How Does Galvanized Steel Help with Solar Energy?
Capturing the sun’s rays to create energy through solar panels and similar devices is growing in popularity. Solar energy is a clean and renewable resource that can be harnessed and used to bring power to things very quickly, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial purposes. And while the solar panels themselves do all the work, they still need to be mounted and supported by other materials that do not detract from their benefits.
Galvanized steel is a popular material used in solar energy products including solar control boxes, solar racking, and solar-panel supports. Hot-dipped galvanizing in particular is perfect for renewable energy sources because it’s a sustainable material that has provided corrosion protection to structures for the power generation industry for years. But, there are a few other reasons galvanized steel is a good partner for solar energy that goes beyond its lack of negative environmental impact.
Corrosion Resistance Means Cleaner Installation Sites
Galvanized steel is resistant to corrosion. This means that it can withstand the elements longer without staining and while maintaining its original strength. This is important for a few reasons. Most importantly, this keeps the installation site looking clean and professional. No one wants to install solar panels with rusted materials and components.
Why do hot-dippped galvanized materials hold up better? The galvanization process coats the steel in a layer of zinc, providing a natural and renewable energy source that’s durable. This zinc oxide layer protects the steel from corrosion, which means it will also protect the solar panels and other equipment it may be mounted on or with. Considering that solar panels themselves can be expensive, the extra rust resistance of the galvanized materials will do a better job of protecting your investment.
Greater Durability Means Your Solar Energy Panels Will Last
Most renewable energy applications like solar energy panels, are installed in locations that get extreme exposure to the elements. The zinc used in hot-dip galvanized solar panel materials is resistant to the harmful UV rays that may beat down on the roof of a home or business, or in a large solar field selected specifically because of the direct sunlight. Either way, it is important that the materials used can withstand exposure to the elements without breaking them down. This is especially the case for solar energy panels or products used in regions susceptible to hurricanes, hail, or other weather-related threats.
Galvanized steel is very durable. It is the first choice for builders facing extreme elements, including freezing temperatures and corrosive seawater. It can maintain its strength and its gray-silver appearance through years of exposure to these environments. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor applications and a great material to pair with solar energy products.
Proof of this can also be seen in the instances where galvanized steel materials have been used to build monuments or outdoor tributes. When making sure these monuments held up over the years was of the greatest importance, galvanized steel was chosen and has held up over the decades.
Galvanized Steel’s Good Heat Conduction Means Optimized Performance
Galvanized steel is also a good conductor of heat. While raw steel is not considered a better heat conductor, treated steels like stainless and galvanized steel are some of the best metals to help heat travel.
When the heat is able to travel through the surrounding mounting materials easily, solar panels can operate at peak efficiency. This is because the heat generated by the sun’s rays can be transferred quickly and evenly through the galvanized steel, making sure that it does not build up in any one spot and cause problems. It can also send even more heat to the panels than they might otherwise receive from materials that did not allow the heat to travel from them to the panel.
Need Galvanized Steel for Your Solar Project? Call South Atlantic Today!
If you are working on a project that incorporates solar energy and needs materials that will stand the test of time, we have the resources you need.
Whether you have fabricated steel that needs to be galvanized or you need galvanized materials that are ready to go now for your current project, we’ve got you covered! Give us a call today to learn more about our hot-dip galvanizing services at (910) 332-1900.
Or, check out our website: southatlanticllc.com/galvanized-steel for in stock, pre-galvanized steel. We look forward to partnering with you on your next project.
