Short answer: Solar PV uses galvanized steel for ground racking, aluminum for roof mounts and module frames, and 316 stainless or aluminum for floating and coastal arrays, with corrosion rating and recyclability decided up front for a 25-year life.
At a Glance
Ground and Roof Mounts
Ground arrays lean on galvanized steel racking for low cost and stiffness, while roof mounts use aluminum for weight; the coating choice is in our Galvanized vs Stainless Guide and the renewable context in our Renewable Energy Guide.
Trackers and Torque Tubes
Single-axis trackers use galvanized or aluminum torque tubes for stiffness at low weight, with the structural basis in our Bridges and Infrastructure Guide and strength data in our Strength Comparison.
Coastal and Floating Arrays
Seaside and floating PV need 316 stainless and aluminum for chloride life, with the marine plan in our Marine and Offshore Guide and the protection detail in our Corrosion Protection Guide.
Specifying and Sourcing
Buyers set coating class, wind load and recyclability, then confirm with our Mill Test Certificate Guide and pack per our Export Packing Guide.
Get a Quote
Tell HXSCO your requirements and we will respond with a competitive quote and lead time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Galvanized steel for ground racking and aluminum for roof and tracker structures.
It is light, stiff and fully recyclable, which keeps the panel weight down.
316 stainless and aluminum resist the chloride in water and stay corrosion-free.
For light saline air yes; heavy coastal or floating needs aluminum or 316.
Most specs target 25 years with the right coating and corrosion rating.
Specify Solar PV Metal with HXSCO
HXSCO supplies galvanized steel, aluminum and 316 stainless for racking, trackers and floating PV with coating and certificate. Tell us the system and environment for a quote.