Emerging trends shaping the future of the solar panel frames industry

Contributed by: Team AlCircle

October 27, 2023

The mention of solar power instantly brings the image of giant solar panels on rooftops or vast stretches of land to our minds. Renewable energies, especially solar power, have been used for quite some time. However, with the advancement of technology, the choice of materials used in solar infrastructure has evolved. For example, aluminium- a ‘green’ metal - known for saving 95% of the energy (required during its production from bauxite ore) through recycling is being increasingly used for making solar energy infrastructure even more environmentally friendly. With the vision of a circular economy getting prominence, more changes, and sustainable innovations like these will happen in the solar power sector.

Let’s take a short tour around the globe and see what latest innovations are happening in the solar panel frames market.

Latest innovations in the solar panel frame market

Currently, various alloys of aluminium and steel and non-metal items are introduced to the solar panel manufacturing industry. These materials are increasingly used for developing panel frames. A few such innovative ideas include-

Polyurethane (PU): A non-metal material, PU is becoming a choice for solar panel frame manufacturing for its increased energy efficiency and reduced pricing. Its pivotal advantages are its axile strength paired with resistance against salt, mist, chemical corrosions, etc..

Aluminium alloys: Corrosion-resistant, strong and lightweight are the three main points that make aluminium the go-to material for solar panel frames. One can always recycle, reuse and restore waste solar PV aluminium panels, which matches the fundamental principle of circular economy, “sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible,” as suggested by the European Parliament.

Solar panel frames made of recycled steel: Every 1 kg of steel produces 1.2 kg of greenhouse gases. However, when recycled steel is used in the manufacturing of panels, the emission is even lower. Steel also improves module performance.

Revolutionising solar energy: Aluminium shines as the next-gen panel backbone

Aluminium is a material recycled in large quantities, like glass and plastic. So, even recycled aluminium can be used, and it is used, for developing silicon solar modules.

Solar battery components are sealed and fixed using solar aluminium panels and mounting brackets for their sturdiness even though it is lightweight. An aluminium panel can support the whole structure of the cells, back sheet, EVA encapsules and the glass. Such strong support is the primary reason why aluminium is increasingly becoming popular.

Resistance against weather-induced wear and tear is a unique property of aluminium. So it can protect the panel components from excess heat, rain, etc.

Incredible versatility is making it the first choice for solar panel frames. Using aluminium can improve the solar cells also.

Its reflectivity properties make it stand out in the crowd. Aluminium provides unquestionable efficiency with its high reflective prowess.

Booming solar power industry: How is aluminium helping the market to grow?

A surge in the demand for solar power is evident across the globe. While we mentioned China already, other countries in Asia, European and American countries are also following in their footsteps. With increasing population comes increasing energy demand. Easy installation and reduced environmental issues are making solar panels a favourite.

According to research, it has been revealed that the solar power markets of the Middle East and Africa are likely to grow the highest between 2021 and 2029. The governments of various countries insist on reducing energy generation from coal, natural gas and crude oil. Add to that the urge to develop remote areas. Solar power is the answer.

A World Bank study of 2020 reveals that aluminium is the “single most widely used material in solar photovoltaic (PV) application”. The same study also mentions that the demand for aluminium accounts for more than 85% of the entire mineral material demand for manufacturing solar PV components. So, it can easily be gauged how the demand for aluminium panels is increasing worldwide.

To wrap up

Aluminium has always been known as a versatile metal ready to be used in any sector with utmost effectiveness and efficiency. The latest feather in its crown is its widespread inclusion in the solar power industry as aluminium solar panel frames. Appropriate use and innovative ways of application will ensure that this metal serves with the highest efficacy.

Aluminium extrusions are ideal for constructing frames to secure rooftop solar panels. These extrusions provide structural support for the panels and help secure the protective glass or plastic cover. Additionally, they serve as the foundation for versatile mounting systems that enable solar panel installation on various surfaces, including rooftops and the ground.

One of the key advantages of using aluminium extrusions in this context is their remarkable strength-to-weight ratio. This unique characteristic allows the aluminium frames to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds and heavy snowfall, without overburdening the roof's rafters and shingles.

For a more comprehensive understanding of aluminium's significant role in the solar panel industry, I recommend delving into the industry-focused report titled "The World of Aluminium Extrusions - An Industry Analysis with Forecasts to 2027," available from AL Circle. This report offers valuable insights into using aluminium extrusions in the solar panel sector and provides forecasts for industry trends and developments.