1. Global Solar PV Mounting Market Size in 2022

2022 was another year of rapid growth for the global PV industry. Data shows the global solar photovoltaic (PV) mounting systems market was valued at approximately USD 24.1 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 3.9% during the forecast period. Other industry reports valued the global solar PV mounting systems market at around USD 21.24 billion in 2022.

From an application perspective, PV mounts are mainly divided into roof mounts and ground mounts. By technology, they can be classified as fixed mounts and tracking mounts. Tracking mounts offer advantages such as higher power generation efficiency, better module performance, and lower failure rates, and are expected to become the mainstream in the future. In 2022, the United States was the world’s largest market for tracking mounts, with a penetration rate as high as 72%, while in China the tracking mount penetration rate was about 30%.

2. Comparative Analysis of Mainstream Mounting Materials in 2022

In 2022, the mainstream materials for solar mounting included aluminum alloy, steel (hot-dip galvanized steel, weathering steel, stainless steel), and emerging non-metallic materials. The following is a comprehensive comparison:

(1) Aluminum Alloy Mounts

Aluminum alloy is one of the most widely used materials in the PV mounting sector, accounting for about 40% of PV mounting structures in China. Aluminum profiles are lightweight (about 35% of the weight of steel), aesthetically pleasing, and offer excellent corrosion resistance. Under atmospheric conditions, they naturally form a dense oxide film that requires almost no subsequent anti-corrosion maintenance.

In terms of mechanical properties, 6063-T6 aluminum alloy has about 68-69% of the strength of Q235B steel. Under the same conditions, the deformation of aluminum profiles is about 2.9 times that of steel. Aluminum mounts are generally used for roof-mounted power plants with load-bearing requirements, highly corrosive environments, and chemical plant power stations.

In terms of cost, the cost of aluminum alloy is about 1.3–1.5 times that of steel PV mounts. However, aluminum alloy still has a recovery rate of 65% after 30 years, and aluminum prices are expected to rise about 3% annually.

(2) Galvanized Steel Mounts

Hot-dip galvanized steel is the most widely used PV mounting material in the Chinese market, accounting for about 50%. Steel offers high mechanical strength and low deflection deformation under load, and is mainly used for ordinary power stations or high-load components. Galvanized steel mounts feature stable performance, mature manufacturing processes, and high load-bearing capacity, making them suitable for large ground-mounted power plants with high strength requirements.

For corrosion protection, steel is generally hot-dip galvanized with a coating thickness of 55–80 μm, which can guarantee a service life of more than 20 years under normal conditions. However, in high-humidity industrial areas or high-salinity coastal areas, the corrosion rate accelerates, requiring thicker galvanized layers and regular maintenance.

(3) Weathering Steel (CORTEN® Steel)

In 2022, weathering steel (CORTEN® steel) emerged in the Chinese PV mounting sector as an innovative material attracting attention. Weathering steel is a high-strength alloy steel containing small amounts of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni). It forms a dense surface oxide layer that resists further corrosion and spalling.

Compared with traditional carbon steel, weathering steel offers superior atmospheric corrosion resistance and does not require additional anti-corrosion coatings (such as paint or galvanizing). It is less costly and maintenance-free. China’s new PV mounting standard NB/T 10642-2021 lists weathering steel as a recommended material for PV mounts, indicating that this material is gaining recognition in industry standards.

(4) Stainless Steel Mounts

Stainless steel has excellent strength and corrosion resistance, but its relatively high material cost limits its application in the PV mounting sector. Stainless steel mounts have good weather resistance and high recyclability, and are suitable for scenarios with special corrosion resistance requirements.

(5) Non-Metallic Mounts and New Materials

In 2022, the PV mounting industry also actively explored the use of non-metallic materials. For example, GraceSolar’s new-generation floating mount G5 uses a combination of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material and aluminum alloy legs to enhance corrosion resistance. Additionally, concrete mounts, as an alternative to traditional aluminum mounts, have been introduced by Italian manufacturer Sun Ballast, whose pure concrete system provides both ballasting and supporting functions. Although the mainstream materials for PV mounting remain metals, some attempts have been made with composite or plastic materials to achieve lightweighting, improve production efficiency, and reduce costs.

