Abstract
Due to climate change, the ongoing transition to renewable energy sources has created demand for solar panel support structures. Currently, most of these structures are built either in aluminium or steel, with concrete blocks providing ballast against uplift forces. The potential environmental savings of applying timber instead of aluminium are quantified in the specific case study in Norwegian climate conditions and a fixing system solution from a local supplier (LOBAS AS). Timber-beam mounting system with steel connectors and fixings has, on average, 76% less kg CO2-eq/m2 emissions than the aluminium-profile system with aluminium connectors and steel fixings in the production stage. Reuse of reclaimed impregnated timber can result in up to 30% further emission savings, while remaining production emissions are locked in steel connectors.