TY - RPRT
KW - Solar PV Resilience
KW - Critical Structural Connections
KW - Root Cause Analysis
KW - Failure Modes
KW - Storm Impacts
AU - Jon Ness
AU - Gerald Robinson
AB - <p>This report explores the causes of bolted joint loosening in solar PV mounting systems and outlines practical design and installation strategies to improve reliability. It distinguishes between relaxation and self-loosening mechanisms, examines factors such as embedment, thermal effects, joint slip, and friction, and presents guidance on joint design, pretension control, and locking methods to reduce preload loss in utility-scale PV structures.</p>
DA - 01/2026
N2 - <p>This report explores the causes of bolted joint loosening in solar PV mounting systems and outlines practical design and installation strategies to improve reliability. It distinguishes between relaxation and self-loosening mechanisms, examines factors such as embedment, thermal effects, joint slip, and friction, and presents guidance on joint design, pretension control, and locking methods to reduce preload loss in utility-scale PV structures.</p>
PY - 2026
TI - Fundamentals of Solar PV Bolted Joint Loosening and Prevention
ER -