3. Technology Trends in Mounting Systems in 2022

(1) Aerodynamic Optimization and Tool‑Free Installation

The Intersolar Europe 2022 exhibition showed that PV mounting systems are evolving toward more flexible, modular, lighter, stronger, and more durable solutions. Particularly for commercial flat roofs, the trend is toward low‑ballast substructures with aerodynamic design, tool‑free installation, and no roof penetration. These new mounting systems are also typically optimized for large‑format modules measuring 1500–2100 mm in length and 980–1150 mm in width.

(2) Rise of Rail‑Free Mounting Systems

In 2022, rail‑free solar mounting systems gained increasing attention. For example, SunModo had to triple production capacity of its NanoMount attachments three times over the past year. Rail‑free mounts occupy less overall space and use fewer components, meaning lower transport costs and less time spent on the roof. Products like RockIt Smart Slide use UltraGrip technology to install without lifting tiles or pre‑drilling holes.

(3) East‑West Fixed Tilt Systems

In 2022, GameChange Solar launched its MaxDensity east‑west fixed tilt racking system, which provides more space for solar modules and offers a competitive price, giving PV plant developers a new cost‑effective option.

(4) Drill‑Free Installation Technology

In 2022, an increasing number of drill‑free solar panel installation solutions appeared on the market, including lightweight thin‑film photovoltaic laminates, offering more flexible and less invasive options for rooftop PV installation.

4. Key Mounting System Manufacturers in 2022

Arctech

Arctech is committed to building a world‑leading solar tracking system manufacturer, focusing on the R&D, intelligent manufacturing, and service of solar tracking and mounting systems. The company has fully mastered the core technologies of solar tracking and mounting systems, with a complete product portfolio and dozens of international and domestic intellectual property rights. Its products have passed multiple international certifications.

Clenergy

Founded in 2007, Clenergy is the only A‑share listed distributed PV mounting company. With the mission “to change the energy structure through technology and help achieve carbon neutrality,” Clenergy is dedicated to developing clean energy generation through technology.

Schletter Group

Schletter Group, a world‑leading solar mounting system manufacturer, showcased its latest products and solutions at Intersolar 2022, focusing on maximizing efficiency – including material utilization and installation speed. Its newly launched ProLine pitched roof system is lighter, stronger, and easier to install than its predecessor.

Guoqiang Xingsheng

Guoqiang Xingsheng won the “2022 China Rooftop Energy Accessories Influential Brand (Mounting)” award. The company has gradually formed a complete industrial chain covering high‑end raw material manufacturing for PV mounts, PV mount processing, and hot‑dip galvanizing. It operates three major manufacturing bases in Liyang (Jiangsu), Tangshan (Hebei), and Xinyang (Henan), with cumulative deliveries exceeding 60 GW.

Guangdong Powerway (PVB)

Guangdong Powerway New Energy launched its cost‑effective DuraPower all‑steel series, lightweight and value‑retaining AlumPower all‑aluminum series, and intelligent maintenance PowerTracker tracker series. The product line covers the needs of different application scenarios.

5. Challenges Facing the Mounting Industry in 2022

In 2022, the main challenges for the PV mounting industry included raw material price volatility, supply chain instability, and changes in the international trade environment. Rising prices of bulk metals such as steel and aluminum alloys put additional pressure on procurement costs for mounting manufacturers. Meanwhile, the global economy continued to be affected by a series of shocks, with some companies experiencing business declines or even bankruptcy.

Nevertheless, the continuous growth of global PV installed capacity provided broad development space for the mounting industry. In 2021, global PV new installed capacity reached 180 GW, a year‑on‑year increase of more than 30%. China, with about 53 GW of newly installed grid‑connected PV capacity, ranked first in the world for the ninth consecutive year.