I. Core Advantages of FRP Grating in Solar Applications

FRP grating is a composite material manufactured by combining glass fibers as reinforcement with synthetic resin as a matrix, using molding or pultrusion processes. Compared with traditional metals, FRP grating offers unique technical and economic advantages in solar power plant applications.

Corrosion resistance and weatherability. Solar plants are typically exposed outdoors for long periods, enduring sun, wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations. Traditional metal materials are prone to rust and corrosion. FRP grating exhibits excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, salts, and various chemicals, along with superior UV and aging resistance. It maintains structural stability in harsh environments such as hot deserts, coastal salt spray, and polar cold. In 2024, measurement data from a coastal PV plant showed that FRP grating remained in perfect condition after years of salt-spray exposure, while metal grating installed at the same time had obvious corrosion.

Light weight and high strength. FRP grating has a density about one‑quarter that of steel and is approximately 70–75% lighter than steel grating, yet its strength is comparable to steel. This greatly reduces transport and installation costs and reduces the need for heavy lifting equipment – especially valuable in rooftop distributed PV and other weight‑sensitive applications.

Insulation and slip resistance for operational safety. PV systems operate with live electrical components. The non‑conductive nature of FRP grating provides an important safety guarantee for maintenance personnel, significantly reducing the risk of electric shock. In addition, its slip‑resistant surface ensures stable walking even under wet or oily conditions.

Significant life‑cycle cost advantage. Although the initial cost of FRP grating may be slightly higher than that of traditional materials, its maintenance‑free and long‑life characteristics bring substantial life‑cycle cost savings. According to an ABS Consulting model, FRP can save about 38% of total costs over a 20‑year service period. On one commercial/industrial rooftop PV plant, the use of FRP grating reduced annual maintenance costs by 42%, while its light‑transmitting properties improved daylighting in the space below. Industry studies indicate that within the design life, GFRP materials retain more than 85% of their initial strength, making the life‑cycle cost far lower than that of traditional metal solutions.

II. Global FRP Grating Market Overview and Solar Application Trends

Steady overall market growth. In 2024, the global FRP grating market is estimated at approximately USD 660 million to USD 1.04 billion. It is projected to reach USD 860 million to USD 1.37 billion by 2030–2032, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 4.1–4.55%. The rapid expansion of the renewable energy market is an important driver of FRP grating demand. The global market for composites in renewable energy reached USD 12.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 22.5 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 5.28%.

Solar becomes a key growth engine. The PV composite frame market was valued at approximately USD 1.16 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.3 billion by 2032. As global PV installed capacity continues to expand, the demand for high‑quality access walkways, corrosion‑resistant mounting structures, and lightweight frames is growing rapidly, creating broad market space for FRP grating.

III. Major Events and Industry News in 2024

SNEC 2024: GFRP composite frames shine. On June 13, 2024, SNEC, the world‑renowned PV exhibition, opened at the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center, attracting over 500,000 professional visitors. Jiangsu Wole New Materials, a technology and market leader in PV composite (GFRP) frames, showcased its mass‑production GFRP solutions after multiple technical upgrades, including new structural designs, bolted installation methods, third‑generation composite corner brackets, and scratch‑resistant and anti‑slip coating technologies. More than 15 well‑known domestic and international PV module manufacturers chose to exhibit new modules using Wole’s GFRP frames, fully demonstrating market acceptance.

Wole receives world’s first “National Quality Selection” certification. During the exhibition, the National PV Quality Inspection Center held a ceremony to issue the world’s first batch of “National Quality Selection” test certificates based on IEC 63556 for full‑scenario PV material applications. Wole’s GFRP products underwent rigorous full‑scenario sequential aging tests covering extreme environments such as hot desert, ecological lake, polar cold, and deep ocean, and performed excellently. As the world’s first GFRP manufacturer to pass third‑party, full‑scenario comprehensive aging tests, Wole has moved from technology leadership to market leadership.

China’s first technical standard for FRP PV mounting systems officially released. On March 12, 2024, the group standard T/CSTM 01224‑2024 “Technical requirements for continuous fiber reinforced composite photovoltaic supports” was officially released, effective June 12, 2024. This standard, jointly drafted by Shandong Electric Power Engineering Consulting Institute and several other organizations, specifies the structure, classification, marking, general requirements, technical requirements, and test methods for FRP PV mounting systems, providing a technical basis for their standardized application in solar plants.

