How to Design for Extreme Conditions with Solar Panel Fasteners

Solar panels and other alternative energy systems face extreme conditions. Wind, wet weather, high temperatures and constant sun exposure wear heavily on solar panel fasteners and all components of design. How can you ensure your design delivers maximum dependability and strength, even in the face of these extreme conditions? Using quality materials from established manufacturers […]

Solar panels and other alternative energy systems face extreme conditions. Wind, wet weather, high temperatures and constant sun exposure wear heavily on solar panel fasteners and all components of design. How can you ensure your design delivers maximum dependability and strength, even in the face of these extreme conditions? Using quality materials from established manufacturers is your best bet.

Quality Testing

Solar panels are used all around the globe, from dry, desert regions to wet, coastal environments and everywhere in between. Quality testing performed on materials and fasteners should cover all of these margins, otherwise OEMs and contractors cannot be entirely confident in the product.

Ask your fastener distributor about the quality testing performed on their fasteners. Data is often supplied by the manufacturer and takes into account all aspects of the alternative energy system, including panel framing, inverter, wire, racking and the PV panel itself. Make sure that the solar panel fasteners used on your projects deliver premium performance when fully assembled and installed.

Modern Weather Patterns and Industrial Applications

Today's climate changes present another challenge, in that typical weather patterns are no longer typical. Snow falling in the south and warmer winters in the north throw our assumptions out the window, and result in design failure for many different products and structures. Because solar panels are exposed to the weather, no matter what that entails, your design needs to stand up to anything and all extremes need to be considered.

Some industrial environments also create a greater risk of chemical exposure, which alters fastener demands and specifications. Redundancy and higher levels of strength help to ensure larger systems of solar panels can handle the effects of chemical exposure, including corrosion.

Work with your fastener distributor or an industry professional to design PV panels strong enough to handle the extreme conditions of our modern climate and atmosphere. Not only do the design and dimensions of solar panel fasteners make a difference to the system's lifespan, but the amount of fasteners used and the chosen materials help to create a more reliable product that will help solar energy innovation move forward.