The first thing you need to know is that the choice should not be based solely on the material. To determine the right solution, the system needs to be assessed: the type of roof, the loads, the arrangement of the supports, whether the structure is continuous or discontinuous, and the installation conditions.
The environment has a particularly significant impact on the choice in marine or aggressive industrial environments; in other locations, factors such as strength, weight, ease of installation and cost tend to play a greater role.
Steel offers high mechanical strength and is generally more cost-effective. In a conventional photovoltaic installation, this greater strength can make it possible to optimise the distance between supports, always in accordance with the system calculations.
INDEX® steel profiles can be cut and configured to size, making them easy to adapt to each project. In addition, the Atlantis C4-M coating provides corrosion protection and self-healing properties on cut edges or minor scratches.
Aluminium offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, resulting in lighter components that are easier to transport, handle and install. It naturally forms a stable passive oxide layer that provides good protection against corrosion.
Its high thermal conductivity also promotes heat dissipation and helps prevent heat from becoming concentrated at specific points in the structure. In addition, aluminium is highly recyclable.
Anodised aluminium retains the advantages of natural aluminium while adding an extra layer of surface protection that significantly increases its corrosion resistance. It is particularly recommended for marine or aggressive industrial environments, where environmental exposure requires enhanced surface performance.
As a general guideline, aluminium is the standard solution, anodised aluminium is suitable when enhanced surface performance against corrosion is required, and Atlantis C4-M steel is an attractive option when looking for a robust, structurally efficient and configurable solution.
However, the final choice should always be validated based on the system as a whole and the actual conditions of the project.