Carries the modules across the rafters
Solar C purlins run along each table, and the module clamps or rails are bolted to them.
Ground Mountings & Purlins
C Purlin
C Purlin for solar structures is a lipped C section that runs across the rafters of a solar table and carries the module rails or the modules directly. It is cut to length and punched to the module layout before galvanizing. Specify depth, thickness, length, hole pattern, finish and the quantity you need.
At a glance
C Purlin at a glance.
Holes where the clamps go
Holes are punched to the module width and the rafter spacing, so the table assembles without drilling.
3 to 10 in deep, 1.5 to 3.5 mm
3–10 in (75–250 mm) deep, 2.35 in (60 mm) flanges, 3/4 in (20 mm) lips, 10G–16G (1.5–3.5 mm), 20 and 40 ft (6 and 12 m) lengths or cut and punched to drawing, plain, galvanized (Z275 / Z350) or red oxide primed.
Also known as
Solar C Purlins are C channel in US racking and C sections in the UK and Australia; in Italian they are arcarecci.
- English
- United States
- Italiano
Bolted across the rafters
The purlin is bolted to each rafter of the table through punched holes in its web or with a cleat. Module clamps or rails are then fixed through the holes in its top flange, so the module rows line up along the purlin.
Common applications
Where it is used.
Fixed-tilt ground arrays
Each table carries two or more rows of C purlins. They are cut to the table length.
Rooftop frames
Raised frames on flat roofs use short C purlins between supports. Light sections suit the roof.
Carports and shade structures
Solar carports carry their modules on C purlins spanning between beams. The purlin depth follows the span on the drawing.
Questions answered
Common questions.
What is a solar C purlin called in other markets?
In US solar racking it is a C channel, and UK and Australian suppliers list C sections. In Italian structures the purlins are arcarecci. Corona makes solar C purlins as lipped C sections, cut to length and punched to the array drawing, plain, galvanized or red oxide primed.
Are solar C purlins punched to the module layout?
Yes. The purlins are cut to length and punched to the rafter spacing and module width on the array drawing before galvanizing, so tables bolt together on site. Corona makes solar C purlins 3 to 10 in (75 to 250 mm) deep in 10G to 16G (1.5 to 3.5 mm) steel.
Part of solar ground and rooftop frames
C Purlin carries the modules on Ground Mountings and rooftop frames, alongside Z Purlin for lapped runs and angles for bracing.
See the solar rangeC Purlin specifications
C Purlin configuration
ParameterUS / PrimaryMetric / Additional
Height (H)3-10 in75-250 mm
Flange (B)2.35 in60 mm
Lip (C)3/4 in20 mm
Thickness (T)10G-16G1.5-3.5 mm
Length20, 40 ft6, 12 m; cut and punched to drawing
FinishPlain, Galvanized (Z275 / Z350), Red Oxide PrimerPlain, Galvanized (Z275 / Z350), Red Oxide Primer
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Ground Mountings
Components: Cold Formed Sections & Fabrication: posts, rafters, purlins, bracing, base plates · Posts: Round tube 60, 75, 89, 114 mm; C and sigma sections to design
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Size: Equal angles 1 x 1 to 4 x 4 in / 25 x 25 to 100 x 100 mm · Thickness: 20Ga-8Ga / 1-4 mm
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Z Purlin
Height (H): 4-10 in / 100-250 mm · Flange (B): 2.75 in / 70 mm
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