Solar panel frames protect the photovoltaic cells. The material used in manufacturing them is of critical importance as it determines the strength, integrity, and durability of solar panel frames. While aluminum frames are the industry standard, there is a growing sentiment for using steel frames in solar panels. This makes it necessary to evaluate the pros and cons of both aluminum and steel to find which is more relevant and appropriate for solar panel installations.
As the solar industry continues to grow and innovate, understanding the difference between aluminum and steel frames becomes increasingly important for manufacturers, installers, and end-users alike.
In this blog, we will see the comparison of aluminum solar panel frames vs steel solar panel frames, exploring their functionality and application area to help you make the correct decision.
Aluminum vs Steel Solar Panel Frames: Key Differences
Whether you choose aluminum or steel, both are viable options. However, these key differences will help you make an informed decision based on the circumstances and requirements.
Strength
When comparing the strength of aluminum and steel, there are a lot of things to think about. In theory, steel is stronger than aluminum, but aluminum’s lower weight changes the strength-to-weight ratio. Steel
| Steel Density: 7.8g/cm² and 1/16 strength-to-weight ratioAluminum Density: 2.7g/cm² and 1/8 strength-to-weight ratio |
Aluminum is bendable and has great malleability, flexibility, and cold-weather strength. Aluminium’s lower weight makes it more appropriate for rooftop solar panel installations.
Cost Consideration
It is very important to think about cost when deciding between aluminum vs steel solar panel frames. Mild steel and carbon steel are usually more affordable than aluminum. Stainless steel, on the other hand, costs more. Customized aluminum metal extrusions are cheaper than stainless steel counterparts.
Durability and Corrosion
When it comes to durability, both aluminum and steel are good choices for solar panel frames, However, their external environmental conditions determine their durability. Aluminum frames don’t rust easily, which makes them especially strong in places with a lot of humidity or salinity, like coastal areas. Steel’s heavy weight makes them preferable for areas with heavy snow and strong winds.
Environmental Impact
Aluminum is very easy to recycle because it takes up to 95% less energy to do so than to make new metal from raw materials. Because of this, aluminum is a green choice. Steel usually leaves a bigger carbon impact than aluminum. Even when recycled, more harmful gasses are released and more energy is needed to recycle steel. Steel will be able to balance out the environmental damage only when it lasts longer than aluminum frames.
Installations
It is easier to install aluminum frames than steel frames because the former is lighter. This could cut down on the time and money needed for installation. Since aluminum is lighter, it puts less stress on roofs or hanging platforms.
Aluminum vs Steel Solar Panel Frame: Table of Comparison
| Aluminum Frame | Steel Frame | |
| Strength | Low strength, but has better strength: weight ratio | Higher strength |
| Weight | Lightweight, easier to handle | Heavier, requires stronger support |
| Cost Considerations | More expensive | Costs less than aluminum, but stainless steel is more expensive |
| Durability | Long-lasting | Needs treatment |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| Environmental Impact | Lower carbon footprint | Higher carbon footprint |
| Efficiency | Easy to install | Complex installation |
Differences Based on Functions and Applications of the Solar Panel
Based on functions and applications, here’s how you decide between aluminum vs steel solar panel frame:
Rooftop Installation
Aluminum: Perfect for rooftop projects because of their minimal weight. Especially for residential structures, this reduces the stress on the roof structure.
Steel: Less suitable for roofs as their weight might strain the construction of the building and complicate the installation procedure.
Ground-Mounted Solar System
Aluminum: Ground-mounted systems may make use of aluminum frames, particularly in cases where corrosion resistance is a top concern but may need greater support to manage big weights.
Steel: For ground-mounted systems in big-scale solar farms, steel frames are the best option. Steel can handle environmental stresses better than aluminum frames.
Large-Scale Commercial Projects
Aluminum: Aluminum frames are great for large-scale projects where installation and corrosion resistance are of prime importance and in areas where environmental stress is not a major issue.
Steel: Suitable for commercial projects where environmental factors require more structural integrity.
Heavy-Load Applications
Aluminum: Enough for uses with mild to moderate weights, aluminum frames may bend or flex under too heavy loads.
Steel: Due to their rigidity and strength, steel frames are the preferred choice for high-load situations. (areas with heavy snow).
Final Verdict
For most solar system installations, aluminum proves to be the better choice when deciding between aluminum vs steel solar panel frames. Aluminum frames are more appropriate for a broad spectrum of uses than steel because of various benefits.
- Aluminum frames are very corrosion-resistant, which makes them perfect for installations in coastal or humid regions where steel would rust fast.
- This corrosion resistance guarantees that aluminum frames keep their structural integrity over time.
- Aluminum is also easy to handle and install because of its lightweight nature, which lowers labor costs and installation times.
- For rooftop installations especially, where reducing weight is essential to prevent needless structural stress on the building, this is very helpful.
- The simplicity of aluminum installation also increases project efficiency and leads to faster solar system deployment.
Solar panel materials that are reliable, resilient, and efficient are of the highest importance to Vishakha Renewables. We are devoted to making frames that fulfill the greatest requirements in the market because we are the biggest producer of solar panel frames in India. At Vishakaha Renewables, Aluminum alloys 6063 and 6005 are used to make frames because of their high strength, resistance to corrosion, and low weight. Ensuring the solar frame products give outstanding performance and longevity in any environment. We further improve these frames with a customized anodizing thickness of 15+ microns.
