The solar industry is charging forward with groundbreaking advancements, and steel is at the heart of this transformation. With its unmatched strength, versatility, and resilience, solar steel has become indispensable in creating reliable, long-lasting solar installations. The average solar panel is designed to last 25 to 30 years. This lifespan is made possible by advanced photovoltaic technology and robust structural components that can withstand decades of environmental stress.
Think of it this way: A car, no matter how sleek its design or how luxurious its seating, is completely dependent on the nuts and bolts that hold it all together. While we don’t usually consider these crucial components, we instinctively know that a car built with unreliable or faulty parts wouldn’t inspire confidence or trust. Similarly, solar installations, as advanced as they are, rely on the strength and durability of their supporting structures. From the sturdy framework holding solar panels in place to the foundational backbone ensuring they endure decades of weather and wear, steel is an indispensable partner in today’s solar energy success story.
Did you know many of Kloeckner Metals’ nationwide branches boast special processing capabilities for the solar industry? Download our solar brochure now to see how Kloeckner Metals can service your solar needs.
When we think of solar energy, panels often steal the spotlight. But behind every panel lies the often-overlooked infrastructure holding it together. This vital framework ensures panels remain steady against fierce winds and heavy snow. Without this foundation, the reliability and longevity of solar energy systems would be at risk.
At the core of this framework is steel, beginning with sturdy racking systems used to secure and position solar panels, both on rooftops and solar farms. Steel is found on both fixed-tilt ground mount systems as well as single-axis trackers that follow the sun’s path throughout the day. These systems enable solar panels to maximize energy capture by adjusting their angle to face the sun. Without steel, the solar industry could not achieve the reliability and scalability needed to meet the demands of a growing renewable energy market.
Driven steel piles are the behind-the-scenes force supporting ground-mounted and carport solar installations. Crafted from finished steel beams and embedded deep into the ground, they create stable foundations capable of withstanding the harshest environmental challenges. Their reliability makes them ideal for diverse conditions, including projects in rough terrains.
In areas where the ground gets tough, such as rocky or uneven conditions, tubular steel earth screws step in. These components are drilled directly into the ground to provide a secure, fast, and effective anchoring solution that accelerates installation timelines without compromising stability.
Solar tracking systems work by following the sun’s trajectory throughout the day and maximizing energy capture. Galvanized torque tubes are responsible for providing the strength and adaptability needed to support dynamic solar arrays.
Fixed-tilt systems owe their durability to roll-formed steel components. Coated for corrosion resistance, these lightweight members form the structural framework for solar arrays and allow them to maintain stability and integrity under strenuous environmental conditions.
Finished steel beams are the backbone of carport structures that support solar canopies. Galvanization not only protects these beams from the elements but also provides a strong, long-lasting framework to ensure carports stand tall for years to come.
The partnership between steel and solar energy technology is shaping a cleaner, greener future. But why steel? Historically, aluminum played a prominent role in racking systems. Because it is naturally lightweight, has inherent corrosion resistance, and can provide ease of customization, solar manufacturers and installers often favored aluminum.
The growing demand for larger and more robust solar installations has resulted in a shifted focus on steel. And while aluminum has been more affordable in the past, product designs have utilized advancements in steel manufacturing and processing, making steel a much more cost-effective option. Steel has a much lower cost per unit of strength and rigidity.
Although aluminum offers wider design options for clever connecting components, the low cost of many steel fabrication techniques now compensates for aluminum’s versatility. Additionally, galvanized or coated steel is highly resistant to corrosion, rivaling aluminum in durability.
What makes steel such a reliable material for solar installations? The answer lies in the advanced processing techniques that shape and refine it. Metal processing and coating methods ensure that every solar steel component, from support beams to torque tubes to panel rails, meets the rigorous demands of the solar industry. The creation of highly-reliable steel structures is achieved by:
The reliability and efficiency of materials in solar installations are non-negotiable. Arguably, ensuring those materials align with solar’s mission of sustainability is equally as important. The partnership between steel and solar technology goes hand in hand. Steel’s recyclability and longevity make it an eco-friendly choice for renewable energy projects.
By utilizing recycled steel, especially from Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) mills, solar installations can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. The use of recycled steel also supports a cleaner energy grid. Moreover, by using high tensile strength steel, the overall weight of structural components can be reduced, thereby reducing the cost of the system. This enables the solar industry to be competitive with fossil fuel-based energy options.
Looking ahead, the synergy between steel and solar innovation promises even greater advancements. Solar technology will continue to progress, and steel’s versatility will remain at the forefront, helping to power a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Kloeckner Metals is a full-line metals supplier and service center. Kloeckner Metals combines a national footprint with the latest fabrication and processing technologies and most innovative customer service solutions.
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