Aluminium Expo | Advantages and Prospects of Zinc-Aluminium-Magnesium (ZAM) Panels in Photovoltaic (PV) Support Brackets

Aluminium Expo | Advantages and Prospects of Zinc-Aluminium-Magnesium (ZAM) Panels in Photovoltaic (PV) Support Brackets

With the growing global demand for clean energy, the photovoltaic (PV) market is experiencing unprecedented growth opportunities. PV support brackets—critical components of PV systems—are directly influenced by the materials used, which significantly impact the system's stability, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Among the many available materials, Zinc-Aluminium-Magnesium (ZAM) panels stand out due to their exceptional corrosion resistance, high strength, and excellent processability. These properties make ZAM an ideal choice for manufacturing PV support brackets. As the installation of PV systems continues to rise, the demand for ZAM panels is rapidly growing in tandem. At Aluminium Expo, you will discover the latest advanced materials for PV panels.

Advantages of ZAM Panels in the PV Industry

Excellent Corrosion Resistance

High Corrosion Resistance Coating: ZAM panels integrate aluminum (Al) and magnesium (Mg) into the hot-dip galvanized coating, creating a dense, uniform zinc-aluminum alloy protective layer. This coating excels in harsh environments such as high humidity and salt fog, greatly extending the service life of components like PV support brackets.
Self-Healing Property: When ZAM panels are scratched or cut, oxidation forms smithsonite, which covers the damaged area, effectively preventing rust. This self-healing feature enhances the durability of the panels during both fabrication and use.

High Strength and Rigidity

High Load-Bearing Capacity: ZAM panels offer exceptional strength and rigidity, capable of withstanding significant loads and wind pressure. In PV support brackets, this ensures the stability and safety of the PV system.
Lightweight Design: Compared to traditional steel, ZAM panels are lighter yet maintain high strength. This reduces overall weight, which in turn lowers transportation, installation, and maintenance costs for PV systems.

Good Processability

Easy Formability: ZAM panels exhibit excellent plasticity, enabling easy processing through methods such as deep drawing, bending, and cutting. This flexibility makes them ideal for manufacturing PV support brackets.
Superior Weldability: ZAM panels have excellent weldability, meeting the requirements for complex structures in PV systems, ensuring strong, reliable joints.

Environmental Benefits

Eco-friendly Production: The production of ZAM panels is more environmentally sustainable compared to traditional hot-dip galvanizing methods. It reduces the need for cold rolling and the use of chemicals, which decreases pollution.
Long-Term Sustainability: Due to their corrosion resistance and durability, ZAM panels reduce the need for replacements and minimize maintenance costs. This not only lowers the total cost of ownership but also reduces resource waste and environmental impact.

Cost-Effectiveness

Reduced Production Costs: ZAM panels are produced via a continuous hot-dip galvanizing process, which streamlines production and reduces post-treatment steps. Lower material and processing costs directly reduce the cost of PV support brackets.
Enhanced Economic Benefits: The durability and longevity of ZAM panels lead to fewer repairs and replacements, reducing the total lifecycle costs of PV systems. This enhances the return on investment for PV projects.

Application Prospects of ZAM Panels

1.Growing Market Demand

Rapid PV Industry Expansion: With the global push for clean energy, the photovoltaic (PV) sector is rapidly expanding. New PV installations are consistently breaking records, increasing demand for components such as PV support brackets made from ZAM panels.

Government Support: With strong governmental backing for renewable energy, including subsidies and policy incentives, the PV industry is set for sustained growth. This drives further demand for ZAM panels in the PV sector.

2.Expansion of Application Fields

Ground-mounted PV Power Stations: ZAM panels are widely used in large-scale ground-mounted PV power stations, where their performance in harsh environments ensures long-term operational stability, safeguarding the power generation efficiency of PV systems.

Distributed PV Systems: With the rise of distributed PV systems (such as rooftop and wall-mounted installations), ZAM panels' lightweight and high-strength properties make them ideal for adapting to various architectural structures and installation conditions.

Special Environment PV Systems: In challenging environments like floating or desert PV systems, ZAM panels' superior corrosion resistance and strength make them a perfect fit for maintaining reliable PV support structures.

3.Technological Advancements and Upgrades

Production Process Innovation: Ongoing innovations in the production technology of ZAM panels will continue to improve their performance. For example, optimizing the hot-dip galvanizing process and enhancing coating uniformity can further boost corrosion resistance and mechanical strength.

Product Diversification: As market demands evolve, ZAM panels will become increasingly versatile. Future products may be customized to meet the specific needs of different PV systems, offering varied specifications and performance characteristics to satisfy diverse market requirements.

As the PV industry continues to grow rapidly, ZAM panels are set to play a key role due to their excellent performance, durability, and adaptability across various applications. Despite some challenges, such as the lack of international standards and growing market competition, these obstacles present opportunities for innovation and improvement. With continued technological advancements and the evolution of industry standards, the future prospects of ZAM panels in the PV sector are highly promising.