Light solutions. Bright solutions.
Profiles and components for solar frames and mounting systems • Photovoltaic module frames • Solar thermal collector frames • Solar mounting system solutions • Thermal collectors • Solar inverter solutions • Heat sinks • Cabinets • CSP structures • Customer team • Research • Product
development • Production • Logistics • Transportation solutions • Green transportations • Smart packaging • Overall solutions • Global production • Idea, design & construction • Extrusion • Surface
treatment • Anodising • Painting • Special surfaces • Screen printing • Mechanical surface treatment
• Machining and fabrication • Hydroforming • Friction Stir Welding • Profiles in stock • Courses and education • Knowledge bank • Technical support • Feasibility studies • Re-designing existing products
• Pre-assembled structures • Profiles and components for solar frames and mounting systems • Photovoltaic module frames • Solar thermal collector frames • Solar mounting system solutions
• PV plant units • PV rooftop units • Thermal collectors • Solar inverter solutions • Heat sinks •
Cabinets • CSP structures • Customer team • Research • Product development • Production • Logistics • Transportation solutions • Green transportations • Smart packaging • Overall solutions • Global production • Idea, design & construction • Extrusion • Surface treatment • Anodising • Pain-
ting • Special surfaces • Screen printing • Mechanical surface treatment • Machining and fabrication
• Hydroforming • Friction Stir Welding • Profiles in stock • Courses and education • Knowledge bank • Technical support • Feasibility studies • Re-designing existing products • Pre-assembled structures • Profiles and components for solar frames and mounting systems • Photovoltaic module frames •
Solar thermal collector frames • Solar mounting system solutions • PV plant units • PV rooftop units • Thermal collectors • Solar inverter solutions • Heat sinks • Cabinets • CSP structures •
Customer team • Research • Product development • Production • Logistics • Transportation solutions • Green transportations • Smart packaging • Overall solutions • Global production • Idea, design & construction • Extrusion • Surface treatment • Anodising • Painting • Special surfaces • Screen
printing • Mechanical surface treatment • Machining and fabrication • Hydroforming • Friction Stir
Welding • Profiles in stock • Courses and education • Knowledge bank • Technical support • Feasibility studies • Re-designing existing products • Pre-assembled structures • Profiles and components for
solar frames and mounting systems • Photovoltaic module frames • Solar thermal collector frames
• Solar mounting system solutions • PV plant units • PV rooftop units • Thermal collectors • Solar inverter solutions • Heat sinks • Cabinets • CSP structures • Customer team • Research • Product
development • Production • Logistics • Transportation solutions • Green transportations • Smart packaging • Overall solutions • Global production • Idea, design & construction • Extrusion • Surface
treatment • Anodising • Painting • Special surfaces • Screen printing • Mechanical surface treatment
• Machining and fabrication • Hydroforming • Friction Stir Welding • Profiles in stock • Courses and education • Knowledge bank • Technical support • Feasibility studies • Re-designing existing products
• Pre-assembled structures • Profiles and components for solar frames and mounting systems • Photovoltaic module frames • Solar thermal collector frames • Solar mounting system solutions •
PV plant units • PV rooftop units • Thermal collectors • Solar inverter solutions • Heat sinks • Cabinets • CSP structures • Customer team • Research • Product development • Production • Logistics •
Transportation solutions • Green transportations • Smart packaging • Overall solutions • Global production • Idea, design & construction • Extrusion • Surface treatment • Anodising • Painting • Special
surfaces • Screen printing • Mechanical surface treatment • Machining and fabrication • Hydroforming • Friction Stir Welding • Profiles in stock • Courses Profiles and components for solar frames and
As the world’s leading manufacturer of aluminium profiles, Sapa also enjoys a strong position in the solar industry. Our success is largely due to the material. As aluminium is not just a light solution – it is also a bright solution. As well as being lightweight, it is strong and durable. Aluminium also resists corrosion, is easy to machine and has a high finish. We offer endless opportunities for profiles to be tailored to specific customer requirements, and we have finetuned our logistics chain all the way from factory to customer. So how can we light up your business?
