In India, most widely used materials for the construction of solar mounting structures are Galvanized Iron (GI) and Aluminium. The choice of material used for the construction of these structures directly impacts the system’s durability, cost, performance, and lifespan.
These materials have different pros and cons associated with them, and hence the manufacturer or the EPC Company should choose one of them based on their requirements after weighing these pros and cons.
In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of both materials one by one for your reference.
Galvanized Iron (GI) is iron coated with a layer of zinc to protect it from corrosion. It is widely used in solar mounting structures, especially for large-scale and ground-mounted projects.
2. Features of GI Structures
3. What is Aluminum in Solar Structures?
Aluminum is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant material. It is naturally resistant to rust, making it ideal for environments with high humidity or coastal conditions.
4. Features of Aluminum Structures
5. GI vs Aluminum: Comparison
| Material | GI | Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
|
Corrosion resistance |
GI is coated with zinc, which resists it, but this resistance may corrode if the coating gets damaged over time. |
Aluminium is naturally corrosion-resistant, so it remains anti-corrosive for the entire lifespan. |
|
Cost |
GI is more cost-efficient, especially for large-scale projects |
Aluminium is comparatively costlier than GI. |
|
Strength |
Offers higher strength and can support heavier loads. |
Lightweight and hence comparatively less strong than GI. |
|
Weight |
Heavy material therefore sometimes needs stronger support and effort during the installation process. |
Lightweight, hence easier to carry and install. |
|
Installation time |
More installation time due to being heavy. |
Faster installation due to its lightweight. |
|
Maintenance |
May need occasional assessment to ensure that the layer of zinc coating remains intact. |
Needs minimal maintenance due to natural resistance to corrosion. |
|
Lifetime |
Longer lifespan (20–25 years) with proper care and galvanization. |
Aluminium is naturally corrosion-resistant, so it remains anti-corrosive. |
6. Conclusion
Both GI and aluminium offer distinct advantages in solar mounting structures. GI is known for its high strength and cost efficiency, making it a preferred choice for large-scale and ground-mounted solar installations. In contrast, aluminium stands out for its lightweight nature, superior corrosion resistance, and ease of installation, making it highly suitable for rooftop solar systems.
