|
17
July 2021
|
Solar Stik
®
Inc.
Solar Expedition 450W Solar Array
Inadequate Ground Securing: Expedition Damage
Figure 17. Expedition deployed without
ground securing: no stakes and no sandbags
Figure 18. Bent or broken catches and
latches along side of the PV panel
Figure 19. Improvised repair: panel secured
to stand with bolt
Figure 20. Bent and creased PV panel
The images below illustrate the damage that may occur when the Expeditions are deployed with
inadequate ground securing. The arrays are lightweight and have a large surface area, making them
ideal to catch wind and become airborne projectiles. All parts of the array and stand are flexible and
are susceptible to damage due to torsional strain (the presumptive cause of the damage shown in
Figure 18 through Figure 20) as well as impact. Damage could also occur to the equipment attached
to the Expedition via the Solar Leash.
Unsecured solar arrays propelled by high winds may
collide with personnel, potentially causing injury
