Wind-Induced Loads on Solar Panels: Experimental Study of Isolated Panels and an Array

Abstract

[Abstract]: Understanding wind-induced loads on solar panels (SPs) is essential for their structural optimisation, particularly in varying terrain conditions. This paper combines a targeted review of experimental studies on wind loading of SPs with the presentation of a preliminary experimental plan developed within the framework of a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) approved under the MODENERLANDS COST Action CA20109. The literature review addresses both isolated and array configurations, identifying key parameters influencing aerodynamic loads, such as tilt angle, row spacing, upstream terrain roughness and wind direction, as well as experimental challenges, including scale matching, Reynolds number sensitivity and dynamic effects. To address some of these gaps, a wind tunnel campaign is proposed and will be conducted in the atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany. The study will investigate wind loading on an isolated SP model and a 3×4 SP array, using a geometric scale of 1:30 for the panels and 1:300 for the incident wind profile. Tests will cover two terrain roughness, three tilt angles, multiple Reynolds numbers and a wide range of approaching wind directions. Within the array, pressure measurements will target panels at critical positions to capture the highest loading and evaluate wake interference effects. The resulting dataset is intended to support future computational fluid dynamics (CFD) validation and contribute to the development of improved design methodologies for SP installations.