How to Choose Photovoltaic Brackets?

In recent years, photovoltaic bracket technology has been continuously innovating, and the market is filled with a wide variety of products. How to choose the right photovoltaic bracket is a key challenge for many photovoltaic system users. Choosing the right bracket impacts system efficiency, costs, and benefits, while choosing the wrong one can lead to endless troubles. In this article, we will analyze key points for selection from the perspectives of cost-effectiveness, compatibility, materials, installation, and after-sales service, helping you avoid pitfalls and select the right product to start your green energy journey.

Basic Information about Photovoltaic Brackets

Definition and Function

Photovoltaic brackets are commonly installed on rooftops and the ground. Rooftop installations are suitable for various commercial and industrial buildings, making full use of idle space and reducing land occupation. Ground installations are more suitable for large-scale solar power station projects, allowing flexible layout based on terrain and sunlight conditions.

1. Cost Proportion and Price Influencing Factors

In the total cost of a solar installation system (Solar Mounting System), photovoltaic brackets typically account for about 10% to 15%. Their price is influenced by various factors, such as the type of bracket, material, manufacturing process, market supply and demand, and labor costs in the installation region.

Common Installation Techniques and Material Requirements  

The most common installation technique for modules is using solar panel mounting brackets, which are securely connected to the solar panels and foundation structure through bolts, welding, and other methods. The main materials for brackets include carbon steel, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel. Different materials have distinct performance characteristics and applicable scenarios, which play a decisive role in their quality and lifespan.

Upfront Procurement Cost 

Long-Term Benefits

Rooftop Brackets

Rooftop brackets are suitable for various commercial, industrial buildings, and residential rooftops. Based on the material and structural characteristics of the roof, they can be divided into flat roof brackets and pitched roof brackets. Flat roof brackets typically use ballasted or anchored installation methods, which do not require drilling holes in the roof, minimizing damage to the roof structure. Pitched roof brackets, on the other hand, need to be custom-designed according to the roof's slope and orientation to ensure that the solar panels receive optimal sunlight exposure.

Ground Brackets  

Ground brackets are suitable for large-scale solar power station projects. Based on terrain and geological conditions, they can be divided into fixed brackets and tracking brackets. Fixed brackets have a simple structure and low cost, making them suitable for flat terrain with uniform sunlight conditions. Tracking brackets, can adjust the angle of the solar panels in real time based on the sun's position, increasing power generation efficiency. However, they are relatively expensive and are suitable for regions with abundant sunlight resources and lower land costs.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel brackets offer high strength and large load-bearing capacity, with relatively low prices. However, steel is prone to rusting and requires anti-corrosion treatment, which increases the maintenance costs in the long term. Compared to aluminum alloy and stainless steel, carbon steel brackets have a cost advantage and are widely used in large-scale commercial ground-mounted solar power stations. The cost of anti-corrosion treatment for steel brackets accounts for about 10% to 15% of the total cost, and regular maintenance and inspection are required.

Some of Grace Solar Energy’s ground-mounted photovoltaic brackets are made from carbon steel, such as the GS Ground Fixed Bracket System. To address the issue of rusting, Grace Solar Energy uses hot-dip galvanizing or magnesium-aluminum-zinc coating for corrosion protection, significantly extending the lifespan of carbon steel brackets. For more information on carbon steel bracket products, please visit: Grace Solar Energy Official Website - GS - Ground Fixed Bracket System.

Single Column Piling Ground Mounting System (Carbon Steel)

Aluminum alloy brackets are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing, with low maintenance costs. However, the price of aluminum alloy is relatively higher, making it suitable for projects with higher requirements for weight and appearance. Aluminum alloy brackets have a long service life and generally do not require special maintenance, only periodic cleaning.

In Grace Solar Energy's GS - Rooftop Bracket System, some products use aluminum alloy material. Aluminum alloy brackets are lightweight, reducing installation difficulty, offer excellent corrosion resistance, and have an attractive appearance. They are suitable for commercial or residential rooftop solar systems. If you are interested in aluminum alloy brackets, you can visit: Grace Solar Energy Official Website - GS - Rooftop Bracket System for more details.

GS-Energy Roof Mounting System —L Feet

Stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance and aesthetics, making it suitable for harsh environmental conditions. However, stainless steel is more expensive and has greater processing difficulty. The maintenance costs for stainless steel brackets are low, but due to their higher price, the initial investment cost is relatively high.

Grace Solar Energy's rooftop hook kit uses stainless steel material. It is specifically designed for projects requiring high corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal. Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion, has a sleek and polished appearance, and can adapt to various architectural styles. For more information on stainless steel brackets and application cases, you can visit: Grace Solar Energy Official Website.

GS-IK-01 Stainless Steel Hook 1# Kit

Site Survey

The Grace Solar Energy team uses satellite maps to conduct a terrain survey of the project site. By gaining a clear understanding of the local topography and geological conditions, we tailor a photovoltaic system installation plan. We design the system based on the actual site conditions, ensuring the layout and installation angle of the photovoltaic system are optimized, maximizing solar energy reception efficiency.

Click the official website and enter your information to receive a personalized photovoltaic system design plan. 

Inquiry : Grace Solar

Installation Efficiency

Fast and efficient installation services can shorten project timelines and reduce investment costs. Choosing a supplier with extensive installation experience and an efficient construction team ensures that the photovoltaic bracket installation is completed on time. Some professional installation teams can complete large-scale photovoltaic bracket installations in a short time, significantly improving project progress.

Installation Quality

The quality of installation directly impacts the performance and service life of the photovoltaic brackets. When selecting an installation service, businesses should ask the supplier to provide detailed installation plans and quality assurance measures. During installation, industry standards and regulations should be strictly followed to ensure the precision and stability of the bracket installation.

6. After-Sales

Repair Response Speed

When photovoltaic brackets encounter faults or issues, a timely repair response can reduce downtime and minimize business losses. It is crucial to choose a supplier with a well-established after-sales service system and a quick repair response mechanism. Some suppliers can respond within 24 hours of receiving customer feedback and arrive on-site for repairs as soon as possible.

Warranty Period

A longer warranty period allows businesses to have more peace of mind during use. Generally, high-quality photovoltaic bracket products have a warranty period of 5 to 10 years. During the warranty period, the supplier is responsible for repairing and replacing products due to quality issues.

Grace Solar Energy offers a warranty period of up to 10 years, and is certified by ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001 systems. The company conducts rigorous tests, including tensile testing, salt spray testing, wind tunnel testing, load testing, and other button tests, ensuring the service life of the photovoltaic brackets in various environments, and guaranteeing stability under extreme weather conditions and hazardous environments.

7. Brand Recommendations and Product Introduction

Among the many photovoltaic bracket brands, Grace Solar Energy (Grace Solar) stands out as a trusted choice. After 17 years of rapid development, Grace Solar Energy’s photovoltaic bracket products rank in the Top 5 in the global market, with exports to Japan ranking 1st. The company has a cumulative installed capacity of 33GW globally, with an annual production capacity of 15GW. It has successfully installed hundreds of ultra-high projects in over 100 countries and regions, including Japan, the United States, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

In conclusion, when choosing photovoltaic brackets, businesses should consider factors such as cost-effectiveness, adaptability, installation services, and after-sales support. Grace Solar Energy (Grace Solar), with its outstanding product quality, innovative technology, and comprehensive service system, can provide a one-stop solution for photovoltaic brackets. If you would like to learn more about our products and receive detailed quotes, please visit Grace Solar Energy's official website and enter your information to start your green energy journey.