### Overcoming Weather Challenges When Installing Solar Arrays for Homes in the Midwest
When most people think about going solar, they imagine the bright sun powering their solar panels for home use. However, for states like Illinois in the Midwest, installing solar isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. The unique combination of extreme winter weather, specific soil compositions, and variable landscapes makes thoughtful planning and execution absolutely critical for solar installations. One of the biggest challenges? Frost heave.
As someone who is passionate about solar energy, I want to dive deeper into how this natural phenomenon can impact solar arrays for home and commercial use, as well as strategies solar companies can implement to overcome it. Let’s shed some light on these challenges and how to address them.
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### What Is Frost Heave and Why Does It Matter for Solar Installations?
If you live in a place like Illinois, chances are you’ve experienced the effects of frost heave without even realizing it. Frost heave occurs when soil absorbs water and then freezes during sub-zero temperatures. The freezing process causes the soil to expand and exert upward pressure. Over time, this consistent movement can wreak havoc on structures, including foundations for solar arrays for homes and solar farms.
Midwest states, particularly
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/12/06/the-frost-heave-challenge-in-solar-installations/
