How Arctech Deals with Frozen Soils and Heavy Snowfall in Cold Climates

The increasing global demand for renewable energy has led to a rise in the installation of solar projects in regions with abundant solar resources but challenging winter conditions, such as frozen soils and heavy snowfall. These regions, particularly those in northern climates where temperatures remain below freezing for extended periods, benefit from long-term solar radiation. However, it is crucial to address the potential risks posed by frozen soils and snow to ground-mounted structures and solar panels in these areas.

To deal with these risks, we need to understand what damages they can cause.

In the case of frozen soils, when temperatures drop below freezing point, the water within the soil freezes, resulting in an upward movement of the soil known as Frost Heave. This phenomenon leads to the development of adfreeze forces along the foundation's perimeter, which creates an uplift force called frost jacking that elevates the foundation. Failure to consider resistance against frost jacking during solar plant design can result in permanent vertical deformation of the foundation. Over time, these cycles can distort the solar tracking system, cause connection failures and breakage of solar module glass, disrupt electrical terminations, and significantly reduce a solar plant's lifespan.

Generally speaking, frost heave prevention solutions encompass increasing the existing embedment depth of the foundation, incorporating concrete at the base of each pile to fortify and impede further uplift, applying a slick coat to mitigate adfreeze force, utilizing PVC sleeves filled with gravel, and implementing insulation around the pile to restrict frost penetration. However, these methods may entail additional costs, time, and manpower.

To successfully deploy solar trackers in freezing regions, Arctech has developed various easy installation methods. Firstly, Arctech offers three foundation options: ramming piles, cast-in-place concrete piles, and concrete piles or ballasts; all of which are compatible with frozen soils. Secondly, Arctech can assist in customizing the solar plant design plan based on specific conditions. In cases where there is severe frozen heave, Arctech can increase the existing embedment depth of the foundation without significant additional cost to ensure a stable foundation.

It is common for regions experiencing frozen heave phenomena to also suffer from heavy snowfall simultaneously. The accumulation of heavy snow on solar modules can lead to cracking or warping of the modules and trackers. To mitigate the risks associated with accumulated snow, Arctech has developed specialized solutions.

Arctech’s signature solar trackers Sky-series tracker?systems are all equipped with a robust “snow protection?system”, which enables them to handle various inclement weather conditions such as snow, wind, hail, and etc. This innovative snow protection?system allows the trackers to rotate to the maximum tilt angle to make the snow on the?PV panel?slide down, preventing the components from being damaged by the operation of the controller in extreme snow weather. Moreover, advanced stow strategies have been implemented to withstand colder temperatures and heavier snow loads in order to optimize energy yield.

To date, Arctech has successfully completed multiple solar tracker projects in regions prone to freezing temperatures and snowstorms. For example, in 2019, Arctech secured a 49.9 MW solar tracker project in Kazakhstan, where temperature can plummet as low as -50 degrees Celsius. Now, the project is operating steadily and continues to produce green electricity to power local households. Due to its proven track record in harsh climates, the company has accumulated a portfolio of over 300GW capacity in the country. Arctech has recently been awarded multiple solar projects in another country that similarly encounters frozen soil and heavy snowfall.?Stay tuned!