MPa E2= 12 GP a
0
E1= 75 GP a €
Three times lighter than steel. The difference between aluminium and steel is striking. The fact is that aluminium comes in at just a third of the weight of steel – while also being strong and durable. That goes a long way towards explaining the incredible success that aluminium profiles have enjoyed in the solar industry in recent years. The benefits of the low weight are clear in every part of the chain – transport runs more smoothly, freight costs are lower, installation is easier and on-site handling is simpler.
A wide range of solar energy applications. We offer specialist profile solutions for all types of business in the solar industry. As a global player, we have the procedures and capacity to deliver huge volumes if required.
Experience from hundreds of thousands of designs. As the world’s largest manufacturer of aluminium profiles, we have built up an enormous bank of knowledge. Our experience stretches across hundreds of thousands of designs in a whole host of areas. Every one of these designs has been the answer to one or more of the questions we always ask ourselves: Can it be made more ingeniously, more easily, more rapidly or more cost-effectively? The focus is on finding a shortcut for our customers by coming up with a solution to a given problem – a shortcut that can also become a competitive advantage.
A partner for companies in construction, transport, manufacturing, furniture – and the solar industry. Sapa is currently in close cooperation with leading companies in practically every industry, all around the globe, and the same is now true in the solar industry – our clients include many of the biggest names in the sector. Whatever the industry, the recipe for success is always the same: The earlier we are integrated into the product development, the more value we can add and the more active a role we can play. In the most advanced form of partnership, we are a fully integrated part of the customer’s production chain – with all that entails in terms of quality criteria, delivery reliability and logistics.
Usable with any size or type of module.
A wide range of different surface treatments: anodising, powder coating in different colours.
We put energy into every detail. There is enormous scope to integrate customised functions into our profiles. We at Sapa are prepared to go a long way to meet your requirements and to ensure that you get exactly what you want – and sometimes even what you didn’t even know was possible. We have expert knowledge of the material and its potential, a huge bank of experience to draw inspiration from, plus leading edge technology and production methods. Our ambition is always to finish the products as much as possible before they reach you, saving you time, and thus money, on the final installation. We have also launched a brand new type of frame that ensures minimal need for machining. The profiles join up simply and securely, without the need for any drilling, punching or other work. Our new profiles also have many other advantages, including an integral function for water drainage.
No sharp edges makes deburring unnecessary and therefore enhances workplace safety. No mitre cut required – means material savings.
No drilling needed for earthing. Screw channel for attaching earthing screw integrated in corner bracket.
Reduction in sawing costs – batch sawing of profiles.
Integrated water drainage, without any additional drilling.
PV modules
Inverter heat sink
Framed sunshine
Thermal collectors Solutions Inverter cabinets Focus on CSP Mounting systems
PV plants PV installations for rooftops
Thermal collectors for rooftops
Photovoltaic modules with simple mounting and high finish. As photovoltaic modules (PV) become increasingly commonplace in public environments, the demand for a smart appearance and finish is also on the up, this naturally very much includes the frames. Our profiles have long been known for their discreet style and high surface finish. As well as offering a wide range of custom design options, we can finish the product exactly to your requirements. Anodising in natural or black is just one example.
Mounting systems for all kinds of solar applications. Sapa offers mounting systems for a wide range of solar energy applications – from large scale PV plants to rooftop installations. Around the world, companies are discovering the clear benefits of switching to lightweight aluminium for mounting systems. In Germany, one of the leading countries in Europe on the solar front, aluminium has long been the most common material for such systems. As the world’s leading manufacturer of aluminium profiles, Sapa is also the dominant supplier of aluminium mounting systems – whatever type you need. Customers can choose to have profiles delivered surface treated, anodised or power coated; machine processed, milled, drilled, cut or bent, or pre-assembled into larger aluminium structures.
For PV plants, including some of the largest in the world. Our aluminium profiles are used here to install banks of PV modules. In some cases, these might number several thousand, which makes these plants among the biggest in the world. Aluminium is the perfect material for these mounting systems, once again because of its low weight, superb durability and high finish. The lack of weight means that the installation work can be carried out manually, without the need to hire in cranes and machinery. In this area, it is often a question of delivering enormous quantities of material to a given location at a given time. So it is obviously an advantage to have a partner who can handle large volumes and who has a well developed logistics chain.
