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Solar panel mounting structures

The demand for solar panel systems and therefore their mounting structures is steadily increasing, driving the search for ever more optimal solutions. While cold-formed sections stand out as the most effective and eco-friendly choice, they also present numerous mechanical challenges, including consideration of local and distortional buckling, shear and rotation restraints, and eccentricities.

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Consteel provides a comprehensive solution specifically developed for cold-formed members, offering complete design calculations.

With our platform, you gain the ability to study, understand, and control the behavior of your structure. Consteel equips you with the resources to expand your knowledge base and rediscover the joy of structural design.

Specific Feature Solutions for Solar Panel Mounting Structures in Consteel

Parametric cold-formed profiles

Extended possibilities are provided for our users to define the most commonly used types of cold-formed sections parametrically. Z, C, Sigma, Zeta, hat, L and closed profiles are all available with possible web, flange and edge stiffeners where applicable. Definition is straightforward and design is handled through General Method in a fully Eurocode-conform way with the consideration of supplementary rules of EN 1993-1-3.

Exact analysis of structural eccentricities

In Consteel, the structure can be modelled as it is in reality concerning eccentricities too. Deformations and internal forces caused by the eccentricities of loads, supports or connections are fully considered. No further action is needed after correct modelling to apply the effects in design calculations.

Global buckling analysis

Global buckling analysis serves Consteel’s automatic stability design based on the General Method of EN 1993-1-1. It is a linear eigenvalue analysis performed on the whole structural model calculating the elastic critical load levels and connected buckling shapes showing the relevant modes of stability loss. All global buckling modes (flexural, torsional, and lateral-torsional buckling, and any interactions of these) are calculated, visualized and can be used for automatic design.

Local and distortional buckling design of parametric cold-formed profiles

In Consteel, numerous different cold-formed sections can be defined parametrically, including Z, C, U, Sigma, Zeta and hat sections with variations of edge, flange and web stiffeners. Complete design calculation is provided for all of them considering local buckling according to EN 1993-1-5 and distortional buckling as per EN 1993-1-3 and interaction of those, fully automatically.

Design support for custom cold-formed profiles

Besides, several parametrically defined cold-formed sections, custom profiles can also be created in Consteel. Profile definition includes not only drawing geometry but setting standard parameters too. Therefore, complete design calculation is provided for custom cold-formed profiles considering local buckling according to EN 1993-1-5 and distortional buckling as per EN 1993-1-3 and interaction of those, fully automatically.

ReferenceS by OUR users

Solar panel mounting structure, Hungary

Solar park FV – 55MW

How can consteel enhance your work?

Advanced modeling and structural analysis of photovoltaic tracking systems

This time, we will take a look at the pioneering technologies used and developed by one of our customers, as well as the implementation in Consteel software for the structural design process, which has allowed them to evaluate and design to the significant loads that a solar panel support structure can be subjected to. The benefits of using Consteel in terms of workflow and productivity will also be demonstrated.

Array Technologies (STI Norland) is a company founded in Spain dedicated to the construction and implementation of photovoltaic utilization projects, including both tracking systems and fixed systems. In 2002, it built the world’s first solar tracking plant in Navarra.

TRUSTED EXPERIENCE

ConSteel Solutions Ltd. is a software developer company specialized in structural analysis and design for steel, composite structures with more than 25 years of experience in steel design.

Pioneer innovations

We continuously research and implement the most modern ways of steel design based on high-level, integrated numerical analysis. We are also seriously dealing with design issues outside of the standard methods in order to offer practical solutions for the engineers in these complex fields as well.

Unparalleled support

With Consteel, you benefit from expert local support and valuable guidance at every stage, provided by our highly regarded and experienced support team. We’re proud that our users are satisfied with the support they receive.

knowledge behind consteel

Connected categories

What can you do with Consteel?

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Cold-formed structures
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What can you do with Consteel?

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Distortional buckling of cold-formed profiles
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