Every solar power system relies on its mounting structures for support. They provide stability while also ensuring safety and performance for the solar panels. For quite some time, the solar industry has used metal, steel and aluminium mounting structures.
The advancements in composite materials have led to the development of Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP), which is a worthy substitute. The choice of FRP vs metal mounting structures is what a lot of engineers and owners of solar installations face today. They need to consider price, reliability, and sustainability in their solutions. PIR Electronics has led the way in modern Fibre Reinforced Plastic systems, which has outperform metal in multiple ways. Keep reading to find out which option is better.
The Core Difference Between Fibre Reinforced Plastic and Metal Mounting
At first glance, FRP and metal structures appear to have the same purpose of supporting solar panels. However, their performance in varying conditions is defined by their composition.
- Metal Mounting Structures comprise aluminium and galvanised steel. As much as they are rigid and strong, they are susceptible to rust and corrosion with long-term exposure to moisture, humidity, and chemicals.
- FRP Mounting Structures, on the other hand, have composite fibres encased in a polymer resin. The mounting structures are lightweight, resin, and non-conductive.
The key difference is in maintenance and longevity. Metal needs protective coatings and periodic maintenance, while FRP is immune to any changes, even in extreme environments.
Comparison of Strength and Durability
When it comes to strength, both perform well, but FRP is better suited to retaining mechanical properties over time.
- FRP can endure high tensile strength without degradation due to rust or corrosion.
- Metal is strong but can lose integrity when moisture or salty air is present.
- FRP can endure extreme cold, extreme heat, the sun’s heat, UV rays, and maintain its form and load-bearing capacity.
The extreme durability makes FRP the preferred choice in coastal, industrial, or humid areas, where metals would need frequent maintenance.
Weight and Installation Efficiency
Solar projects, especially large ones, demand advanced efficiency in terms of time and ease of handling.
- Fibreglass reinforced polymer (FRP) materials can be exported and installed with ease as they weigh just over 60% less than steel, and as such, do not require mechanised equipment.
- Prefabricated and moulded components significantly lessen the amount of work that is needed on-site.
- While overhead metal structures are strong, they do require more employees and equipment for setup than the glass-reinforced polymer (FRP) required.
While FRP projects have been shown to be the most cost-effective, time-saving and simple methods to implement, PIR Electronics incorporated FRP structures with solar systems to prove that less handling complexity is indeed beneficial.
Corrosion and Weather Resistance
Metal is prone to corrosion. Even galvanised or coated metals are subject to corrosion due to oxidation, humidity, and pollution. Of all the materials used for construction, FRP offers the greatest protective solution, singly and in combination with other materials.
- There is and never will be corrosion to FRP, chemical reactions, or moisture absorption.
- FRP is sized and shaped in the same way as the other metals. This means FRP embraces change and does not sit stealthily when the temperature alters.
- FRP is not country-specific and withstands the same in industrial regions. Metal does not shrink in the same situation.
Because of this, solar systems with FRP structures will be stable and safe for the rest of their operational life.
Electrical and Thermal Safety
FRP actively protects the systems and silos during their installation and maintenance owing to the FRP’s distinguishing property of not allowing electric charges to flow freely. Electrical safety is greater with FRP as compared to metals. This is due to the fact that Metal is a good conductor of electricity and therefore, safety grounds are needed to protect the workers.
FRP serves as a good protective solution because Metal heats up, unlike FRP, even during direct sunlight. This means FRP will retain its flow for a longer time, which serves as an advantage for the rest of the system.
Maintenance and Long-Term Cost Effectiveness
While the upfront price for FRP might seem a bit higher, the true worth comes from the savings over time.
- No repainting or rust-proof coating needed.
- Low care, even for harsher outdoor weather.
- Low replacement/repair costs due to long lifespan.
- Solar panels are rigidly aligned and efficient due to structural integrity.
When structural elements are made from metal, there is far greater maintenance required to avoid rust, weakness and instability. The long-term costs, in particular, seem to be the area where metal comes out worst in comparison to Fibre Reinforced Plastic.
Conclusion
Superior to metal mounting, Fibre Reinforced Plastic is advanced and sets the standard for the future in solar installation tech. The lightweight ease of use and handling, resistance to corrosion, electrically non-conductive and offer future savings make them perfect for solar-powered energy systems. For some, metal is the go-to option due to its lower price, but the better value goes to FRP for the long-lasting and efficient systems.
PIR Electronics is focused on innovation in solar infrastructure to offer improved systems with greater performance and sustainable design by advancing mounting technologies built from FRP.