How Precast Ballast Blocks Can Help Secure Your Solar Arrays
Installing large solar arrays on the ground or a roof is a great way to reduce the cost of electricity and use solar to your advantage, but the panels used in commercial or industrial applications are often large. The size of the panels and arrays can create some issues that may require finding a way to stabilize them, and using precast solar blocks may be the best option for your system.
Wind Uplift Concerns
Large solar panels have a lot of surface area, and when installed in large arrays, there is often space under the panel that may allow the wind to pass under. One panel alone may not be a problem, but you may need to consider bringing in precast solar blocks to add ballast to the array when you install many panels next to each other.
The blocks are made from concrete and large enough to provide a solid base for the array. The weight of the precast solar blocks is designed to counter any wind uplift and keep the solar array solidly on the ground or roof.
The size and weight of the blocks can be different depending on your needs and application, but most precast solar blocks can be ordered in several sizes. They may even be available in custom weights and dimensions if you need something specific. In areas prone to high winds or storms, you may need a heavier block or a more extensive base to ensure the stability of the array.
Ground Mounts
If the solar array is installed on the ground in an open area, bringing in large square precast solar blocks that can be partially buried is often easier than trying to pour multiple pads to secure the mounts. The blocks sit directly on the ground but placing them as they arrive can be faster, and if needed, you can move the blocks around to ensure that the alignment is perfect with the frame that the array will attach to.
In remote locations, pouring concrete pads is more difficult because of the distance from concrete plants, but there may also be restrictions that do not allow it. Precast solar blocks are completely removable, so if the array needed to be removed or relocated, the blocks could be removed as well.
Roof Mounts
While mounting a solar array to the roof of your building may seem more straightforward, some facilities don't allow drilling into the roof to add supports for the arrays. Using a smaller ballast block is often a good option, and the precast solar bocks that are made for this application can be placed on the frame of the array to provide extra stability.
While they will add weight to the roof when appropriately placed, the weight can be distributed so that it is supported safely, and the solar blocks can provide the stability that you need for the roof-mounted solar array.
To learn more, reach out to a precast solar block supplier.
Share
