Cold as an influencing factor on PV SUBCONSTRUCTIONS
Low temperatures have a direct effect on the physical properties of materials and components. While some materials lose their resistance and become more brittle in the cold, the elasticity, elongation behavior and load-bearing capacity of others change.
This means for PV substructures:
Not only must they be able to bear high static loads, they must also be able to absorb temperature-related stresses - for example due to thermal changes in length or changing loads caused by snow, ice and thaw cycles.
Quality starts with the material
The mounting solutions from AEROCOMPACT are predominantly made of high-quality aluminum and corrosion-protected steel components. These materials offer decisive advantages for use in cold climate zones:
ALUMINUM - LIGHT, STABLE AND COLD-RESISTANT
- Retains its mechanical strength even at low temperatures
- No brittle breaking mechanisms
- Low dead weight reduces additional roof or foundation loads
- Good corrosion resistance, even with moisture and melting snow
STEEL COMPONENTS - SPECIFICALLY USED FOR MAXIMUM LOAD-BEARING CAPACITY
- High strength for highly stressed connection points
- Designed for dynamic loads caused by wind and snow
- Appropriately coated and protected for long-term outdoor use
The combination of aluminum profiles and steel components ensures an optimum balance of stability, durability and efficiency.
SNOW LOAD - WHAT FORCES ARE ACTUALLY AT WORK?
Not all snow is the same. The decisive factor for the design of a PV system is the characteristic snow load, which varies greatly depending on the region, altitude above sea level and the slope of the roof or terrain.
Some general guide values:
- Fresh powder snow: approx. 30-50 kg/m²
- Compacted old snow: 100-200 kg/m²
- Wet snow or icy snow: up to 300 kg/m² and more
In alpine regions or higher snow load zones, even more than 500 kg/m² may be required by standards. These loads act in addition to the dead weight of the PV system and must be safely absorbed on a permanent basis.
Particularly critical are
- Snow drifts
- Asymmetrical load distribution
- Sliding snow from higher roof surfaces
WHY PLANNING IS CRUCIAL
In practice, snow, wind and cold influences rarely occur in isolation. High snow loads are often accompanied by strong wind events and low temperatures. While snow acts primarily as a permanent additional load, wind generates dynamic forces such as suction, buoyancy and thrust - especially in edge and corner areas and at connector brackets.
Careful planning is therefore essential for a safe PV substructure. Materials and systems can only be selected correctly if combined load cases under winter conditions are taken into account.
Our AEROTOOL makes it possible to systematically analyze project-specific parameters, including:
- Location and regional snow and wind load zones
- Building height or terrain topography
- Roof or ground conditions
- Module orientation and tilt angle
- Temperature ranges and relevant safety factors
CONCLUSION: RELIABLE PERFORMANCE EVEN IN FROST, WIND AND SNOW
Extreme weather conditions require well thought-out designs and a deep understanding of material behavior. With high-quality materials, snow, wind and cold-tested systems and intelligent planning, AEROCOMPACT offers solutions that function reliably even under extreme winter conditions - for safe PV systems all year round.