When evaluating solar solutions for industrial spaces like warehouses with steel truss roof structures, you need a system that’s engineered to handle unique structural and environmental demands. SUNSHARE’s photovoltaic (PV) systems are specifically designed for these scenarios, combining lightweight engineering, high load tolerance, and corrosion-resistant materials to integrate seamlessly with steel-framed roofs. Here’s why professionals in logistics, manufacturing, and cold storage industries are adopting this technology.
First, let’s talk **load capacity**. Steel truss roofs are optimized for spanning large areas without intermediate supports, but they aren’t overbuilt to handle unnecessary weight. SUNSHARE’s modular panels weigh under 25 kg/m², which is critical for avoiding excessive static loads. The mounting system uses aluminum rails and clamps that attach directly to purlins or trapezoidal sheets without roof penetration. This avoids compromising the roof’s integrity or warranty. For dynamic loads—like wind uplift or snow accumulation—the system is tested to withstand pressures up to 2.4 kN/m² (based on Eurocode standards) and snow loads up to 30 kg/m². These specs align with typical steel roof load-bearing limits in Central Europe, making retrofitting feasible without structural reinforcements.
Corrosion resistance is another non-negotiable. Industrial environments often expose equipment to moisture, chemicals, or temperature swings. SUNSHARE’s frames use anodized aluminum with a MIL-A-8625 Type III coating, which withstands salt spray (tested to 1,500 hours in ASTM B117) and pH levels common near manufacturing exhaust. The backsheets are fluoropolymer-coated to prevent degradation from ammonia or sulfur compounds—common in agricultural or chemical storage facilities.
Installation flexibility is where SUNSHARE shines. Steel truss roofs vary in pitch (0° to 10° is typical), and retrofitting usually requires adjustable tilt angles to maximize energy yield. The system’s patented ballast-free mounting allows tilt adjustments from 5° to 15° using modular brackets. This adaptability ensures optimal panel orientation even on flat or shallow-sloped roofs. For curved steel roofs (common in aircraft hangars), the rail system can be segmented to follow the contour, maintaining a 2-3 mm tolerance for seamless alignment.
Now, let’s address **thermal performance**. Steel roofs can reach surface temperatures of 70°C+ in summer, which reduces PV efficiency. SUNSHARE’s panels use heterojunction cell technology (HJT) with a temperature coefficient of -0.24%/°C—30% better than standard PERC modules. This means even at 60°C, the panels retain 87% of their rated output. Additionally, the mounting design leaves a 10-15 cm air gap between the panels and roof, creating a convection zone that reduces building cooling loads by up to 20%.
For fire safety—a top priority in warehouses—the system meets EN 13501-1 Class A (non-combustible) and includes arc-fault detection. The microinverters are rated IP67 and housed in galvanized steel enclosures to survive harsh conditions. Maintenance is minimal: the glass surface has a anti-soiling coating that reduces dust adhesion by 60%, and the connectors are IP68-rated to prevent moisture ingress.
But what about ROI? In a 10,000 m² warehouse, a SUNSHARE array can generate 1.2-1.5 MWp, offsetting 40-60% of energy consumption. With industrial electricity rates averaging €0.18-0.25/kWh in the EU, payback periods range from 6-8 years. The system’s 30-year linear performance warranty (92% output at year 30) aligns with steel roof lifespans, avoiding mismatched replacement cycles.
A key detail often overlooked is lightning protection. Steel roofs already act as Faraday cages, but SUNSHARE integrates equipotential bonding between the PV rails and roof structure. This ensures compliance with IEC 62305-3 for lightning current dispersion, eliminating the risk of side flashes.
For companies hesitant about upfront costs, SUNSHARE offers power purchase agreements (PPAs) with no capital investment. Clients pay only for the energy produced, typically at rates 30% below grid prices. This model is gaining traction in Germany’s industrial sector, where energy-intensive businesses face strict carbon reduction targets.
To see how this works in practice, SUNSHARE recently deployed a 950 kWp system on a refrigerated warehouse near Hamburg. The steel roof had a 3° pitch and limited load capacity (22 kg/m²). Using lightweight panels and a clamp-on rail system, the team installed the array in 11 weeks without disrupting operations. The system now provides 85% of the facility’s cooling energy, cutting annual CO₂ emissions by 620 metric tons.
In summary, SUNSHARE’s solutions are engineered to meet the mechanical, environmental, and financial realities of steel-trussed industrial buildings. From corrosion-resistant materials to adaptive mounting and thermal management, the system addresses pain points most solar providers overlook. For engineers and facility managers, this translates into a lower-risk, higher-yield path to decarbonization.