PV Mounting Materials Compared: Aluminium vs Stainless vs Galvanized
Aluminium, stainless steel and hot-dip galvanized steel are the three workhorse materials for PV mounting. Here's how they compare on durability, corrosion, weight and cost.
Request a Custom Quote Find My Mount →The Three Workhorses
Almost all PV mounting hardware is aluminium, stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized steel. The right choice depends on the environment, the structural role and budget.
| Material | Strengths | Trade-offs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium (AL6005-T5) | Light, corrosion-resistant, easy to extrude | Lower strength than steel; coastal needs care | Rails, brackets, most rooftop/inland |
| 304 stainless | Strong, corrosion-resistant fixings | Costlier | Fasteners, general corrosion sites |
| 316 stainless | Maximum corrosion resistance | Most expensive | Coastal / marine / industrial |
| Hot-dip galvanized steel | High strength, economical for heavy structures | Heavy; coating can be damaged | Ground frames, heavy structural |
How to Choose
Use anodized aluminium with stainless fixings for most rooftop and inland sites; step up to 316 stainless or hot-dip galvanized for coastal, marine and industrial environments; use galvanized steel for heavy ground structures. Avoid mixing bare metals that cause galvanic corrosion — we pair stainless fixings with aluminium. Our Materials & Corrosion Selector recommends by environment.
Common Questions
Aluminium or stainless for solar mounting?
Anodized aluminium suits most rooftop and inland sites and is lighter and cheaper; 316 stainless is best for coastal/marine corrosion. Pair stainless fixings with aluminium to avoid galvanic corrosion.
Is galvanized steel good for solar mounts?
Yes — hot-dip galvanized steel is strong and economical for heavy ground-mount structures; for fixings and coastal exposure, stainless is usually preferred.
What material lasts longest at the coast?
316 stainless steel offers the best corrosion resistance for coastal and marine sites, followed by heavy hot-dip galvanizing.
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