Continuous purlin along a row
Lapped Z purlins run the full length of a long table or row, carrying the modules over many rafters.
Ground Mountings & Purlins
Z Purlin
Z Purlin for solar structures is a lipped Z section used where purlins run continuous over several rafters. Z sections nest, so the ends can be lapped over a rafter and bolted, making long rows of modules on one line. It is cut and punched to the array drawing. Specify depth, thickness, length, hole pattern, finish and the quantity you need.
At a glance
Z Purlin at a glance.
Ends nest and bolt together
The end of one Z slides inside the next over a rafter, and the lap is bolted through, so the line acts as one member.
4 to 10 in deep, 1.5 to 3.5 mm
4–10 in (100–250 mm) deep, 2.75 in (70 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.
Lap over the rafter, bolt the lap
Each Z purlin is bolted to the rafters it crosses. Where two meet, one end is nested inside the other over a rafter for the lap length on the drawing, and bolts pass through both webs. Module clamps are fixed through the punched top flange.
Common applications
Where it is used.
Long fixed-tilt rows
Long tables use lapped Z purlins to carry many modules in one continuous run. Fewer joints fall between rafters.
Elevated arrays
Raised arrays over car parks and yards run Z purlins across their beams. Laps keep the line straight over each support.
Agrivoltaic and high-clearance frames
Tall frames over crops or livestock carry modules on Z purlins across wide bays. The section depth follows the bay on the drawing.
Questions answered
Common questions.
What else is a solar Z purlin called?
US racking suppliers call them Z purlins. In Spanish it is called a correa en Z.
When is a Z purlin used instead of a C purlin in a solar table?
Z purlins nest, so they can be lapped over a rafter and bolted into one continuous line along a long table. C purlins suit single spans and short frames. GV supplies solar Z purlins 4 to 10 in (100 to 250 mm) deep in 10G to 16G (1.5 to 3.5 mm) steel.
Part of solar ground and elevated frames
Z Purlin forms the lapped continuous runs on Ground Mountings and elevated frames, with C Purlin for single spans and angles for bracing.
See the solar range ↗Z Purlin specifications
Z Purlin configuration
ParameterUS / PrimaryMetric / Additional
Height (H)4-10 in100-250 mm
Flange (B)2.75 in70 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
Solar Power Components
Related components
Ground Mountings & Purlins
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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Slotted, Solid, Punched Angles
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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Ground Mountings & Purlins
C Purlin
Height (H): 3-10 in / 75-250 mm · Flange (B): 2.35 in / 60 mm
Specifications