For PV rooftop units, which offload the installations. These days, more and more PV modules are being fitted to the roofs of buildings. This is where the low weight of aluminium really comes into its own. Being able to reduce the weight of the mounting system by two thirds at a stroke, compared with steel, is naturally a huge plus. It can actually mean the difference between installation being possible or impossible. Clearly, rooftop installation is also easier if the weight is dramatically reduced. Installation can be made even more straightforward if you let us at Sapa take care of adaptations and pre-assembly at the factory.
And for thermal collectors. With a mounting system in aluminium, the total weight can be cut and, in an often demanding work environment, the low weight has distinct benefits during actual installation. Sapa offers total solutions for mounting systems for thermal collectors. We are also able to package and prepare everything so that a minimum of work remains to be done on site.
Excellent conductivity and surface finish in solar inverters. Sapa aluminium profiles are ideal for use in both cabinets and heat sinks in solar inverters. With its superior malleability and appealing surface finish, aluminium meets growing demand for design excellence in solar inverters. Its low weight also simplifies delivery and installation. Excellent heat dissipation properties make aluminium the natural choice of material for heat sinks, and extruded aluminium has almost two times better conductivity than cast aluminium. Consistently high heat sink performance is vital to ensure long-term trouble-free solar inverter operation. Sapa offers design support to help customers optimise performance of solar inverter heat sinks.
Solar thermal collector frames with emphasis on strength and appearance. Thermal collector frames are becoming an increasingly common sight on roofs around the world. The installation has to fit into its surroundings, stand up to the forces of wind and weather, and preferably also add something to the overall look of the building. Aluminium profiles from Sapa have always offered an extremely high quality finish, but can also be powder coated or anodised if the customer wishes, to harmonise with their planned setting. Thanks to the unique properties of aluminium, the frames are then maintenance free and keep their appearance year after year.
Full focus on Concentrated Solar Power. Right now, this is a strongly expanding area where we at Sapa intend to always remain at the forfront. In recent years, we have also delivered frameworks for installations in North America and Europe. The low weight of aluminium is once again a key factor in the field of CSP. Installation work is made more cost-effective since it can be done manually, while extrusion technology and built-in profile solutions can enable efficient assembly without welding. Erecting large-scale CSP plants really puts logistics to the test. So much has to be coordinated, with sometimes thousands of tonnes of material needing to be phased in at exactly the right time. It is times like these that highlight the benefit of working with a company that is used to handling large volumes and advanced logistics solutions.
Aluminium is a recyclable material. So is knowledge. We are fundamentally committed to passing on new knowledge to our customers on an ongoing basis. A desire for continuous improvement is one of our main drivers. Sapa Technology is our research and development centre, where we have specialists in materials and in manufacturing processes. We also invite customers from around the world to come and develop and improve their products shoulder to shoulder with our experts. You and your company are naturally always welcome here. As our customer, you will also have constant access to technical support in the form of a network of engineers. They are on hand to provide advice and support on everything from different types of preliminary study to the design of products. At every level of our company, there is also an understanding that the step from prototype to product has to be short. In today’s business climate a launch has to take place as soon as possible in order to benefit from any competitive advantage.
The right components in the right place at the right time. Fully prepared products, rigorous quality control, smart logistics solutions and punctual deliveries are a large part of our offering. It doesn’t matter how good the products are, if they are not where they need to be at exactly the right time. If your company wants us to, we are perfectly capable of coordinating the whole logistics chain, including subcontractors and other manufacturers – all to guarantee the greatest precision for deliveries. The low weight of aluminium also brings obvious benefits when it comes to transport – each truckload can carry up to three times as many aluminium parts as the corresponding steel parts. That can make all the difference when you compare transport costs and environmental impact.
We’ll be there throughout the lifetime of your applications. So far, Sapa has been around for around 50 years, and we have every intention of being around for another 50 – or more. One thing remains common to most of our customer relations – they last for many years and are built on mutual trust. We pride ourselves on long-term partnerships with our customers. We are there as long as your applications are there. You are always welcome to put questions to our technical support and discuss modifications, supplementary orders and so on.
One point of entry
wherever your business takes you. The advantage of working with a global manufacturer like Sapa becomes clear when companies want to move on and establish themselves in new markets, in new countries and on new continents. Sapa is currently well established in Europe, North America and Asia. We are able to stay with your company at every stage, wherever in the world you want to head. That means that all the documentation, technical specifications and drawings stay with you, and you will have the same points of contact – people who know your company and know your procedures and expectations. All this almost always makes setting up and conquering a new market much quicker – with the same level of quality assurance.
