Single or multi-post structures that elevate one or more panels on a central pole. These systems require precise structural checks for overturning, torsion, and wind pressure, especially for elevated and adjustable designs.
Solar Structures & Mounting Systems
With Dlubal Software, you can model, analyze, and design any type of photovoltaic support structures and mounting systems efficiently. From load determination to verification of steel, aluminum, and concrete parts, all steps are integrated into one consistent environment for code-compliant design.


Structural Types of Solar Panel Support Systems
From simple frames to advanced tracking systems – analyze and optimize all solar support structures using our comprehensive structural design solution.


Ground Mounting Structure
Robust support systems anchored directly to the ground, typically using driven piles or concrete foundations. Ideal for large-scale solar farms, these structures can be easily modeled and optimized to withstand wind, snow, and seismic loads.

Roof Mounting Structure
Attached to flat or pitched roofs, these lightweight systems must account for the roof’s load-bearing capacity, wind uplift, and panel angle optimization. They include both fixed and ballasted options suitable for various roof types.

Carport Mounting Structure
Dual-purpose steel or aluminum frames that provide shelter while supporting solar panels. These open-sided structures must be designed to resist dynamic loads, snow accumulation, and ensure effective drainage.
Key Products for Solar Support Design
RFEM 6
Dlubal's powerful structural analysis software RFEM 6 is ideal for designing photovoltaic support structures. Whether you're modeling steel frames, aluminum rails, or concrete foundations, this 3D simulation tool based on the finite element method provides an intuitive and efficient workflow for designing safe and reliable solar panel systems.

Experience advanced wind flow simulation with RWIND 3. Using a digital wind tunnel, it provides precise wind load data for designing stable and optimized solar panel structures.
Plan your solar projects with confidence. The Geo-Zone Tool delivers site-specific wind, snow, and seismic data worldwide, ensuring your structures are tailored to real local conditions from the very start.
Design with precision using RSECTION 1. This versatile tool calculates complex cross-sections for solar panel supports, whether you're working with thin-walled steel profiles or solid aluminum components.
Design and verify the entire supporting structure of your PV system – including stress analysis, joint design, and foundation checks.
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Steel Joints Design
Design your solar panel structures down to the last detail with the Steel Joints add-on in RFEM!
Model and analyze realistic bolted or welded connections for steel support systems, ensuring accurate stress distribution and reliable performance in all conditions. -
Load Determination
With Dlubal’s integrated load determination, you can retrieve site-specific wind, snow, and seismic data directly from the Geo-Zone Tool saving time and ensuring accurate, reliable designs. For advanced wind analysis, RWIND simulates wind flow around your structure using CFD methods to determine detailed surface pressure distributions. These wind loads are automatically transferred to RFEM 6, where they can be visualized and used for structural analysis and design.
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Stability Analysis and Dynamic Analysis
Our software solution provides comprehensive support for structural design in seismic zones and global stability assessment. Advanced dynamic analysis is available through add-ons such as Time History Analysis and Pushover Analysis. Nonlinear behavior of structural elements is considered using code-based plastic hinges according to FEMA 356 (for steel structures). The resulting displacement of the structure can be determined according to the requirements of Eurocode 8, ensuring realistic and safe designs even under demanding conditions.
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Cold-Formed SectionsWith RSECTION 1, you can accurately analyze complex or cold-formed cross-sections. The program calculates all essential geometric and mechanical properties, including plastic limit states and behavior of multi-material sections. It enables stress analysis for axial forces, bending, shear, torsion, and warping, and evaluates equivalent stresses using the von Mises, Tresca, or Rankine criteria.




Join Leading Companies Designing With Dlubal
Native Wind Load Transfer from
RWIND 3 to RFEM 6
RWIND 3 simulates wind flow around solar panel assemblies using advanced CFD techniques, capturing localized pressure effects on supporting frames and surfaces. These wind load results are natively transferred to RFEM 6, where they are applied to the structural model for detailed analysis of internal forces, deformations, and overall system stability. This ensures reliable and optimized design of mounting systems under realistic wind conditions.


Reduce Material & Cost with Design Optimization
Modeling
Create flexible and adaptable models using custom template files or scripting. Easily modify geometry, materials, or loads to explore different design variations without rebuilding your model from scratch.
Connectivity
Seamlessly connect RFEM 6 to external tools like Revit, Python, or Grasshopper. Use the API Service (gRPC) a Python-based solution to automate model generation, loading, or evaluation – all tailored to your specific project needs.
Optimize your model and reduce costs with AI-powered tools. Use the Optimization & CO₂ Estimation add-on to automatically find the most efficient design, estimate CO₂ emissions (GWP), and calculate project costs based on unit prices.
Use our powerful API to automate model generation, load application, and result evaluation. By integrating automation into your design process, you can significantly streamline workflows, reduce repetitive tasks, and accelerate project completion.

