NABCEP PV Installation Professional 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Minimal wind loading of a PV array typically occurs when the array is mounted parallel to the roof and at least 3 feet from the edges. This situation is beneficial because a roof-mounted array that is flush or parallel with the roof surface presents less surface area to the wind, reducing the wind's impact and potential uplift forces. Additionally, maintaining a distance of at least 3 feet from the edges of the roof minimizes turbulence caused by wind interacting with the roof edge, further decreasing the wind loading on the array.

In contrast, while an array oriented at an angle could potentially be designed for aerodynamics, it would generally experience more wind forces than a parallel installation. Ground-mounted systems may also experience varying wind loads based on their height and design, and wind speed considerations alone do not directly define wind load for PV arrays. Thus, the best scenario for achieving minimal wind loading is indeed a parallel or near-parallel installation with appropriate set-back from edges.