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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 ingoing transition to renewable energy sources has created demand for solar panel support structures. Currently most of these structures are build 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 on the specific case study in Norwegian climate conditions and fixing system solution from local supplier (LOBAS AS). Timber-beam mounting system with steel connectors and fixings has on average 76% less kg CO2-eq/m 2 emissions than aluminium-profile system with aluminium connectors and steel fixings in production stage. Reuse of reclaimed impregnated timber can results in up to 30% further emission saving while remaining production emissions are locked in steel connectors.
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Category

Academic article

Language

English

Affiliation

  • SINTEF Community / Architecture, Materials and Structures

Date

01.11.2025

Year

2025

Published in

Journal of Physics: Conference Series (JPCS)

ISSN

1742-6588

Volume

3140

Issue

13

Page(s)

1 - 8

View this publication at Norwegian Research Information Repository