Tech Explained | The PV World Has Its Own "Steel" Needs

In the construction and operation of PV power plants, the cost of the mounting system is reflected not only in the initial procurement price but throughout the entire project lifecycle. Carbon steel mounting systems have become the choice for an increasing number of ground-mounted power plants—not just because they serve as a mighty "guardian," laying a solid foundation for long-term operation, but also due to their comprehensive cost advantages over the full lifecycle.

High Strength, Low Consumption: The Economic Edge of Carbon Steel Mounting

Carbon steel possesses innate toughness. Its high structural strength ensures stable wind resistance while requiring simpler support structures, reducing unnecessary components. This also leads to lower transportation losses, further saving material and installation costs. Additionally, the standardized design and mass production advantages of carbon steel mounting make it more competitive in large-scale ground-mounted PV projects.

Transportation & Construction: Streamlined Efficiency Across the Process

Carbon steel mounting systems also demonstrate clear advantages in transportation and construction. Standardized designs simplify on-site installation, shortening project timelines. For example, carbon steel mounts can be packed using wooden strips and iron strapping, facilitating loading/unloading while increasing transport capacity. This translates to shorter construction periods and lower labor costs, easing burdens at every stage of the project.

Technological Advancements: Breakthroughs in Anti-Corrosion Performance

With continuous progress in material technology, anti-corrosion treatments for carbon steel mounting systems have undergone significant upgrades. Traditional hot-dip galvanizing is being replaced by more advanced aluminum-magnesium-zinc (AlMgZn) coating.

In the past, hot-dip galvanizing was the standard for corrosion protection in carbon steel mounting. While it met basic requirements, its performance and lifespan in high-humidity or highly corrosive environments still had room for improvement. Today, AlMgZn coating has become the mainstream choice, delivering a qualitative leap in corrosion resistance.

Grace Solar keeps pace with these advancements—our carbon steel mounting systems now exclusively use AlMgZn coating. However, to meet the unique needs of different projects, we still offer hot-dip galvanizing as a customizable option, particularly for specialized components like anchor bolts, where it retains irreplaceable advantages.

In the long-term operation of PV power plants, carbon steel mounting systems have proven their value: delivering more stable support at a lower total cost. This is likely why they are becoming the default choice for large-scale ground-mounted projects. Over a 25-year timespan, the initial price is just the beginning of the story.