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Comparative LCA of solar panel mounting systems of aluminium and timber beams installed in Norway

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.

Category

Conference poster

Language

English

Affiliation

  • SINTEF Community / Architecture, Materials and Structures

Presented at

International Scientific Conference on the Built Environment in Transition (CISBAT 2025)

Place

Lausanne

Date

03.09.2025 - 05.09.2025

Organizer

Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne (EPFL) and the Smart Living Lab

Date

03.09.2025

Year

2025

View this publication at Norwegian Research Information Repository