What Steel Products go into Solar panel Mounting Systems?

As the world is moving towards renewable energy, both residential and commercial buildings are getting solar panels installed. Solar panels on the roof or ground require durable and efficient mounting systems to withstand various environmental stresses while maintaining their orientation for optimal sunlight absorption.

Stainless steel and aluminum are two choices that are commonly used for mounting solar panels. However, when it comes to durability and strength, steel is the preferred choice.

If you are also planning on mounting solar panels, this blog is for you, as we will discuss the different steel products used in solar mounting. Remember that choosing the right steel supplier for solar panels is extremely important for durable solar mounting.

Why Steel for Solar Panel Mounting?

If you’re curious about why steel is used in solar panel mounting, keep reading!

Steel is known for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, durability, and ability to withstand harsh environments. Solar panels are mounted in the open such as roofs. They are subjected to every weather type, require a sturdy mount that would last for years, won’t rust in the rain, and will withstand heavy snow and storms. Thus, a solar panel mount must be resilient and robust. Thus, steel is the first choice. Additionally, steel can be customized into various forms and sizes to accommodate different solar panel configurations, from rooftop arrays to large solar farms.

Steel Products Used in Solar Panel Mounting

Here are the different steel products used in solar panel mounting:

Steel Frames

Steel frames are the skeleton that fit the solar panels. They can be called the backbone of solar panel mounting. These steel frames are exposed to heavy weather and, thus, need exceptional corrosion resistance. They support the entire structure, ensuring the solar panels remain securely in place. C-channel or I-beam steel profiles are the commonly used steel frame types known for their high load-bearing capacities. They support the weight of the solar panels and withstand wind loads.

They are made of stainless or galvanized steel. Stainless steel is highly corrosion resistant, making it the first choice for solar panel frames. Galvanized steel is specifically used in applications that require protection against corrosion. It has a protective zinc coating, especially for corrosion resistance.

Steel Mounting Rails

Steel mounting rails are the supporting structures that support steel frames horizontally and keep solar panels in place. Steel rails are typically hot-dip galvanized to ensure a long lifespan, even under harsh weather conditions.

Two types of steel mounting rails are used for solar mounting- U-channel and Z-channel. U-channel is used in horizontal installations, while Z-channel elevates solar panels to maximize sun exposure.

Racking structures are also used to install ground-mounted solar panels. These steel racking structures elevate the panels and align them at the optimal angle.

Steel Brackets and Clamps

These components are used to attach solar frames with solar mounting rails. These small structures are important as they hold the panels in place and prevent movement due to wind, thermal expansion, or other environmental factors. There are mid and end clamps that have their specific purposes. Mid clamps are used to secure solar panels to each other, while end clamps secure the edges of the array. Tilt brackets are often used in rooftop or angled installations. They allow changing the installation angle to maximize sun exposure.

Steel Piles and Ground Screws

These components come in handy in ground-mounted solar installations. They anchor the entire mounting system into the ground, lending them stability and support.

Steel piles are H-shapes or tubular formations driven into the ground to create a solid base for solar panels. Where stability is a concern, these steel piles are used as they maximize surface area and lend stability in soft or sandy soil.

On the other hand, ground screws are slightly new as compared to steel piles. They are helical in shape and are screwed into the ground for enhanced stability in uneven terrains.

Since both steel piles and ground screws deal with soil corrosion, they are made of galvanized steel.

Steel Fasteners and Bolts

Steel fasteners and bolts are used to put all these different steel products in place. Each connection point on the frame, rails, and brackets requires high-quality steel fasteners to ensure the system’s stability and longevity.

Final Words

While solar panel mounting is escalating, few steel suppliers for solar panels house the different steel products for solar mounting discussed above.

In Albuquerque, you can rely on us, New Mexico Metals LLC, for steel brackets, clamps, mounting racks, piles, solar frames, etc. We house the largest collection of steel and other metal products in Albuquerque and supply for both retail and wholesale purposes.

To enquire about any product, give us a call or visit us at the store!