Design of Steel Profiles with Similar Characteristics to the Aluminum Profiles Used in Solar Panels

This study aims to design and produce steel profiles to replace aluminum t-channel profiles in the construction of solar energy panels. In the design of the steel profile, considerations such as the inertial forces acting on the profile, suitability for assembly compared to t-channel structures, and competitiveness in terms of price were taken into account, and strength calculations were theoretically calculated. The steel profile was designed using Solidworks software and analyzed using the Finite Element Method. The analyses were completed using the Apex-Nastran software. According to analysis results, steel profile that has 1 mm thickness, is can use instead of aluminum profile that has 1,5 mm thickness. It was observed that the displacement of the designed steel profile was 50% smaller than that of the aluminum profile. The roll forming method was chosen as the production method for the steel profiles, providing an advantage in terms of carbon emissions compared to the existing extrusion method. Based on the conducted investigations and analyses, it was decided that the designed steel profile could be used instead of the aluminum profile.