DOI: 10.17603/ds2-fbje-4j02
title: Wind-induced loads on photovoltaic (PV) panels on low-sloped (3:12) gable roofs
title: in Effect of PV Panel Size on Wind-Induced Loads for Low-Slope Gable Roofs Under Variable Orientation and Coverage Scenarios 

description: This dataset originates from a wind tunnel study conducted at the NHERI Wall of Wind (WOW) Experimental Facility at Florida International University. The study investigated the influence of photovoltaic (PV) panel size, orientation, and roof coverage on wind-induced loads for low-sloped gable roofs. A 1:20 scaled model of a single-story gable-roof building (38 ft × 66 ft [11.5 m × 20 m]) was tested with three panel sizes—6.56 ft (2.0 m), 7.38 ft (2.25 m), and 8.20 ft (2.5 m)—each 3.77 ft (1.15 m) wide, mounted 5 in (127 mm) above the roof with 0.787 in (20 mm) gaps between panels.

Sixteen instrumented PV panels (eight in landscape and eight in portrait) were mounted on the roof and tested under 24 wind directions at 15° increments. Each panel was equipped with 16 pressure taps (128 total) on the top and bottom surfaces, with additional roof taps used to record baseline conditions. Time histories of pressure data were acquired at 625 Hz and post-processed to extract mean, peak, and area-averaged pressure and force coefficients. Two roof coverage scenarios (full and partial) were tested to simulate realistic installation layouts.

Results revealed that smaller panels tend to experience more intense suction, especially in landscape orientation, while larger panels exhibited more uniform load distributions. The data are valuable for improving ASCE 7–22 wind load provisions, validating numerical models, and informing mounting design for large-format PV panels on sloped roofs. The dataset supports code development, extreme wind vulnerability studies, and simulation calibration for rooftop solar systems.
description: This project investigates the aerodynamic performance of photovoltaic (PV) panels mounted on low-slope gable roofs under varying panel sizes, orientations (portrait vs. landscape), and coverage conditions (full vs. partial). The study leverages wind tunnel experiments conducted at the NHERI Wall of Wind Experimental Facility to evaluate wind-induced loads, with a focus on uplift and positive pressure forces. Key findings reveal how panel configuration influences pressure distribution, stability, and overall safety in residential PV installations.

The data generated in this project can be reused to enhance the design of PV mounting systems, refine existing standards like ASCE 7-22, and guide future research on PV panel aerodynamics. Engineers and researchers can apply these insights to develop safer and more resilient PV systems for diverse roof types and environmental conditions.

What makes this project unique is its comprehensive approach to examining multiple variables—panel size, orientation, and coverage—and their combined effects on wind-induced loads. By identifying areas where current standards can be refined, the project provides actionable recommendations that bridge the gap between experimental results and practical implementation.

The primary audience for this project includes structural and civil engineers, researchers in renewable energy systems, policymakers involved in building codes and standards, and professionals in the solar energy industry seeking to optimize PV system designs for safety and efficiency.

This project contributes to the growing body of knowledge on PV system resilience, offering critical insights that align with the evolving demands of modern renewable energy infrastructure.