SWH Solar Racking User manual

SWH Solar Racking
Installation Guide
9628 Valley Blvd. Rosemead, CA 91770 | Phone [phone] | inf[email protected]
Version 12.10.v2

Table of Contents
i. Installer’s Responsibilities ............................................................................................
Part I. Procedure to Determine the Design Wind Load...............................
[1.1] Using the Low Rise Buildings (Simplified) Method - ASCE 7-10...............................
[1.2] Procedure to Calculate Total Design Wind Load per ASCE 7-10.............................
Part II. Procedure to Select Rail Span and Foot Spacing .......................
[2.1] Using Standard Beam Calculations, Structural Engineering Methodology ............
Part III. Installing SWH Solar Racking System .....................................................
[3.1] SWH Solar Racking Components ......................................................................................
[3.2] Installing SWH with Top Mounting Clamps ....................................................................
[3.2.1] Planning Your SWH Racking Installations ....................................................................
[3.2.2] Laying Out L-Brackets ......................................................................................................
[3.2.3] Laying Out Standoffs ........................................................................................................
[3.2.4] Installing Tile Struts ..........................................................................................................
[3.2.5] Installing Flashed L Feet .................................................................................................
{3.2.6] Installing Roof Bar.............................................................................................................
[3.2.7] Installing Roof Hook ........................................................................................................
[3.2.8] Installing SWH Rails and Splices....................................................................................
[3.2.9] Installing the Modules .....................................................................................................
[3.3] Grounding Path Diagram and Components....................................................................
[3.4] Installer Warning and Notice .............................................................................................
Warranty Sheet ..............................................................................................................................
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i. Installer’s Responsibilities
The installer is solely responsible for:
• Complying with all applicable local or national building
codes, including any that may supersede this manual;
• Ensuring that SWH and other products are appropriate for
the particular installation and the installation environment;
• Ensuring that the roof, its rafters, connections, and other
structural support members can support the array under all
code level loading conditions (this total building assembly is
referred to as the building structure);
• Using only SWH parts and installer-supplied parts as
specified by SWH (substitution of parts may void the
warranty and invalidate the letters of certification in all SWH
publications);
• Ensuring that lag screws have adequate pullout strength and
shear capacities as installed;
• Verifying the strength of any alternate mounting used in lieu
of the lag screws;
• Maintaining the waterproof integrity of the roof, including
selection of appropriate flashing;
• Ensuring safe installation of all electrical aspects of the PV
array;
• Ensuring correct and appropriate design parameters are
used in determining the design loading used for design of the
specific installation. Parameters, such as snow loading, wind
speed, exposure and topographic factor should be confirmed
with the local building official or a licensed professional
engineer.
Please review this manual thoroughly before installing your SWH solar racking system. This manual provides (1)
supporting documentation for building permit applications relating to SWH solar racking system, and (2) plan-
ning and assembly instructions for SWH products. When installed in accordance with this manual, SWH PV
Mounting system will be structurally adequate and will meet the structural requirements of the IBC 2012, ASCE
7-10 and California Building Code 2013 (collectively refered to as “the Code”). Solar Warehouse also provides a
limited warranty on SWH products as attached to the end of this manual.
• Ensuring all warning labels requirements are met per latest
National Electrical code (NEC), International Fire Code (IFC),
and/or Cal Fire Code.
9628 Valley Blvd. Rosemead, CA 91770 | Phone [phone] | [e-mail]
SWH Solar Racking Installation Guide | Version 12.10.v2
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9628 Valley Blvd. Rosemead, CA 91770 | Phone [phone] | [e-mail]
SWH Solar Racking Installation Guide | Version 12.10.v2
This method is not approved for open structure calculations.
Applications of these procedures is subject to the following
ASCE 7-10 limitations:
1. The building height must be less than 60 feet, h < 60. See
note for determining h in the next section. For installations
on structures greater than 60 feet, contact your local design
professional.
[1.1.] Using the Low Rise Buildings (Simplified) Method - ASCE 7-10
2. The building must be enclosed, not an open or partially
enclosed structure, for example a carport.
