Deflection
Verified by SOLBE Structural Engineering Board
Definition
Deflection is the physical displacement or bending of a structural member (such as a solar rail or purlin) under the influence of applied external loads, measured relative to its original unloaded position.
Technical & Structural Breakdown
Solar mounting systems undergo vertical downward deflection from panel dead weight (gravity) and horizontal/vertical upward deflection from dynamic wind loads. In structural design, maximum deflection must be kept within strict allowable limits (typically L/180 for cantilevers and L/240 for standard spans, where L is span length) to prevent mechanical stress, micro-cracking in the silicon solar cells, or glass breakage.
Engineering Specifications
| Compliance Standard(s) | IS 800, IS 875 Part 3, SP 6 |
|---|---|
| Primary Use Cases | Structural calculations and engineering sign-off for industrial rooftop and commercial solar arrays. |
| Engineering Category | Engineering Specs |