Selection of Photovoltaic Mounting Brackets for Color Steel Tile Roofs

I. Color Steel Tiles and Their Applications

Color steel tiles, also known as color-coated profiled steel sheets, are widely used as roofing and wall materials in the construction industry. These tiles are lightweight, easy to transport and install, and offer high strength to withstand wind, snow loads, and other external forces. Thanks to the dual protection of coatings and substrates, color steel tiles exhibit excellent corrosion resistance under various environmental conditions.

The installation process is relatively simple, typically employing methods such as seaming, overlapping, or using self-tapping screws, without requiring complex construction techniques or large-scale equipment. Depending on architectural design needs, color steel tiles can be processed into various shapes (e.g., wave-shaped, trapezoidal, flat) through roll forming to meet different aesthetic and functional requirements. This adaptability makes them highly compatible with photovoltaic mounting brackets.

II. Types of Photovoltaic Mounting Brackets for Color Steel Tile Roofs

Photovoltaic mounting brackets typically consist of rails and bases, available as ready-made or custom-designed components. Common materials include aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and carbon steel. Aluminum alloy is often preferred for its lightweight nature and sufficient strength to meet the demands of roof load-bearing requirements. Since roof shapes vary, the bases are also diverse, generally categorized into the following three types:

1. Clamp-Type Base

• Principle and Structure:
  Clamp-type bases are designed to clip onto the ridges, troughs, or edges of color steel tiles. For standing seam color steel tiles, the clamps are shaped to tightly conform to the tile’s profile and are secured using mechanical clamping force. This type of base is typically made from high-strength aluminum alloy or stainless steel, ensuring it can withstand the weight of photovoltaic systems and external forces.

• Advantages:

• Installation does not require drilling into the tiles, preserving their waterproof layer and reducing the risk of roof leaks.

• Easy to install and remove, facilitating maintenance and roof inspections.

• Compatible with various thicknesses and shapes of color steel tiles, offering broad applicability.

• Disadvantages:

• Limited clamping force may pose stability concerns for large photovoltaic systems or in areas with strong wind and snow loads. Design and selection should consider local climate conditions and system weight to ensure stability.

• Application Scenarios:
  Widely used on color steel tile roofs with high waterproofing requirements, such as industrial plants, warehouses, and commercial buildings. Ideal for small- to medium-sized distributed photovoltaic systems.

2. Self-Tapping Screw Base

• Principle and Structure:
  Self-tapping screw bases are fixed directly to color steel tiles using self-tapping screws. The base has pre-designed screw holes for installation. Screws are driven through the base and tiles into the underlying purlins or structural boards for a secure connection. These bases can be made from steel or aluminum alloy, chosen based on load requirements and cost considerations.

• Advantages:

• Strong, reliable connection capable of bearing heavy loads.

• Proper screw specifications and spacing ensure system stability under various weather conditions.

• Performs better in resisting wind and snow loads compared to clamp-type bases, making it suitable for large photovoltaic systems in harsh environments.

• Disadvantages:

• Drilling into tiles during installation may compromise their waterproof layer, increasing the risk of leaks. Waterproofing measures, such as sealant, are necessary. Installation also requires skilled personnel to ensure quality.

• Application Scenarios:
  Suitable for roofs with sufficient load-bearing capacity, especially in areas with high wind and snow loads (e.g., northern regions). Commonly used in industrial plants and large commercial building photovoltaic systems, particularly for projects requiring high stability.

3. Combination Base (Clamp + Auxiliary Fixation)

• Principle and Structure:
  Combination bases integrate clamps and auxiliary fixtures, such as bolts or hooks. The clamps provide initial fixation on the tiles, while the auxiliary fixtures secure the base to the purlins or structural components, enhancing stability and load capacity.

• Advantages:

• Combines the waterproofing benefits of clamp-type bases with the high load-bearing capacity of self-tapping screw bases.

• Ensures system stability under complex weather conditions and heavy loads.

• Versatile for various tile types and photovoltaic system scales through thoughtful design and installation.

• Disadvantages:

• More complex structure and installation process, requiring specialized tools and higher costs.

• Demands skilled construction personnel for proper installation and maintenance.

• Application Scenarios:
  Ideal for large photovoltaic systems with stringent waterproofing and stability requirements, or for retrofitting existing roofs without damaging the original waterproof layer. Commonly used in high-end commercial buildings or industrial plants requiring structural integrity.

III. Conclusion

The above three types of mounting brackets are suitable for color steel tile roofs, with specific designs tailored to different roof shapes. If you have any requirements, please feel free to contact us.