3. The building is regular shaped with no unusual geometrical
irregularity in spatial form, for example a geodesic dome.
4. The building is not in an extreme geographic location such
as a narrow canyon or steep cliff.
5. The building has a flat or gable roof with a pitch less than 45
degrees or a hip roof with a pitch less than 27 degrees.
6. If your installation does not conform to these requirements
please contact your local professional engineer.
If your installation is outside the United States or does not
meet all of these limitations, consult a local professional
engineer or your local building authority. Consult ASCE 7-10
for more clarification on the use of Part 2.
The equation for determining the Design Wind Load for
components and cladding is:
pnet (psf) = λK zt pnet30
pnet (psf) = Design Wind Load
λ= adjustment factor for building height and exposure category
Kzt = Topographic Factor = 1
pnet30 (psf) = net design wind pressure for Exposure B, at height
= 30 feet
You will also need to know the following information:
Basic Wind Speed = V (mph), the largest 3 second gust of wind in
the last 50 years.
h (ft) = total roof height for flat roof buildings or mean roof height
for pitched roof buildings
Roof Pitch (degrees)
This manual will help you determine:
Effective Wind Area (sf) = minimum total continuous area of
modules being installed (Step 4)
Roof Zone = the area of the roof you are installing the pv system
according to Step 5.
Roof Zone Dimension = a (ft) (Step 5)
Exposure Category (Step 3)
The procedure to determine Design Wind Load is specified by the American Society of Civil Engineers and referenced in the
International Building Code 2012 and California Building Code 2013. For purposes of this document, the values, equations and
procedures used in this document reference ASCE 7-10, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures. Please refer
to ASCE 7-10 if you have any questions about the definitions or procedures presented in this manual. SWH solar racking system
uses Part 2, The Simplified Method, for low rise buildings to calculate the Design Wind Load for pressures on components and
cladding in this document. The method described in this document is valid for flush, no tilt, SWH applications on either roofs or
walls. Flush is defined as panels parallel to the surface (or with no more than 3” difference between ends of assembly) with no
more than 10” space between the roof surface, and the bottom of the PV panels.
Part I. Procedure to Calculate Total Design Wind Load
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SWH Solar Racking Installation Guide | Version 12.10.v2
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Step 1. Determine risk category
Buildings and other structures shall be classified, based on the risk to human life, health and
welfare associated with their damage or failure by nature of their occupancy or use. For the
purpose of applying flood, wind, snow, ice, and earthquake provisions. See Table 1 below.
I
II
III
IV
aBuildings and other structures containing toxic, highly toxic, or explosive substances shall be eligible for classification to a lower
Risk Category if it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the authority having jurisdiction by a hazard assessment as described
in Section 1.5.2 of ASCE 7-10 that a release of the substances is commensurate with the risk associated with that Risk Category.
Step 2. Determine the Basic Wind Speed, V (mph)
Determine the basic wind speed, V (mph) by consulting your local department or by locating
your installation on the maps in Figures 26.5-1A through 1C, pages 6 -11. Please note that
the wind speeds are dependent on the Risk (Occupancy) category determined in Step 1.
[1.2.] Procedure to Calculate Total Design Wind Load per ASCE 7-10
TABLE 1: Risk Category of Buildings and Other Structrues for Flood, Wind, Snow, Earthquake, and Ice Loads
Use or Occupancy of Buldings and Structures
Buildings and other structures that represent a low risk to human life in the event of failure.
All buildings and other structures except those listed in Risk Categories I,III, and IV
Risk Category
• Buildings and other structures designated as essential facilities.
•Buildings and other structures, the failure of which could pose a substantial hazard to the community.
• Buildings and other structures (including, but not limited to, facilities that manufacture, process, handle,
store, use, or dispose of such substances as hazardous fuels, or hazardous chemicals, or hazardous waste)
containing sufficient quantities of highly toxic substances where the quantity exceeds a threshod quantity
established by the authority having jurisdiction to be dangerous to the public if released and is sufficient to
the pose a threat to the public if released.
• Builings andother structures requried to maintain the functtionality of other Risk Category IV structures.
• Buildings and other structures, the failure of which could pose a substantial risk to human life.
• Buildings and other structures, not included in Risk Category IV, with potential to cause a substantial
economic impact and/or mass disruption of day-to-day civilian life in the event of failure.
• Buildings and other structures, not included in Risk Category IV (including, but not limited to, facilities
that manufacture, process, handle, store, use, or dispose of such substances as hazardous fuels, hazardous
chemicals, hazardous waste, or explosives) containing toxic or explosive substances where their quantity
exceeds a threshold quantity established by authority having jurisdiction and is sufficient to pose a threat ot
the public if released.

