Hello! This is Igor Tarasenko and Anna Riauzova – design engineers of the company “Solar Steelconstruction”. We are engaged in the design of solar stations and know everything about the systems of mounting and installation.

Lately, we often hear about the cases of photoelectric modules (PEMs) falling on the ground. We’ve decided to find out the reason to answer the question, what is to blame – rain, snow, or wind? Spoiler alert: atmospheric phenomena are not to blame.

This article is devoted to the discovery of the reasons for falling PEMs.

The progress does not stand still

A few years ago, the market of Ukraine was flooded with photoelectric modules of only one size. As a rule, these were standard modules of these dimensions: 1,640 x 992 mm. As technologies develop, quality and power improve, there were more powerful modules appearing on the market. So today the dimensions of the photoelectric module can vary from 1,960 to 2,300 mm in length and from 992 to 1,100 mm in width.

So what’s the problem?

Long-lasting and reliable fastening elements have to be used in order to fixate photoelectric modules on roofs and protect them from precipitation and wind loads.

Today, it is possible to find various fastening elements for PEMs on the market of Ukraine in types and configurations. The technologies of PEMs have greatly developed but, unluckily, many manufacturers still use old types of fastening elements, not considering the bigger sizes of PEMs. Using old fastening elements in practice leads to disastrous results.

Some math behind

Let’s make some calculations.

A photo module with dimensions of 1,640 x 990 mm has 1.6 sq.m. of the surface area.

A photo module with dimensions of 2,176 x 1,098 mm has 2.4 sq.m. of the surface area. As you can easily see now, the area taken by the PEM has been increased at nearly 1 meter but the used fastening elements are 3-4 cm in size for both PEMs.

What do experts say?

Let’s listen to what the leading PEM manufacturers say to see what they recommend in fastening elements for PEMs.

The assured recommendation of PEM manufacturers is as follows: increasing the surface area of a PEM must lead to an increase in the length of fastening elements.

What do we offer?

The company “Solar Steelconstruction” manufacturers lightweight, long-living, and reliable fastening elements with the length 50-60 mm and 3 mm thick. The construction features of fastening elements made by “Solar Steelconstruction” guarantee the reliable fixation of your photoelectric modules and protect them from wind and precipitation.

The main technical features:

• Length – 5 cm or 6 cm
• Thickness – 3 mm
• Anodized aluminum
• Jagged edges – for better fixation of the PEM
• Have cut edges to reduce shading
• Have a jagged surface to improve the adhesion to the frame of the module.

We will be pleased to help you choose all necessary elements, as well as to consult you about the needed configuration and placing of the solar panels.