What is a photovoltaic (PV) bracket, and what is a PV bracket foundation?

1. What are the common defects in PV array brackets?
① The surface galvanization layer of the bracket material does not meet standards;
② Severe corrosion of purlins;
③ Serious deformation of the rear columns of the bracket;
④ Severe damage to the galvanized layer of the bracket;
⑤ Other defects. These defects are mainly caused by issues such as poor bracket quality and non-standard construction practices.

2. What is a PV bracket?
A PV bracket is a structure used to install, secure, and support solar PV modules. Its primary function is to ensure that the PV modules are fixed at an optimal angle and position to maximize solar radiation exposure and improve power generation efficiency. Depending on the installation environment and purpose, PV brackets can be categorized into various types, including ground-mounted brackets, rooftop brackets, pole-mounted brackets, and carport brackets.

The main functions of PV brackets are:
- Securing and supporting PV modules;
- Adjusting the angle of PV modules;
- Ensuring durability and corrosion resistance;
- Simplifying installation and facilitating maintenance.

3. What is a PV bracket foundation?
A PV bracket foundation is a critical component of the PV bracket system, providing stable support to ensure the safe and stable operation of PV modules under various climatic conditions. The selection of a PV bracket foundation depends on factors such as the geological conditions of the installation site, climate conditions, and engineering requirements.

Common types of PV bracket foundations include:
- Concrete foundations
- Helical pile foundations
- Pile-driven foundations
- Cement block foundations
- Steel structure foundations

Reinforced concrete foundations: These are made using steel reinforcement and concrete to secure and support PV brackets, ensuring the safe and stable operation of PV modules under various climatic conditions. Due to their high strength and durability, reinforced concrete foundations are widely used in large-scale projects such as ground-mounted PV power plants.

① Construction Steps:
- Site preparation: Clear the construction area, level the ground, and ensure a stable foundation.
- Foundation excavation: Excavate foundation pits according to design drawings, ensuring the dimensions and depth meet requirements.
- Rebar binding: Fabricate and bind rebar cages according to design drawings, ensuring accurate dimensions and positioning.
- Formwork setup: Install formwork within the foundation pits, ensuring it is stable to prevent deformation during concrete pouring.
- Concrete pouring: Pour concrete as per design requirements and perform vibration to ensure compactness and avoid voids.
- Curing: After pouring, cure the concrete by maintaining moisture to prevent cracking and enhance strength.
- Formwork removal and inspection: Remove the formwork once the concrete reaches the required strength and conduct foundation inspection.

-Reinforced concrete isolated foundations offer advantages such as clear load transfer paths, reliable load-bearing capacity, wide applicability, and no need for specialized construction machinery. This type of foundation provides strong resistance to horizontal loads.

-Helical pile foundations: These are used to secure and support PV brackets by screwing spiral-shaped metal piles into the ground, providing stable support. Helical pile foundations are favored for their quick installation and minimal environmental impact.

-Their structure primarily consists of spiral piles and connecting components. The piles are spiral-shaped with helical blades at the ends, which enhance adhesion and stability during installation.

-Construction steps: Site preparation; pile positioning; screwing in piles; connecting and positioning.

② Pile-driven foundations:
Pile-driven foundations for PV brackets involve driving piles into the ground to support and secure the brackets. This type of foundation offers high load-bearing capacity and stability, making it suitable for various geological conditions, especially in large-scale PV power plants.

The structure consists of piles and connecting components. The piles are typically made of high-strength steel treated with anti-corrosion coatings (e.g., hot-dip galvanization) to enhance durability. Different types of piles, such as steel pipe piles or H-beam piles, are selected based on geological conditions and design requirements.

Construction steps: Site preparation, geological survey, positioning, pile driving, and bracket connection. This method is commonly used in large-scale PV power plants, areas with high wind loads, and complex geological conditions.

③ Cement block foundations:
Cement block foundations for PV brackets are a common foundation type where precast or cast-in-place cement blocks are used to secure PV brackets, providing stable support for PV modules. This foundation type is widely used due to its simple construction, low cost, and broad applicability.

The foundation consists of cement blocks and fixing components. The cement blocks can be square, rectangular, or other shapes as per design requirements, with dimensions determined based on the load requirements of the brackets and PV modules. Fixing components include embedded parts and connectors.

Construction steps: Site preparation, ground treatment, cement block fabrication, and PV bracket installation. This method is typically used in small to medium-sized PV power plants, temporary PV systems, and special geological conditions.

④ Steel structure foundations for PV brackets:
Steel structure foundations, known for their high strength, stability, and durability, are an important foundation type in PV system construction. Proper design and installation of steel structure foundations not only enhance the safety and stability of PV systems but also adapt to various complex geological and climatic conditions, improving the overall project efficiency. Through ground treatment, anti-corrosion measures for steel materials, and precision installation control, steel structure foundations provide long-term reliable support for PV systems, ensuring stable operation under various environmental conditions.