Solar Structure In Pakistan

Solar Panel or Solar Photovoltaic Module is the main component of any solar energy system.

Solar panels work under sunlight and generate energy The solar panel produces DC current which is then converted into AC current and used to generate power for appliances and other electrical machinery.

Solar Panel Structure and types:

Solar panels cannot be placed or mounted directly on rooftop or ground as they require some degree of tilt to absorb sunlight at specific angles. In order to mount these solar panels, a metallic structure is needed which has different types such as solar elevated structure, solar fixed structures and so on.

L2 Solar Structure:

In the common context the word  “L2” means “Level Two” which indicates that two solar panels can be mounted. L2 is a common name used in the Pakistani market. 

This is a type of fixed mounting structure that means this structure has a fixed tilt.

Another name for this structure is solar ground mounted structure and available ready made in the markets of Pakistan.

Visualized By: Solar 3D design

Structural Parts:

A standard L2 structure main has 3 parts along with accessories:

1. Main Length
2. Back Leg
3. Feet Supports
4. Accessories such as Nut bolts etc.

Main Length:

This is the part of the L2 structure where solar panels are mounted and look like a slope.

Mounting of the panels is titled as per the structure angle.

Shape profile of this part is U shaped i.e U-Channel. In order to fit, this channel has punched capsule holes on it, an aluminium frame side or back side of the solar panel having holes, aligns with the channel holes nut  bolted after.

Back Leg:

This part vertically supports the main length and also acts as perpendicular length from ground. Its length usually depends upon the tilt angle and structure back height. Its shape is also rectangular type U-Channel. It can be joined with the main length using nut bolts.

Feet Supports:

These are the ground contact points of the structure for main length and back leg. These ground points ensure the load distribution and prevent structure from movement.

Feet supports, anchors bolted into ground and then for more strength, installers tend to use concrete pads or civil work for structure reinforcement and stability.

Material:

This L2 solar panel frame is most commonly made up of galvanized iron material, so it’s also referred to and known by the local name as L2 GI frame, GI Panel Frame etc. Galvanization of iron is a technique in which iron or steel type material is coated with molten zinc to protect material from rust (corrosion) and make it durable and long lasting.

Aluminium is also used to make L2 solar panel frames.

Specifications:

L2 mounts for solar panels come in different types of gauge as per their strength and fabrication.

The most common L2 solar panel frame is 14 Gauge. Its one of the best gauge used in L2 mounting structure in Pakistan.

Length and Angle Calculation:

L2 solar structure is fairly easy to calculate, can be calculated using simple Pythagoras Theorem using right angle triangle

Slope of solar structure = Hypotenuse = add length or width of no. of solar panels used

Back Leg of solar structure = Perpendicular = Back height you want to keep

Feet support to Feet support = Base = Distance from front ground point back ground point

Angle of Tilt = Ѳ° Degree =  solar panel angle you want to keep for better sun exposure

In order to find the structure back leg height:

sinѲ° = Perpendicular / Hypotenuse

also,

Perpendicular = sinѲ° x  Hypotenuse

Or, 

Back Leg Length =  sinѲ° x Slope of Structure

Angle of L2 Structure:

Tilt angle of L2 solar panel frame depends upon the area or region, like for Islamabad the good tilt angle for L2 solar frame is 18° to 22°

Other L Series Structure:

Similar to the L2 solar mounting frame, other solar stands of the same design are available such as L1, L3, L4 etc . This series number increases by increasing the number of panels on the mountings.

Benefits of L2 Structure:

It is cheaper in cost as compared to I beam elevated structure.

Easy to install

Low carriage capacity

Easy to transport

Long lasting with proper maintenance.

Solar Structure Price in Pakistan:

L2 is easily available, and for this solar panel frame, the price in Pakistan depends on the gauge. 

As per today (15-02-25) the estimated price ranges from 14 Gauge L2 Structure is Rs.5,000/– to Rs.5,500/– in Islamabad.

Price may vary from structure to structure. Like for fixed structure L2,L3 the estimated price is Rs.5 per watt. 

Similarly, for standard elevated structures, the price ranges from Rs.18 to 18.5 per watt.

Note: The price given above for the elevated structure for the market standard used c-channel and girder-based (I Beam) customized solar structure. 

Elevated Structure Details are given below:

For more details and discounted price contact  Vinova Enterprises 

FAQS:

What  is standard gauge use for L2 solar structures?

Ans. 14 Gauge is mostly used and considered a good standard gauge for L2 frames.

Why should the distance be kept between L2 frames rows?

Ans. The distance between the L2 frame is kept to avoid shadow casting on the back structure.

What distance should be kept between L2 structure rows?

Ans. It depends upon the back height of the L2 structure , multiplying 1.4-1.6 with the back height of the structure ( i.e solar panel edge to ground). e.g. if structure back height is 3ft then,

3ft x 1.5= 4.5ft

so , the distance between rows will be 4.5ft

What are the reasons for L2 solar structure sagging?

Ans. There could be several reasons for sagging, depending on material used, manufacturing process and the way of installation.

One of the main reasons are:

1. Using less or loose gauge L2 structures from the market
2.  Using slotted L2 structures as they have pre slotted (holes) on them and make the structure strength vulnerable. In other words, the more holes/slots in the structure channel the less its strength will be.

What type of nut/bolts and rawl bolts are used in L2 structure installation?

Ans. Two types of nut bolts used in L2 structure:

1. For Solar Panels Mounting:

6mm  GI nut bolts along with spring washers or SS nut bolts  can also be used due to their anti corrosion property.

1. For Structure Feet Supports (to the ground):

10mm dia with 3inches length of rawl bolt used.

Can I install this L2 structure myself?

Ans. L2 structures are easy to install, but we don’t recommend that.

You should ask for a professional solar service provider due to the following reasons.

1. Structural strength
2. Proper mounting and installation
3. Use of proper tools and equipment
4. Angle and azimuth orientation
5. Responsibility
6. Rooftop leakage prevention