Seismic and Wind Design for Solar Panels

Abstract eng:
The Pasadena Water and Power Department and EBMUD are aggressively upgrading their water system infrastructure to withstand earthquakes. As seismic-related upgrades are developed, we consider opportunities for addressing climate change. This paper examines the economics and pros and cons of constructing solar panel systems atop several water reservoirs that also require seismic upgrades. Pasadena and EBMUD serve progressive communities, and opportunities to address climate change and earthquake reliability are actively being addressed. California's Governor Schwarzenegger is requiring that coal power not to be used for base load purposes, and replacing coal with solar for power generation is viewed positively by the public. Given these important reasons to build new renewable electric generation, we examine the economics of installing solar panels atop water reservoirs. Our engineering studies show that the mix of solar and seismic concerns brings up many new engineering issues, having to do with the economics of renewable power as well as high wind speeds. The findings show that the normal code strategy of designing for 475 year earthquakes and 50 year winds is not prudent or cost effective for many installations. The costs for seismic upgrades with concurrent solar panel installations suggest a more prudent design for as much as a 400 year wind.

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