Solar Structure (formally known as a Module Mounting Structure or MMS) is defined as the specialized skeletal framework designed to hold, orient, and secure solar panels in place for the duration of their 25+ year lifespan.

Types Of Inverters

§  Roof-Mounted

§  Ground Mounted

§  Tracking Structures

§  BIPV (Building Integrated)

Material Specifications

1.     Hot-Dip Galvanized (HDG) Steel

The "gold standard" for ground-mounted and large-scale industrial projects.

§  Standard: Must comply with IS 4759 or ASTM A123.

§  Coating Thickness: Minimum 80 to 120 microns (or 610 g/m²) to protect against rust in humid or industrial environments.

§  Application: Heavy-duty racks and foundation pillars.

2. Anodized Aluminum (6000 Series)

Preferred for residential rooftops and carports due to its high strength-to-weight ratio.

§  Grade: Typically 6063-T6 or 6005-T5 grade.

§  Anodization Layer: Minimum 15 to 20 microns to prevent oxidation.

§  Key Advantage: Lightweight (minimizing roof stress) and naturally rust-proof without additional coating.

3. Galvalume / Pre-Galvanized Steel

Commonly used for purlins and rafters in cost-sensitive or indoor-adjacent projects.

§  Coating: A combination of Aluminum (55%) and Zinc (43.4%).

§  Standard: Minimum AZ-150 (150 g/m²) coating.

§  Limitation: Cut edges are more prone to rust compared to HDG unless treated with cold-galvanizing spray.

4. Fasteners and Hardware (Critical)

To prevent galvanic corrosion (where two different metals react), the hardware must be high-grade.

§  Material: Stainless Steel (SS-304 or SS-316) is mandatory for all bolts, nuts, and washers.

§  Spring Washers: Must be used to maintain tension during the thermal expansion and contraction of the structure.

5. Emerging 2026 Materials: Magnelis/ZAM

Highly specialized for coastal or high-salinity environments.

§  Composition: A metallic coating of Zinc, Aluminum, and Magnesium.

§  Self-Healing: This material has a unique "self-healing" property where the coating migrates to cover cut edges or scratches, offering up to 3x better corrosion resistance than standard HDG.

Common Applications

§  Urban & Building | Commercial | Industries | Agriculture | Utility | Grid Services