The United States is forecast to install nearly 100 gigawatts of new solar power capacity within the next five years, a growth rate of 42%. And the worldwide market for installed solar is projected to surpass $200B by .

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This installed base will be split between large-scale solar farms, residential and commercial rooftops and a smaller amount in car- and truck-top mobile solar panels.

In all these applications, however, the success of photovoltaics relies on using aluminum architectural components for both fixed and moving structures.

Here, we discuss the benefits and drawbacks of aluminum for applications in the solar power industry as well as some design considerations for framing systems.

Aluminum vs. Steel for Solar Panel Frames

Traditionally steel has been the metal of choice for large-scale commercial projects, and there are good reasons for this.

Steel is abundant and easily sourced. Steel is great for static load bearing, with a high modulus of elasticity and excellent fatigue strength. The mechanical and forming properties of steel are well understood and so the design of structural members like frames, trusses and I-beams is relatively straightforward.

But there are also notable drawbacks to the use of steel. It is heavy, for one, and must be carted and installed in remote locations at a high energy cost.

Making longer steel sections requires joining pieces together via welding, an additional manufacturing expense. And of course, steel easily corrodes so the surface must be passivated, painted or powder-coated &#; none of which is a permanent solution to longevity.

Luckily there are advantages to the use of aluminum extrusions that many engineers and product developers may not be aware of. To exploit those advantages, engineers should first be mindful of the exact conditions under which the structure must perform.

Design Considerations for Aluminum Frames

Before considering aluminum extrusions, there should be a clear understanding of the stresses that the structure will need to withstand.

Mitigating factors include snow loads, heavy winds and large temperature variations between day and night. Is the structure intended to be fixed or moving? Will it potentially be exposed to saltwater spray or other environmental contaminants?

All of these challenges can be overcome with careful design and the use of the right alloys. Here are just some of the benefits of the use of aluminum extrusion for solar panel installations.

The Benefits of Aluminum Extrusions

First, aluminum profiles are virtually limitless in design complexity. This means that any likely engineering requirement can be met by tailoring the profile to suit the exact performance requirements.

Secondly, aluminum is naturally corrosion resistant and forms a hard aluminum oxide layer when exposed to oxygen which helps to deter further corrosion. Aluminum can be anodized to add additional protection while enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Thirdly, the lighter weight of aluminum makes it ideal for moveable assemblies that must track the sun across the sky. This is also a clear advantage for rooftop and car top panel mounts.

Finally, extrusions are ideal for modular installations that can be easily connected with fasteners that allow for the necessary thermal expansion and contraction of heating and cooling cycles.

What Are The Drawbacks?

By unit weight, aluminum is a more expensive material than steel, and there is usually more design work involved at the initial stage.

However, studies conclusively show that these upfront costs more than pay for themselves in the long term through better performance, lower installation costs and enhanced longevity.

Choosing an Aluminum Alloy

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What is the best type of aluminum? There is no perfect answer, so again that depends on the application.

But there are several good choices readily available:

• Aluminum : This alloy is the least expensive and also has the lowest ultimate strength. But it&#;s also easy to extrude and has the best surface finish. The chemical and mechanical properties of are well understood and it&#;s the alloy of choice for later anodizing.
• Aluminum : Slightly higher cost and higher strength than , but more difficult to extrude.
• Aluminum A: This is one of the newer alloys with many beneficial properties. It is light, strong, easy to extrude, and produces an excellent surface finish. This is probably the best choice for solar cell applications.

To get the most benefit from the extrusion process, engineers need to adhere to good design principles. Maintain consistent wall thicknesses and avoid abrupt changes in thickness in adjoining areas; keep profiles symmetrical whenever possible; avoid sharp corners and recesses; use small tongue ratios.

Because of the unique characteristics of the extrusion process, developers are well-advised to work closely with the manufacturer to optimize their designs for manufacturing. If you have questions about how aluminum extrusions can benefit you, the experts at Gabrian are standing by to offer professional expertise. Contact us today.

Harnessing Solar Energy: The Significance and Purpose of Aluminum Frames in Solar Panels

Introduction to Solar Power and Aluminum Frames

Solar energy has gained significant attention in recent years as a renewable and sustainable power source that helps reduce the harmful environmental effects caused by traditional energy generation methods. As solar panels continue to grow in popularity, an essential component that ensures their integrity and longevity is the aluminum frame. The aluminum frame plays an indispensable role in the overall functionality and durability of solar panels, making it a critical consideration for both manufacturers and users alike.

Advantages of Aluminum Frames in Solar Panels

Strength and Stability:

One of the primary reasons aluminum frames are widely preferred in solar panels is their superior strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum is known for its exceptional structural stability, making it the material of choice for supporting the delicate and sensitive components of solar panels. The aluminium solar frame can provide exceptional protection to the solar cells and other internal elements, ensuring durability even in harsh environmental conditions.

Corrosion Resistance:

Aluminum frames possess inherent resistance to corrosion, making them ideal for outdoor applications where exposure to moisture, humidity, and extreme temperatures is common. By incorporating aluminum frames in solar panels, manufacturers guarantee their ability to withstand the test of time, ensuring the long-term performance and reliability of the panels. Click to view more about aluminium profile manufacturer.

Light Weight and Easy Installation:

Another advantage of aluminum frames is their lightweight nature, which simplifies the installation and transportation processes. Unlike other framing materials that add unnecessary weight to the solar panels, aluminum frames are easier to handle, making them more appealing to both manufacturers and installers. This lightweight characteristic further contributes to the overall sustainability of the solar panels, reducing the carbon footprint associated with their manufacturing and transportation.

Recyclability:

In line with sustainable practices, aluminum frames have the added advantage of being fully recyclable. The recyclability factor further reduces the ecological impact of solar panels, making them an environmentally-friendly option for harnessing solar energy. As the demand for renewable energy increases worldwide, the ease of recycling aluminum frames aligns with the need for a circular economy, where resources are sustainably managed throughout their lifecycle.

Conclusion: Embracing an Aluminum Framework for a Sustainable Future

In conclusion, aluminum frames provide an indispensable framework for solar panels, ensuring their robustness, longevity, and efficiency. The unique combination of strength, corrosion resistance, lightweight design, and recyclability makes aluminum an ideal choice for manufacturers and users alike. Solar panel manufacturers such as Otalum prioritize the use of aluminum frames to enhance the performance and durability of their products.

By embracing aluminum frames in solar panels, we contribute to the creation of a sustainable and eco-friendly future. As the demand for solar energy continues to rise, it is imperative that we invest in technologies that support the long-term viability of solar power generation. The incorporation of solar aluminum frames signifies our commitment to a cleaner and greener planet, where renewable energy sources play a vital role in shaping a brighter tomorrow.

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