Steel supporting solar energy

Steel beams and sections are used in photovoltaic parks, solar frameworks and panel supports, both fixed and tracking systems. Selection depends on geometry, loads, connections and site conditions. Prefabricated elements and connections designed for assembly can facilitate construction; piles and foundations should be selected based on geotechnical assessment of the ground.

Sections to consider

  • HEA and HEB: posts and load-bearing frames, subject to the project’s structural checks.
  • IPE: beams and crossmembers supporting rows of modules.
  • UPN and UPE: rails and secondary members; angles and flats for brackets, connections and bracing.
  • H- or C-section driven piles: may reduce concrete use where ground conditions, testing and geotechnical design permit.

Steel grades and structural checks

The design may specify S235JR, S275JR or S355J2 to EN 10025-2, including toughness appropriate to service conditions. The higher strength of S355 can allow optimization; potential section savings also depend on stiffness, buckling and fatigue, which must be checked during sizing. The selection must be verified by the designer.

Corrosion protection and durability

For fabricated articles within its scope, EN ISO 1461 defines hot-dip galvanizing requirements and tests. Exposure conditions guide protection selection, including possible zinc-and-paint duplex systems. Expected service life should be assessed against coating thickness, detailing, soil characteristics and planned maintenance. The specification must distinguish atmospheric and buried exposure.

Loads, piles and trackers

Wind, snow and thermal actions must be assessed under the relevant parts of EN 1991, alongside seismic actions and applicable national requirements. EN 1993 addresses steel structural checks; in Italy, the framework includes the applicable NTC provisions. Single-axis trackers also require assessment of dynamic actions and fatigue where relevant. Piles and foundations need geotechnical checks; rooftop installations also require assessment of the existing structure.

Dismantling, recycling and reuse

Steel is recyclable; actual recovery depends on collection, separation and recycling processes. Demountable connections can facilitate component recovery. Reuse requires an assessment distinct from recycling, including identification, traceability and verification of suitability for the new application. Environmental impacts must be assessed over the life cycle of the specific solution.

Documentation and supply enquiries

CE marking based on EN 1090-1 concerns structural components within its scope and the conditions of the applicable CPR framework; bars and sections require identification of the relevant product specification. State the required documentation, any EN 10204 3.1 certificate, drawings, quantities, destination and timing in the enquiry. Cutting, drilling and galvanizing must be requested and confirmed in the quotation, together with availability and supply terms.

Sources and further reading

General informational content. Refer to the applicable standard, project specification and designer for material selection.

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