The spacing between photovoltaic brackets will directly affect the power generation efficiency and construction cost of the system. So how to set the optimal spacing between solar mounting system?

Basic spacing standards

The spacing of photovoltaic brackets is usually between 2.5 meters and 3 meters. This is to ensure that the front and rear rows of brackets will not block each other's shadows, thereby ensuring the light utilization rate of photovoltaic modules. In addition, for different types of photovoltaic brackets, the spacing may be different. For example, the front and rear row spacing of fixed solar brackets is generally 5 meters to 3 meters, while the row spacing of flexible brackets can be set to 1 meter.

Winter Solstice Spacing Calculation

When designing the spacing of photovoltaic arrays, the core principle is to avoid shadows. Usually, the period from 9:00 to 15:00 on the winter solstice is used as the benchmark to ensure that the photovoltaic modules are not shadowed during this period. This calculation method is based on the formula of the solar altitude angle and azimuth angle, and the formula is used to calculate the reasonable spacing value. If shadowing occurs during this period, the annual power generation loss may be as high as 20% or more.

Spacing adjustment in different scenarios

Rooftop installation: For rooftop photovoltaic systems, the bracket spacing needs to be adjusted in combination with the roof area and component size. If the roof area is limited, in order to maximize the benefits, the inclination angle can be appropriately reduced and the spacing can be reduced.

Ground power station: The bracket spacing of ground power stations is usually larger to reduce land costs. For example, some studies suggest that the spacing between the front and rear rows can reach 8 meters.

The relationship between bracket spacing and power generation efficiency

The bracket spacing directly affects the power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic array. Too small a spacing will cause shadows and reduce power generation; while too large a spacing will increase land costs. Therefore, a balance point needs to be found in actual design. For example, studies have shown that the larger the array spacing, the closer the optimal power generation angle is to the optimal radiation angle.

Other influencing factors

Bracket type: Fixed brackets and flexible brackets have different spacing requirements. Fixed brackets usually require larger spacing to reduce shadow effects, while flexible brackets are more flexible

Module size and inclination: The larger the module size, the smaller the required spacing; the smaller the inclination, the smaller the shadow effect, so the spacing can be optimized by adjusting the inclination