Runoff from solar arrays
Runoff from solar arrays
(OP)
Modeling runoff from solar arrays is an increasingly common challenge for H&H engineers. Solutions range from ignoring the panels, to special Curve Number weighting, to separate routing of the flow under each panel. I would be interested to know how the engineers on this forum are tackling the problem.
Peter Smart
HydroCAD Software
www.hydrocad.net
RE: Runoff from solar arrays
We have now been falling in line with the State of MD guidance, which specifies a disconnection of the panels.
Link
RE: Runoff from solar arrays
I really appreciate seeing the MD guidance for future projects that will require in-depth analyses. I work in NY, which takes much of it's stormwater permitting from MD.
In speaking with a regulator on the topic, they sent me this interesting article
http://www.dlhowell.com/news/241-are-solar-panels-...
RE: Runoff from solar arrays
RE: Runoff from solar arrays
http://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/(ASCE)HE.19...
Short answer - the solar panels themselves don't really change your curve number, but changing the ground cover underneath them (like to gravel for instance) might.
Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East - http://www.campbellcivil.com
RE: Runoff from solar arrays
I've seen solar panels on vacant land spaced to permit vegetation growth below. Somewhere there are allowable "shadows" for different growing situations. When we build piers and docks, we have to allow for sunlight penetration for underwater life.
RE: Runoff from solar arrays
Look at the different sizes, configurations...and angle of inclinations. Some are practically flat.
RE: Runoff from solar arrays
RE: Runoff from solar arrays
RE: Runoff from solar arrays
Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East - http://www.campbellcivil.com
RE: Runoff from solar arrays