Project Overview

This ground-mounted solar PV project is located on Luzon Island, Philippines.

The project uses a hot-dip galvanized steel solar mounting system designed for the challenging tropical maritime climate of Southeast Asia.

High humidity, intense sunlight, heavy seasonal rainfall, typhoon winds and potential marine salt exposure create demanding conditions for solar mounting structures.

To address these challenges, the project adopts customized structural design, corrosion protection and factory pre-assembly.

Engineering Challenges in the Philippines

The Philippines is frequently exposed to tropical storms and typhoons, particularly in areas influenced by the western Pacific weather system.

The mounting structure must consider:

• Strong typhoon wind loads
• High temperature and humidity
• Heavy rainfall during the monsoon season
• Potential corrosion from marine salt exposure
• Uneven ground conditions

These environmental factors require a project-specific engineering approach rather than a standard mounting configuration.

Typhoon Wind-Load Design and Structural Reinforcement

The solar mounting system undergoes specialized wind engineering calculations according to applicable Philippine local requirements.

The main structural materials include Q420B and Q355B steel.

To improve structural stability under strong wind conditions, the system incorporates:

• Reinforced column foundations
• Optimized diagonal bracing
• Reinforced tie-rod connections
• Structural design considerations for overturning and uplift resistance

All components feature a zinc coating thickness of 90 μm or above, providing enhanced corrosion protection for demanding outdoor environments.

Hot-Dip Galvanizing for Corrosion Protection

High humidity and marine salt exposure can accelerate corrosion in tropical coastal environments.

The project uses thick hot-dip galvanizing to improve the corrosion resistance of the steel mounting components.

This surface treatment helps protect the structure during long-term outdoor operation.

Flexible Installation and Factory Pre-Assembly

Before shipment, the main structural components are fully trial-assembled at the factory.

The inspection process covers:

• Column and beam dimensions
• Hole positions and connection accuracy
• Diagonal beam and tie-rod fit
• Bolt compatibility
• Assembly consistency

Any identified fabrication deviations are corrected before galvanizing and overseas shipment.

The mounting structure also features modular bolted connections.

Front and rear post heights can be adjusted in combination with screw pile foundations to accommodate sloped and uneven terrain within the design range.

No on-site welding is required, helping simplify installation and reduce field modification.

Project Benefits

The project demonstrates how customized ground mount solar mounting systems can address the engineering requirements of tropical and typhoon-prone regions.

Key advantages include:

• Structural design considering local typhoon wind loads
• Q420B and Q355B steel components
• 90 μm+ zinc coating
• Corrosion protection for humid environments
• Adjustable structural configuration for uneven terrain
• Factory pre-assembly to reduce installation time

The project represents a practical engineering solution for solar mounting applications in Southeast Asia.

Need a typhoon-oriented ground mount solar mounting solution? Contact CZT Solar for customized structural support and project consultation.