The material used for Module Mounting Structures

There are several types of materials used to manufacture solar module mounting structures. The main options usually considered are Hot-dip Galvanised iron, mild steel and aluminium. Now there are steel manufacturers providing new and innovative hybrid materials in order to reduce the weight, improve performance while ensuring the life expectancy of the product is not impacted.

Galvanized iron

Galvanized iron is essentially iron that’s been coated with a protective zinc layer on the outside. Iron itself is susceptible to weather-related degradation. Iron, for example, rusts and corrodes when exposed to moisture and oxygen. Over time, the presence of the rust and corrosion can eat through the iron, essentially jeopardizing its structural integrity. Fortunately, galvanization provides a simple and effective method of protecting iron from weather-related degradation. GI is used abundantly for ground mount installations.

Mild Steel

Mild steel is a ferrous metal that is composed of iron and carbon. It is a low-cost material with qualities that are appropriate for the majority of general engineering applications. It has relatively little carbon, ranging from 0.5 per cent to 0.25 per cent by weight. Because it is machinable, it is incredibly flexible and can be formed into a variety of shapes and sizes. MS is generally used for elevated structures on rooftops and flat RCC roofs.

Aluminium