STUDY OF WIND LOAD FOR SUPPORT STRUCTURES OF SOLAR PANELS IN LOW BUILDINGS

Abstract

In the 80's, photovoltaic panels were very expensive and in Cuba they were only used for exceptional cases where it was impossible to reach with electric transmission lines. In recent years there has been a gradual decrease in the prices of panels which has led to the development of a policy to increase the number of photovoltaic parks throughout the country in the period between 2011 and 2020. It is an international trend the placement of solar panels on buildings (industrial buildings, buildings, houses) due to the high costs of the soil currently, which threatens the use of this energy source. In Cuba, this way of placing the panels is not well exploited. The incorporation of solar energy as an alternative source in residences and other large consumer centers in Cuban cities is one of the challenges of the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEN). In this context, the space to locate the panels has a decisive role and the use of the roofs of the buildings acquires special significance. The purpose of this work is to offer recommendations regarding the ideal characteristics that low-level building roofs must have for the placement of these structures taking into account the effect of wind load. These recommendations are exemplified through a case study.