Advances in Mounting Structures for Photovoltaic Systems: Sustainable Materials and Efficient Design

This article addresses the technical, aesthetic, and strategic problem of the limited attention paid to design and selection of materials in photovoltaic system (PSS) support structures despite their direct impact on the efficiency, durability and economic viability of these systems. As the costs of modules and electronic components continues to decrease, the structural elements acquire greater weight in the total cost and long-term performance. Our research comprehensively analyzes the mechanical, environmental, and regulatory factors influencing material selection and structural design in PV mounting systems. The PRISMA methodology was used to perform a systematic review of 122 articles published between 2018 and 2025, which were classified along two axes: materials (mild steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, polymers, and composites) and structural design (angle, orientation, loads, support typology, and adaptation to the environment). The results show that an adequate match between design and climatic conditions improves system stability, efficiency, and service life. With the support of digital modeling and advanced simulations, we identify trends towards modular, lightweight, and adaptive solutions, particularly in architectural applications (BIPV). This work provides a robust and contextualized technical framework that facilitates informed decision-making in solar energy projects, with direct implications for the sustainability, structural resilience, and competitiveness of the PSS sector in different geographical regions.