Performance of Large-Size Photovoltaic Modules Under Wind Load in Ontario, Canada: A Linear Static Finite Element Analysis

Large-format photovoltaic modules are increasingly adopted to improve power output and reduce system cost, but their larger exposed area may also increase wind-induced structural demand and reduce structural safety under strong wind loading. This study investigated whether large-size photovoltaic modules and their support system could remain within an acceptable safety range under representative wind loading conditions in boundary free one-directional solar arrays in Ontario. Finite element models were developed in SAP2000 to assess the effects of module size, wind speed, and tilt angle on internal force, displacement, stress, and safety factor under static wind loading. For the array comparison, literature-derived pressure coefficients were used to represent the difference between the isolated single-row case and the front row of the 8-row array. The results showed that the large-size module consistently developed higher bending moments and larger displacements than the normal-size module under the same loading condition, indicating a clear size effect. The isolated single-row case produced a larger immediate structural response than the front row of the 8-row array under the selected loading input. Under a fixed 0° tilt angle and increasing wind speed, the glass panel remained the governing safety component. Under the fixed 27 m/s wind condition and increasing tilt angle, the governing component shifted to the purlin in the large-size module, especially under high-tilt cases. These findings provide a design-oriented basis for assessing the structural safety of large-size photovoltaic systems under wind loading.