How can we light up your business? We would very much like to explain how your company can advance its position by taking inspiration from our global knowledge bank. All with a view to refining your market offering. A good way to start is for us to meet, so that we can learn more about your particular situation and what wishes, expectations and requirements you have. The sun never sets on Sapa’s markets.
Profiles and components for solar frames and mounting systems • Photovoltaic module frames • So-
lar thermal collector frames • Solar mounting system solutions • Thermal collectors • Solar inverter solutions • Heat sinks • Cabinets • CSP structures • Customer team • Research • Product develop-
ment • Production • Logistics • Transportation solutions • Green transportations • Smart packaging •
Overall solutions • Global production • Idea, design & construction • Extrusion • Surface treatment • Anodising • Painting • Special surfaces • Screen printing • Mechanical surface treatment • Machining
and fabrication • Hydroforming • Friction Stir Welding • Profiles in stock • Courses and education • Knowledge bank • Technical support • Feasibility studies • Re-designing existing products • Pre-as-
sembled structures • Profiles and components for solar frames and mounting systems • Photovoltaic module frames • Solar thermal collector frames • Solar mounting system solutions • PV plant
units • PV rooftop units • Thermal collectors • Solar inverter solutions • Heat sinks • Cabinets • CSP structures • Customer team • Research • Product development • Production • Logistics • Transpor-
tation solutions • Green transportations • Smart packaging • Overall solutions • Global production • Idea, design & construction • Extrusion • Surface treatment • Anodising • Painting • Special surfaces
• Screen printing • Mechanical surface treatment • Machining and fabrication • Hydroforming • Friction
Stir Welding • Profiles in stock • Courses and education • Knowledge bank • Technical support • Feasibility studies • Re-designing existing products • Pre-assembled structures • Profiles and components
for solar frames and mounting systems • Photovoltaic module frames • Solar thermal collector frames • Solar mounting system solutions • PV plant units • PV rooftop units • Thermal collectors • Solar inverter solutions • Heat sinks • Cabinets • CSP structures • Customer team • Research • Pro-
duct development • Production • Logistics • Transportation solutions • Green transportations • Smart packaging • Overall solutions • Global production • Idea, design & construction • Extrusion • Surface
treatment • Anodising • Painting • Special surfaces • Screen printing • Mechanical surface treatment • Machining and fabrication • Hydroforming • Friction Stir Welding • Profiles in stock • Courses and
education • Knowledge bank • Technical support • Feasibility studies • Re-designing existing products • Pre-assembled structures • Profiles and components for solar frames and mounting systems • Photovoltaic module frames • Solar thermal collector frames • Solar mounting system solutions •
PV plant units • PV rooftop units • Thermal collectors • Solar inverter solutions • Heat sinks • Cabi-
nets • CSP structures • Customer team • Research • Product development • Production • Logistics • Transportation solutions • Green transportations • Smart packaging • Overall solutions • Global pro-
duction • Idea, design & construction • Extrusion • Surface treatment • Anodising • Painting • Special
surfaces • Screen printing • Mechanical surface treatment • Machining and fabrication • Hydroforming • Friction Stir Welding • Profiles in stock • Courses and education • Knowledge bank • Technical support • Feasibility studies • Re-designing existing products • Pre-assembled structures • Profiles and
components for solar frames and mounting systems • Photovoltaic module frames • Solar thermal collector frames • Solar mounting system solutions • PV plant units • PV rooftop units • Thermal collectors • Solar inverter solutions • Heat sinks • Cabinets • CSP structures • Customer team •
Research • Product development • Production • Logistics • Transportation solutions • Green transportations • Smart packaging • Overall solutions • Global production • Idea, design & construction • Extrusion • Surface treatment • Anodising • Painting • Special surfaces • Screen printing • Mechanical
surface treatment • Machining and fabrication • Hydroforming • Friction Stir Welding • Profiles in stock • Courses Profiles and components for solar frames and mounting systems • Photovol
The sun never sets on Sapa’s markets.
www.sapagroup.com/solar