9628 Valley Blvd. Rosemead, CA 91770 | Phone [phone] | [e-mail]
SWH Solar Racking Installation Guide | Version 12.10.v2
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Source: ASCE 7-10 Minimum Design Loads for
Buildings and Other Structures, Chapter 26
Notes:
1. Values are design 3-second gust wind speeds in miles per hour (m/s) at 33 ft (10m) above ground for Exposure C category.
2. Linear interpolation between contours is permitted.
3. Islands and coastal areas outside the last contour shall use the last wind speed contour of the coastal area.
4. Mountainous terrain, gorges, ocean promontories, and special wind regions shall be examined for unusual wind conditions.
5. Wind speeds correspond to approximately a 7% probability of exceedance in 50 years (annual exceedance probability = 0.00143,
MRI = 700 years).
Miles per hour (Meters per second)
[1.2.] Procedure to Calculate Total Design Wind Load per ASCE 7-10
FIGURE 26.5-1A Basic Wind Speeds for Risk Category II Buildings and Other Structures

9628 Valley Blvd. Rosemead, CA 91770 | Phone [phone] | [e-mail]
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Source: ASCE 7-10 Minimum Design Loads for
Special Wind Region
Location
Guam
Virgin Islands
America Samoa
Hawaii- Special Wind Region Statewide
Buildings and Other Structures, Chapter 26
Miles per hour
(Meters per second)
[1.2.] Procedure to Calculate Total Design Wind Load per ASCE 7-10
Vmph
195
165
160
130
(m/s)
(87)
(74)
(72)
(58)
FIGURE 26.5-1A (Continued) Basic Wind Speeds for Risk Category II Buildings and Other Structures

9628 Valley Blvd. Rosemead, CA 91770 | Phone [phone] | [e-mail]
SWH Solar Racking Installation Guide | Version 12.10.v2
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Notes:
1. Values are design 3-second gust wind speeds in miles per hour (m/s) at 33 ft (10m) above ground for Exposure C category.
2. Linear interpolation between contours is permitted.
3. Islands and coastal areas outside the last contour shall use the last wind speed contour of the coastal area.
4. Mountainous terrain, gorges, ocean promontories, and special wind regions shall be examined for unusual wind conditions.
5. Wind speeds correspond to approximately a 3% probability of exceedance in 50 years (annual exceedance probability =
0.000588, MRI = 1700 years).
Miles per hour (Meters per second)
Source: ASCE 7-10 Minimum Design Loads for
Buildings and Other Structures, Chapter 26
[1.2.] Procedure to Calculate Total Design Wind Load per ASCE 7-10
FIGURE 26.5-1B Basic Wind Speeds for Risk Category III and IV Buildings and Other Structures

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9628 Valley Blvd. Rosemead, CA 91770 | Phone [phone] | [e-mail]
SWH Solar Racking Installation Guide | Version 12.10.v2
Source: ASCE 7-10 Minimum Design Loads for
Special Wind Region
Location
Guam
Virgin Islands
America Samoa
Hawaii- Special Wind Region Statewide
Buildings and Other Structures, Chapter 26
[1.2.] Procedure to Calculate Total Design Wind Load per ASCE 7-10
Vmph
180
150
150
115
(m/s)
(80)
(67)
(67)
(51)
Puerto Rico
FIGURE 26.5-1B (Continued) Basic Wind Speeds for Risk Category III and IV Buildings and Other Structures
Miles per hour
(Meters per second)
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9628 Valley Blvd. Rosemead, CA 91770 | Phone [phone] | [e-mail]
SWH Solar Racking Installation Guide | Version 12.10.v2
Source: ASCE 7-10 Minimum Design Loads for
Buildings and Other Structures, Chapter 26
[1.2.] Procedure to Calculate Total Design Wind Load per ASCE 7-10
Notes:
1. Values are design 3-second gust wind speeds in miles per hour (m/s) at 33 ft (10m) above ground for Exposure C category.
2. Linear interpolation between contours is permitted.
3. Islands and coastal areas outside the last contour shall use the last wind speed contour of the coastal area.
4. Mountainous terrain, gorges, ocean promontories, and special wind regions shall be examined for unusual wind conditions.
5. Wind speeds correspond to approximately a 15% probability of exceedance in 50 years (annual exceedance probability =
0.00333, MRI = 300 years).
Miles per hour (Meters per second)
FIGURE 26.5-1C Basic Wind Speeds for Risk Category I Buildings and Other Structures
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