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What Strength Grade of Bolts Should Be Selected for Solar Support Frames?

Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-06-10      Origin: Site

What Strength Grade of Bolts Should Be Selected for Solar Support Frames?

When selecting bolts for solar panel mounting structures, the choice of strength grade and material (e.g., 8.8/10.9 carbon steel vs. A2/A4 stainless steel) depends on multiple factors, including structural loads, environmental conditions, corrosion resistance requirements, and cost. Below is a detailed analysis to guide optimal selection:

1. Key Considerations for Solar Mounting Bolts

Solar (solar mounting structures) must withstand various mechanical stresses, including:


  • Wind and snow loads: High-magnitude dynamic forces, especially in extreme weather regions.

  • Thermal expansion/contraction: Repeated stress from temperature fluctuations.

  • Environmental exposure: Moisture, salt (coastal areas), industrial pollutants, or UV radiation, all of which impact corrosion resistance.


Bolts must balance strength (to maintain structural integrity) and durability (to resist corrosion over the system’s 20–25+ year lifespan).

2. Carbon Steel Bolts: 8.8 vs. 10.9 Grade

a. 8.8 Grade Carbon Steel Bolts

  • Strength: Tensile strength ≥ 800 MPa, yield strength ≥ 640 MPa (80% of tensile strength).

  • Applications:

    • Suitable for most standard solar mounting systems in moderate climates (non-coastal, low humidity).

    • Commonly used in frame-to-frame connections, rail-to-post joints, and grounding components.

  • Corrosion Resistance:

    • Requires surface treatment (e.g., hot-dip galvanizing, zinc plating) to prevent rust. Galvanized coatings offer ~50–100 μm thickness, providing 10–20 years of corrosion protection in non-aggressive environments.

  • Advantages: High strength-to-cost ratio; widely available and compliant with standards like ISO 898-1.

  • Limitations: Poor resistance in high-corrosion environments (e.g., coastal zones, industrial areas) without frequent maintenance.

b. 10.9 Grade Carbon Steel Bolts

  • Strength: Tensile strength ≥ 1,000 MPa, yield strength ≥ 900 MPa (90% of tensile strength).

  • Applications:

    • Critical load-bearing joints in large-scale solar farms, high-wind regions (e.g., ≥130 km/h wind speeds), or snow-prone areas requiring extra structural rigidity.

    • Used in 地脚螺栓 (foundation anchor bolts) or heavy-duty frame connections.

  • Corrosion Resistance:

    • Same as 8.8 grade; requires robust surface treatments (e.g., sherardizing, dacromet coating for 1,000+ hours of salt spray resistance).

  • Advantages: Higher fatigue resistance for dynamic loads; suitable for engineered designs requiring strict compliance with structural codes (e.g., IBC, Eurocode 3).

  • Limitations: Higher cost than 8.8 grade; still vulnerable to corrosion in harsh environments.

3. Stainless Steel Bolts: A2 vs. A4 Grade

a. A2 Stainless Steel (304 Grade)

  • Strength: Typically rated as A2-70 (tensile strength ≥ 700 MPa), lower than high-strength carbon steel.

  • Applications:

    • Ideal for coastal areas, high-humidity regions, or installations near swimming pools (chlorine exposure).

    • Used in non-critical connections (e.g., module clamps, cable tray brackets) where corrosion resistance is prioritized over maximum strength.

  • Corrosion Resistance:

    • Naturally resistant to rust due to chromium-nickel alloy (18% Cr, 8% Ni). A2-70 bolts offer ≥500 hours of salt spray resistance per ASTM B117.

  • Advantages: Maintenance-free; compatible with aluminum or stainless steel mounts to avoid galvanic corrosion.

  • Limitations: Lower tensile strength; not suitable for heavy-load applications.

b. A4 Stainless Steel (316 Grade)

  • Strength: A4-80 grade offers tensile strength ≥ 800 MPa, matching 8.8 carbon steel.

  • Applications:

    • Extreme environments (e.g., offshore solar farms, industrial sites with acid rain or chemical exposure).

    • High-stress connections where both strength and corrosion resistance are critical (e.g., hinge points in tracking systems).

  • Corrosion Resistance:

    • Contains molybdenum (2–3%), enhancing resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. Suitable for marine environments (≤50 km from coastline).

  • Advantages: Balances high strength and superior durability; meets stringent standards like ISO 3506-1 for marine applications.

  • Limitations: Highest cost among options; requires careful torque control to avoid galling during installation.

4. Comparative Table

Factor8.8 Carbon Steel10.9 Carbon SteelA2 Stainless SteelA4 Stainless Steel
Tensile Strength800 MPa1,000 MPa700 MPa (A2-70)800 MPa (A4-80)
Corrosion ResistanceModerate (with coating)High (with advanced coating)ExcellentSuperior (marine-grade)
Ideal EnvironmentInland, low-humidityHigh-wind, heavy-loadCoastal, humidOffshore, industrial
CostLowMediumMedium-HighHigh
Typical UsesFrame connectionsFoundation anchorsModule clampsTracking system hinges

5. Selection Guidelines

  1. Standard Installations (Inland, Low Corrosion):

    • Use 8.8 grade hot-dip galvanized carbon steel bolts for main structural connections. Ensure coatings meet ISO 1461 for ≥80 μm thickness.

  2. High-Wind/Snow Regions:

    • Specify 10.9 grade bolts with dacromet or sherardized coatings for critical joints. Verify compliance with AS/NZS 1170 or local building codes.

  3. Coastal/High-Humidity Areas:

    • Prioritize A2-70 stainless steel bolts for all exposed components. For heavy loads, upgrade to A4-80 stainless steel.

  4. Galvanic Corrosion Prevention:

    • Avoid mixing carbon steel with aluminum mounts. Use stainless steel or zinc-plated steel to prevent electrochemical reactions.

  5. Maintenance Considerations:

    • Carbon steel bolts in corrosive environments require periodic inspection for rust; stainless steel reduces long-term maintenance costs.

6. Compliance with Standards

  • Ensure bolts meet international standards:

    • Carbon steel: ISO 898-1 (property classes 8.8, 10.9).

    • Stainless steel: ISO 3506-1 (A2, A4 property classes).

  • For solar-specific applications, reference guidelines like IEC 62305-3 (lightning protection) and UL 2703 (mounting systems).

Conclusion

The choice of bolt strength and material for solar 支架 hinges on balancing structural requirements and environmental exposure:


  • 8.8 carbon steel is the cost-effective choice for most inland projects with moderate loads.

  • 10.9 carbon steel is essential for high-stress environments, paired with advanced anti-corrosion coatings.

  • A2/A4 stainless steel is non-negotiable in corrosive settings, offering unmatched durability at higher costs.


By aligning material selection with site-specific conditions, installers can ensure the safety, longevity, and optimal performance of solar mounting systems.


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