The importance of steel mounting frames in solar panel installations
Business18 Apr 2024
Choosing suitable materials for solar panel mounts is crucial to ensure long-lasting performance and durability. Galvalume and galvanised steel are popular due to their corrosion resistance and durability. Coated with zinc, galvanised steel provides excellent protection against corrosion, making it suitable for mounting structures, racking systems, and support frames in outdoor environments. It is also cost-effective and readily available. However, if you're looking for enhanced corrosion resistance, particularly in areas with high humidity or salt spray, Galvalume may be a better option. It surpasses galvanised steel in longevity and resistance to corrosion, making it the preferred choice for harsh environments prone to corrosion. Cost, corrosion resistance, environmental conditions, and longevity should be considered when choosing between the two. This information helps you make an informed decision about which material best suits your needs and requirements.
Steel solar panel mounting structures are commonly used in industries to mount solar structures or machinery securely. These frames typically have several parts designed to provide stability, support, and durability. Here are some of the standard components found in steel solar panel mounting structures:
Base plate: the base plate is the foundation of the mounting frame, providing stability and support. It is usually a flat, rectangular steel plate bolted or welded to the ground or a concrete foundation.
Uprights/columns: these are vertical steel beams or columns that rise from the base plate and provide the main support structure for the frame. They can vary in size and shape depending on the application's specific requirements.
Cross beams/braces: cross beams or braces are horizontal steel members that connect the uprights or columns, adding strength and rigidity to the frame. They help distribute the load evenly and prevent lateral movement.
Mounting plates: flat steel plates attached to the frame where equipment or machinery can be mounted securely. They often have pre-drilled holes or slots to accommodate bolts or fasteners.
Gussets: gussets are triangular or trapezoidal plates welded at the joints between beams and columns to reinforce the connections and prevent flexing or bending under load. They improve the overall structural integrity of the frame.
Anchors/bolts: anchors or bolts secure the mounting frame to the ground or foundation. They are typically made of steel and are anchored into concrete or other structural materials to prevent movement or tipping.
Adjustable feet: in some applications, adjustable feet are attached to the base plate to level the mounting frame on uneven surfaces. These feet can be adjusted to compensate for floor or ground-level variations.
Protective coating: to prevent corrosion and extend the lifespan of the frame, a protective coating such as paint or galvanising may be applied to the steel components.
Importance of steel mounting frames in solar panel
- Structural integrity: solar panels are exposed to various environmental factors such as wind, snow, and sometimes even seismic activity. Steel mounting frames provide the necessary structural support to ensure the panels remain securely in place, even during extreme weather conditions.
- Durability: steel is known for its durability and longevity. Using steel mounting frames, the solar panels for home are better protected against corrosion, rust, and degradation over time, thus extending the lifespan of the entire solar panel mounting structure.
- Versatility: steel mounting frames can be designed and fabricated to accommodate various types of solar panel configurations and orientations, making them suitable for multiple installations, including rooftop, ground-mount, and solar tracker systems.
- Ease of installation: steel mounting frames are typically pre-engineered and prefabricated, simplifying the installation process. This saves time and labour costs, making solar panel installations more efficient and cost-effective.
- Optimal angle adjustment: many steel mounting frames are designed with adjustable tilt angles, allowing installers to optimise the orientation of the solar panels for maximum sunlight exposure throughout the day and across different seasons. This can significantly increase the overall energy output of the solar system.