Aimed at cutting the overall cost of solar plants, GREEN ENERG OBTAINED FROM PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS SUPPORTED BY METALSISTEM STEEL STRUCTURES METALSISTEM s Research and Development Department has developped a series of specific items and accessories designed as a modular system for the support of solar panels. Based on the peculiar SUPER 4-5-6 upright section, this system is highly fl exible and allows for a boltless assembly of solar panels. Read through the next pages to view different applications and solutions achieved with the new system. 29/10/2010 controllato Pagina 01 di 08
1 Ground mounted systems In this application, solar panels are assembled into arrays on a mounting system, made from bipost uprights and beams. The beams allow for a uniformly distributed support of the solar panels at pitches of 33 mm, thus avoiding defl ection of the solar panels, stagnation or backwater. One of the main advantages of the system is that the solar panels are fastened onto the rack by means of a boltless system. METALSISTEM also offers highly cost effective fencing solutions for solar parks, with fencing heights of up to 2 metres. 29/10/2010 controllato Pagina 02 di 08
2 Flat Roof In this case the solar panel support structure is designed according to individual requirements and fi xed onto an existing fl at roof, allowing for the most convenient inclination of the solar panels. The support frames may be designed for 1, 2, 3 or 4 solar panels to be inserted vertically. 29/10/2010 controllato Pagina 03 di 08
3 Pitched Roof In this case, the previous roofi ng is substituted by a new roof structure whereby the inclined part of the roofi ng is used for the application of solar panels and the remaining vertical sides are clad or equipped with roof windows. 29/10/2010 controllato Pagina 04 di 08
4 Cantilever Roofs - Solar Sheds A cantilevered structure allows for surfaces to support solar panels. 29/10/2010 controllato Pagina 05 di 08
5 Wintergarden & Greenhouses at single or multiple pitches, covered by solar panels Inclination of solar panels towards the south, allowing for plenty of light to enter into the structure through the remaining sides. 29/10/2010 controllato Pagina 06 di 08
6 Pallet Racking Installation integrated with solar panels This is an innovative combination whereby the load bearing function of a pallet racking installation has been integrated with a support structure on top designed to support solar panels. 29/10/2010 controllato Pagina 07 di 08
Technical notes The various supporting systems are based on a patented, modular, adjustable upright section used in many other applications as well, mainly within industrial storage. Given that the items are manufactured within a fully automated manufacture process and mass production within our premises, they distinguish themselves by a remarkable cost effi ciency and competitiveness. The system is designed with a specifi c fastening device allowing for a quick and easy assembly of the solar panels. The single solar panels are inserted into the supports and subsequently locked by a patented, boltless antitheft device. The overall system is extremely versatile, allowing for an easy adjustment of inclination and pitches according to the single project requirements. Once assembled, the supporting structures are very solid, sturdy and able to withstand both the outside environment as well as the loads to which they are subjected. Given that the system allows for multiple and uniformly distributed support points for the solar panels, the same are less subject to tension, thus avoiding microfractures and subsequent loss of performance. The multiple support points also help to avoid stagnation and backwater as well as potential oxidation. Compared to other systems made from aluminium, steel provides a higher resistance against thermal expansion, thus avoiding overstress on the solar panels. The system has been conceived with various accessories designed for the easy integration and fastening of different components and ancillary equipment of solar plants, such as busways, boards, etc. The profi les are made from prime quality, zinc coated steel (zinc coating according to the SENDZIMIR procedure) ensuring a high level of durability. For increased protection, the profi les may be additionally powdercoated. Both upright and beam sections are made from completely closed box sections, without perforations, cuts or holes. Thanks to the closed sections and a fastening system that is fully adjustable, the system withstands the outside environment much better compared to other systems presenting areas with cuts or perforations that are susceptible to atmospheric corrosion. Given that the system is boltless, assembly times may be reduced up to -30%. Fencings made from zinc coated steel ensure a high level of durability. Thanks to the utmost ease of assembly, METALSISTEM fencings distinguish themselves today by an unequalled cost effi ciency. 29/10/2010 controllato Pagina 08 di 08