In solar carport installations, middle bearing plates and side bearing plates are essential components used to support and secure photovoltaic (PV) modules. They are typically used together with mid clamps and end clamps, so they are often referred to as Mid Clamp + Bearing Plate and End Clamp + Bearing Plate assemblies.

Simply put, they serve as the critical connection between the solar panels and the supporting structure beneath them (such as purlins or drainage beams).

What Are Middle Bearing Plates and Side Bearing Plates?

To better understand these two components, it helps to look at their different positions and functions within the solar carport system.

Middle Bearing Plate

The Middle Bearing Plate is installed at the joint between two adjacent solar panels. Its primary function is to support and secure both panels simultaneously. You can think of it as the center beam of a table, providing structural support for the tabletop on both sides.

Side Bearing Plate

The Side Bearing Plate is installed along the outer edge of the PV array. Unlike the middle bearing plate, it supports and secures only the outermost solar panel on one side.

Key Functions of Middle and Side Bearing Plates

These components play several important roles in the overall solar carport system.

Structural Stability and Wind Resistance

Working together with mid clamps and end clamps, the bearing plates firmly secure the PV modules to the mounting structure. This ensures the solar carport can withstand strong winds, heavy snow loads, and other challenging weather conditions.

Efficient Water Drainage

One of their most valuable features is their contribution to the drainage system.

Middle bearing plates are commonly designed to work with M-shaped aluminum drainage channels. During rainfall, water flowing off the solar panels is guided through the panel gaps onto the bearing plate and then directed into the drainage channel below. This creates an efficient centralized drainage system, effectively preventing water accumulation and leakage commonly associated with flat-mounted PV modules.

Protection of Solar Panels

By providing precise and even support, bearing plates help distribute loads evenly across the PV modules. This reduces vibration and localized stress, minimizing the risk of panel damage and extending the overall service life of the solar installation.

Materials and Installation

Common Materials

Middle and side bearing plates are typically manufactured from high-strength aluminum alloy or hot-dip galvanized steel.

Among these materials, aluminum alloy is the most widely used due to its lightweight construction, excellent corrosion resistance, and long service life in outdoor environments.

Installation Process

Installation generally follows these steps:

Secure the main drainage gutter or support beam onto the purlins.
Fasten the middle bearing plates to the drainage gutter using screws or bolts.
Position the solar panels on the bearing plates.
Use mid clamps, end clamps, and fastening bolts to securely lock the PV modules onto the mounting structure.

Conclusion

Although middle bearing plates and side bearing plates are relatively small components within a solar carport system, they perform critical functions in both structural integrity and water management.

By providing reliable module support, improving wind resistance, and integrating with the drainage system, these components significantly enhance the safety, durability, and long-term performance of solar carport installations.