Nippon Paint and Deryilong jointly launch innovative composite frame. In June 2024, Nippon Paint and Deryilong launched an innovative composite frame product series, addressing technical challenges such as high weatherability, ultra‑long outdoor service life, and low VOC emissions, as well as meeting the challenges of salt‑spray resistance, high temperature/high humidity resistance for offshore PV, and wind‑sand resistance for sandy areas, thereby promoting full‑scenario application of composite frames.

Aoxin New Materials’ polyimide fiber‑reinforced composite PV mounting system passes TÜV Nord certification. In November 2024, Jiangsu Aoxin New Materials Co., Ltd. announced that its polyimide fiber‑reinforced composite (PIFRP) PV mounting system successfully passed TÜV Nord technical specification certification. This material is light, has excellent mechanical properties, resists high and low temperatures and corrosion, and offers outstanding electrical insulation, making it an ideal alternative to metal PV mounting systems.

IV. Key Application Projects and Case Studies

Rooftop PV project in Guangxi, China. A PV project in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, with a building area of approximately 2,658 m², required the installation of PV modules and access walkways on the roof. The project demanded strict corrosion resistance, slip resistance, light weight, insulation, and high load‑bearing capacity. FRP molded grating was used to construct walkways (50 cm wide) between solar panels, effectively meeting the safety requirements for maintenance personnel.

Largest rooftop PV plant in Africa. Sino Composite supplied the complete FRP access walkway grating and aluminum support rails for the largest rooftop PV plant in Africa. The project owner urgently needed walkways and handrails for the rooftop solar installation, and Sino Composite provided detailed design schemes and layout drawings within one day; delivery of the FRP grating walkways and handrails was equally efficient.

Outstanding performance of FRP grating during typhoons. After the strongest typhoon “Yagi” (called “Typhoon摩羯座” in the original text) passed in 2024, PV modules with composite frames remained intact, while modules with aluminum alloy frames in the same area were damaged. In another case, when Typhoon Bebinka passed through the same region, modules with composite frames again withstood the test.

Overseas PV projects adopt FRP grating on a large scale. Since 2024, many overseas PV EPC companies have used FRP grating walkways extensively in their solar plant constructions, with cumulative usage continuing to rise. Products have been exported to Europe, the Americas, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other regions. One project owner commented: “The FRP grating looks excellent, the surface finish is flawless, and the sales team is very professional, providing multiple feasible solutions.”

V. Policy Support and Standardization Progress

In 2024, China issued a number of favorable policies for composite materials in PV.

Inclusion in the “Guiding Catalogue for the First Batch of Application Demonstration of Key New Materials”. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) included “glass fiber‑reinforced composite products for photovoltaic applications” in the 2024 edition of the Guiding Catalogue, categorizing them as “green building materials – structural support materials and sealing/fixing materials”, explicitly defining PV mounting systems and frames as key new materials – a positive signal for market promotion.

Encouragement in the “Industrial Structure Adjustment Guidance Catalogue”. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) included new building materials suitable for prefabricated construction, sponge cities, and other fields in the encouraged category of the 2024 edition, providing policy support for FRP composites in building‑integrated PV (BIPV) and other scenarios.

Accelerated construction of PV industry standards. The “Guidelines for the Construction of Photovoltaic Industry Standard System (2024 Edition)” specifies nine major standard areas, including PV materials, PV components, and PV systems, laying a foundation for standardized use of FRP composites in PV. In addition, four central ministries jointly issued a document requiring that key standard development and implementation be carried out simultaneously to support high‑quality development of key industrial chains.

Special research report by the China Photovoltaic Industry Association. In September 2024, the China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA) released a research report on the application of glass fiber‑reinforced composite mounting systems in distributed PV power plants. The report systematically tested the durability of GFRP materials in terms of UV resistance, acid resistance, and alkali resistance, concluding that within the design life, GFRP materials retain not less than 85% of their strength, offering significant life‑cycle cost advantages.