ASCE 7-22 · CHAPTER 29 · SOLAR PV
Solar Panel Wind Loads
Rooftop arrays and ground mounts both fight the wind — uplift at the leading edge, down-force across the field. ASCE 7-22 Chapter 29 sets the approach.
HOW WIND HITS THE ARRAY
Uplift peaks at the leading edge
Wind sweeping up a low-slope roof accelerates over the first row of tilted panels. The leading edge and array corners see the strongest suction; interior panels are sheltered.
WHAT DRIVES THE LOAD
Four things move the pressure
ASCE 7-22 Chapter 29 builds rooftop solar pressures from the array's geometry and position — not a single flat number.
Tilt angle (ω)
Steeper panels catch more wind — uplift and sliding force climb with tilt.
GEOMETRYRoof zone / edge
Corners and edges see higher suction than the sheltered interior field.
ZONE 1/2/3Parapet height
A taller parapet reshapes the flow over the roof and shifts panel pressures.
FLOW SHAPEArray position
Exposed leading rows and isolated arrays draw the strongest edge effects.
EXPOSURETWO SYSTEMS, TWO FLOW PATTERNS
Rooftop vs. ground-mount
Where the array sits changes how the wind reaches it — and which ASCE 7-22 provisions govern.
Rooftop arrays
Governed by ASCE 7-22 Chapter 29 solar provisions. Building aerodynamics, roof zone, parapet height and panel tilt all shape the pressure — array edges and corners drive the peaks.
CH 29.4.3 / FIG 29.4-7Ground mounts
Act like open, elevated structures — wind flows above and below the tilted plane, with no enclosed interior. Tilt, height and row spacing govern uplift and down-force on the racking.
OPEN STRUCTURE · GCpi N/ATHE DESIGN-CRITICAL TAKEAWAY
Attachments & ballast must resist uplift
Wind drives both uplift and down-force on a PV array. Fasteners, racking and ballast must hold the panels down against suction and carry pressure into the structure — sized for the worst case, not the average.
RUN YOUR NUMBERS
Calculate your solar wind loads
Site-specific design pressures for rooftop and ground-mount PV per the latest ASCE 7 (ASCE 7-22).
KEEP READING
Related guides
Roof Wind Uplift Guide
C&C roof pressures, zones 1/2/3, and roof-to-wall connections.
UPLIFTSolar Belt Requirements
State-by-state wind load requirements for top solar-producing states.
BY STATEC&C vs. MWFRS
Components & Cladding vs. Main Wind Force Resisting System.
METHODSBuilding Envelope Guide
Wall zones, DP ratings, and cladding selection for wind resistance.
ENVELOPEExposure Categories
Exposure B, C, and D definitions and selection criteria.
EXPOSUREComplete Wind Load Guide
Comprehensive overview of all ASCE 7 wind load calculation methods.
OVERVIEWSolar wind load calculations should be performed or reviewed by a licensed PE. Many jurisdictions require stamped calculations for permit approval — verify with your local building department.