Ground Mounted Solar Module Mounting Structure (MMS) design begins with determining the table dimensions. Before calculating dead load, wind load, or selecting structural members, the overall size of the solar table must be established. The table dimensions define the module arrangement, support spacing, structural layout, and projected area for wind load calculations.
In this article, we will calculate the overall dimensions of a Ground Mounted Solar MMS using a 2P × 28 configuration with 56 620 Wp solar modules.
PROJECT DETAILS
- Project Type
- Ground Mounted Solar Power Plant
- Structure Type
- Fixed Tilt MMS
- Module Configuration
- 2P × 28
- Module Orientation
- Portrait
- Total Modules
- 56 Nos
- Module Rating
- 620 Wp
- Module Size
- 2382 × 1134 × 35 mm
- Module Gap
- 20 mm
- Tilt Angle
- 11°
WHAT DOES 2P × 28 MEAN?
2P indicates that two modules are installed one above the other in Portrait orientation.
28 indicates that twenty-eight module columns are placed horizontally.
Therefore,
Modules in Vertical Direction = 2
Modules in Horizontal Direction = 28
STEP 1 – CALCULATE THE TOTAL TABLE WIDTH
STEP 2 – CALCULATE TOTAL GAP WIDTH
There will always be one gap less than the number of modules.
STEP 3 – CALCULATE OVERALL TABLE WIDTH
STEP 4 – CALCULATE TABLE HEIGHT
STEP 5 – CALCULATE AREA OF ONE SOLAR MODULE
STEP 6 – CALCULATE TOTAL ACTIVE MODULE AREA
STEP 7 – CALCULATE GROSS TABLE AREA
STEP 8 – CALCULATE UNUSED AREA
This area represents the space occupied by module gaps and edge clearances.
STEP 9 – CALCULATE MODULE COVERAGE
Approximately 98% of the table surface is covered by solar modules.
STEP 10 – CALCULATE TOTAL INSTALLED DC CAPACITY
STEP 11 – DETERMINE TABLE CENTRE
This point is useful for determining the approximate centre of gravity and wind action on the table.
SUMMARY
- Structure Type
- Fixed Tilt Ground Mounted MMS
- Configuration
- 2P × 28
- Total Modules
- 56 Nos
- Module Size
- 2382 × 1134 × 35 mm
- Module Gap
- 20 mm
- Tilt Angle
- 11°
- Overall Width
- 32.292 m
- Overall Height
- 4.784 m
- Area of One Module
- 2.701 m²
- Active Module Area
- 151.26 m²
- Gross Table Area
- 154.49 m²
- Unused Area
- 3.23 m²
- Module Coverage
- 97.91 %
- Installed Capacity
- 34.72 kWp
WHY IS THIS CALCULATION IMPORTANT?
The table dimensions calculated in this article are used for:
- Structural layout preparation
- Dead Load calculation
- Wind Load calculation
- Hat Purlin spacing
- Rafter spacing
- Column spacing
- Foundation layout
- Material estimation
Without accurate table dimensions, all subsequent structural calculations will be incorrect.
COMMON MISTAKES
- Using module length instead of module width while calculating table width.
- Forgetting to include module gaps.
- Mixing millimetres and metres.
- Ignoring portrait or landscape orientation.
- Using incorrect module dimensions from the datasheet.
CONCLUSION
The overall dimensions of the Solar MMS table have now been established. These dimensions form the basis for all future structural calculations. In the next article, we will calculate the Dead Load acting on the complete Solar Module Mounting Structure by considering the weight of the solar modules and all primary structural members.