Which material should be used for photovoltaic (PV) support structures?

When it comes to selecting the material for photovoltaic (PV) support structures, it generally adopts Q235B steel and aluminum alloy extrusion profile AL6005-T5. Each material has its advantages and considerations, and the choice depends on various factors. Let’s compare steel and aluminum for PV support structures:

What is the best material for a PV bracket?

This characteristic makes aluminum a suitable choice for PV installations in coastal areas or locations with high humidity. At present, the main anti-corrosion method of the bracket is hot-dip galvanized steel with a thickness of 55-80 μm, and aluminum alloy with anodic oxidation with a thickness of 5-10 μm.

Is aluminum a good material for solar panels?

With its advantages of light weight, high strength, corrosion resistance and durability, aluminum is widely used in building solar panel frames and photovoltaic supports. Research shows that aluminum is the most widely used material in solar photovoltaic (PV) applications, accounting for more than 85% of most solar PV modules.

How do I choose a steel or aluminum PV support structure?

Ultimately, the selection of steel or aluminum for PV support structures depends on project-specific factors such as the size of the installation, load requirements, budget, site conditions (e.g., wind and snow loads, corrosive environments), and sustainability goals.

Does aluminum alloy need aging heat treatment for solar photovoltaic brackets?

The commonly used aluminum alloy series for solar photovoltaic brackets need to undergo aging heat treatment to achieve the required strength. China Aluminum strictly controls the solution treatment and aging heat treatment process to ensure the required strength of the aluminum alloy brackets.

Why do solar panels need anodized aluminum profiles?

Because the panel frame is exposed to the natural environment, it has high requirements for corrosion resistance. Chalco provides anodized aluminum profiles to further enhance the corrosion resistance of solar aluminum alloy frames.