paper presents data for a typical panel array configuration inclined at α = 20°. Large net negative (upward) pressures were measured on the panels at the leading edges for wind blowing towards the bottom surface of the sloping panels. Shielding from upwind arrays was negligible. Large net positive (downward) pressures were measured on the panels at the bottom leading edge for wind blowing towards the top surface of the sloping panels. Aerodynamic shape factors on the panels and arrays are given in a form that has been proposed in the revision of the Australian/New Zealand wind loading standard AS/NZS 1170.2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]