C29 - The Nuts and Bolts of PV: Maturing Solar PV Racking and Module Mounting Critical Bolted Joint Technologies for LCOE Reductions and Increased Reliability

Industry stakeholders have largely overlooked both the critical role and uniqueness of bolted joints found in solar PV systems. Bolted joints seen in solar PV racking and module mounting lack the technological maturity exhibited in comparable industries to deliver low cost and high reliability solutions critically needed for further advancement of the industry. As a result, bolted joint failures have occurred, leading to PV system failures, downtime, and repair costs. This poster session will overview the current state of bolted joint technologies, gaps and weaknesses seen in codes and standards and in how they are applied in the field, and overview a current research effort aimed at laying the foundational first steps needed to move toward maturing this critical (and overlooked) component of solar PV technologies. This effort will fill knowledge gaps through structured interviews of key stakeholders, modeling and lab testing of common bolted joints. The effort will then develop a technical guidance document backed by empirical evidence aimed at near and long-term influence--product engineers for near-term and codes and standards committees for long-term advancement. This poster session will be targeted as a two-way information sharing venue to increase awareness and foster collaboration towards advancing the industry.