Solar Racking Engineering

I provide structural engineering services for photovoltaic racking systems: ballasted rooftop arrays, carport structures, and ground-mount systems. This includes wind uplift calculations, ballast design, structural adequacy review, and stamped letter reports for permitting and for submittal to the authority having jurisdiction.

Rooftop Ballasted and Attached Systems

Ballasted rooftop racking mounts the array with concrete ballast blocks rather than roof penetrations. The structural engineering challenge is demonstrating that the system resists wind uplift and sliding without exceeding the roof's live load capacity.

I perform ASCE 7 wind analysis for the site conditions, calculate required ballast, and check the roof framing for concentrated load effects. For systems with manufacturer-provided wind tunnel data, I apply that data to site-specific conditions and verify it against the ASCE 7 pressure coefficients.

Deliverables typically include a stamped letter report with calculations, a ballast layout drawing, and load tables for the roof framing review.

Carport and Ground-Mount Systems

Carport and ground-mount systems involve a structural steel or aluminum frame with foundation connections. The engineering scope includes wind and snow loading, member design, connection design, and foundation design (helical piles, driven posts, or concrete piers depending on the site).

For carport structures, I also check clearance requirements and vehicle impact considerations where applicable. For ground-mount systems, I coordinate with geotechnical information to set foundation embedment and verify lateral capacity.

Independent or Owner's Engineering Review

Lenders, investors, and owners in solar projects often require an independent engineering review (IE review) or Owner's Engineering review (OE review) of the structural design. I provide technical review of racking manufacturer calculations, foundation designs, and overall structural system adequacy for projects of any size.

IE and OE reviews include a written response documenting findings, any items requiring resolution, and a professional opinion on the overall system as designed.

If you have a solar racking project that needs engineering, contact me with the system description, location, and any existing design documents.