A defective mounting structure was either never right for the site or has failed. Common causes are design for too little wind or snow load, weak anchoring to the ground or roof, unsuitable or corroding materials, and installation errors. Look for bent or cracked members and for corrosion on the frame or around the mounting holes. Visual inspection is the detection method. Where aluminium and steel touch, check the fastening screws for galvanic corrosion, especially at humid or coastal sites. In those areas the two metals need insulation between them. A failing structure can damage the modules, causing broken glass, cracked cells and damaged junction boxes. In the worst case modules or the whole structure come loose, or the roof collapses, which is a serious danger to people. Replace or repair any structure that poses a direct safety risk. To prevent this failure, use compatible structures, follow the manufacturer's mounting instructions, check local wind and snow loads, and inspect the system regularly. Non-standard configurations should be tested by an accredited laboratory.
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caused_byc1 verified · fact High winds
The structure was not designed for the wind loads typical of the site, for example when it does not match the static calculations.
sec=h51 h=a44e0a777296tbl=49.r3 h=37b0c9de0af8verified by: joshuahamsaverified on: 2026-10-20
c2 drafted · lead Heavy snowfall
The structure was not designed for the snow loads typical of the site, or the environmental conditions were underestimated.
sec=h51 h=a44e0a777296tbl=49.r3 h=37b0c9de0af8c3 drafted · lead Weak structural anchorage
Weak anchoring to the ground or roof, for example when ground conditions were not considered enough while choosing the structure. Roof strength for the added load and O&M work may also be left unchecked.
sec=h51 h=a44e0a777296tbl=49.r3 h=37b0c9de0af8c4 verified · fact Low-quality material
Examples are corrosive materials in a corrosive environment, too little galvanisation, or poor material from weak quality assurance. These lead to early degradation or mechanical failure.
sec=h51 h=a44e0a777296tbl=49.r3 h=37b0c9de0af8verified by: joshuahamsaverified on: 2026-10-20
c5 drafted · lead Installation error
Examples are missing or non-original components and screws tightened too much or too little.
sec=h51 h=a44e0a777296tbl=49.r3 h=37b0c9de0af8c6 drafted · lead Dissimilar metal contact
Galvanic corrosion where two different metals touch, such as an aluminium frame on a steel structure. It often occurs around fastening screws.
sec=h51 h=a44e0a777296c7 verified · fact Humid climate
Galvanic corrosion matters most in humid or coastal areas.
sec=h51 h=a44e0a777296verified by: joshuahamsaverified on: 2026-10-20review note: support check: partial - Passages say galvanic corrosion matters in humid or coastal areas, but don't frame humid climate as a cause of the defect generally.
affectsc8 drafted · lead Mounting structure
sec=h51 h=a44e0a777296tbl=49.r1 h=ef1e45148c78c9 drafted · lead Module frame
Corrosion of the frame or mounting holes can be seen. A damaged structure also compromises the integrity of the modules mounted on it.
sec=h51 h=a44e0a777296tbl=49.r1 h=ef1e45148c78review note: support check: partial - Corrosion of frame and compromised module integrity are stated, but the frame mentioned is on the mounting structure, not clearly the module frame.
c10 drafted · lead Roof substructure
The substructure, such as roof insulation, can be compromised. In the worst case the roof collapses.
sec=h51 h=a44e0a777296presents_asc11 drafted · lead Bent or cracked structure
sec=h51 h=a44e0a777296tbl=49.r1 h=ef1e45148c78c12 drafted · lead Visible corrosion marks
Corrosion of the frame or the mounting holes.
sec=h51 h=a44e0a777296tbl=49.r1 h=ef1e45148c78detected_byc13 drafted · lead Visual inspection
sec=h51 h=a44e0a777296tbl=49.r2 h=847604f4d482leads_toc14 drafted · lead Glass Breakage
sec=h51 h=a44e0a777296c15 drafted · lead Cell Cracks
sec=h51 h=a44e0a777296c16 verified · fact Junction Box Failure
The junction box may be damaged or detached.
sec=h51 h=a44e0a777296verified by: joshuahamsaverified on: 2026-10-20
mitigated_byc17 drafted · lead Structural hardware repair
Corrective action: replace or repair any structure that poses a direct safety risk.
tbl=49.r8 h=e4c63f6979fftbl=31 h=cc9fed5e1ebdc18 drafted · lead Compatible mounting structure
The ground, the mounting structure and the modules must be compatible with each other.
tbl=49.r8 h=e4c63f6979fftbl=31 h=cc9fed5e1ebdc19 drafted · lead Proper installation
Follow the manufacturer's mounting instructions.
tbl=49.r8 h=e4c63f6979fftbl=31 h=cc9fed5e1ebdc20 verified · fact Site wind and snow load check
tbl=49.r8 h=e4c63f6979fftbl=31 h=cc9fed5e1ebdverified by: joshuahamsaverified on: 2026-10-20
c21 drafted · lead Regular system inspections
tbl=49.r8 h=e4c63f6979fftbl=31 h=cc9fed5e1ebdc22 drafted · lead Mounting configuration testing
An accredited laboratory tests non-standard configurations, such as facade mounting.
tbl=49.r8 h=e4c63f6979fftbl=31 h=cc9fed5e1ebdc23 drafted · lead Dissimilar metal insulation
Required in humid and coastal areas.
sec=h51 h=a44e0a777296