As the global renewable energy transition accelerates, galvanized steel solar mounts (galvanized-steel-solar-mounts) have emerged as the backbone of photovoltaic (PV) installations worldwide in 2023, thanks to their unparalleled combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness. Industry data shows that the demand for galvanized steel solar mounts has witnessed a significant upsurge this year, driven by the rapid expansion of utility-scale solar farms, the popularization of distributed PV projects, and the growing emphasis on long-term operational stability of solar power stations.
2023 marked a milestone year for the global solar energy industry, with over 243 gigawatts (GW) of new solar capacity added globally, among which more than 182 GW adopted fixed-tilt or tracking mounting systems primarily made of steel or aluminum materials. Galvanized steel, as a core material for solar mounts, accounted for a substantial share of this market, particularly in ground-mounted solar projects that dominated new installations with a 67% share, equivalent to over 160 GW globally. This growth is closely linked to the unique advantages of galvanized steel that address the core needs of solar project developers and operators.
The durability and corrosion resistance of galvanized steel solar mounts have become their key competitive edge in 2023. Through the hot-dip galvanization process—where steel is immersed in molten zinc at around 450 °C to form a strong protective layer—these mounts achieve exceptional longevity, with a service life of over 25 years, perfectly matching the 25-year warranty period of most solar panels. The standard 65–80 μm hot-dip galvanized layer boasts a corrosion rate of less than 2 μm per year in general atmospheric environments, and even in harsh coastal high-salt雾 areas, enhanced solutions such as magnesium-aluminum-zinc (ZM) coating or thickened zinc layers have been proven to maintain no obvious red rust for 10 years. This durability significantly reduces maintenance costs and ensures the long-term safety of solar installations, a critical factor for project profitability.
Cost-effectiveness has further fueled the widespread adoption of galvanized steel solar mounts in 2023. The tonnage price of hot-dip galvanized steel profiles ranges from 4,500 to 6,000 yuan, only one-third of that of aluminum, and the abundant domestic production capacity and unified specifications in major markets have further lowered procurement costs. In terms of installation efficiency, galvanized steel solar mounts can be assembled on-site with bolts without welding, allowing a single worker to complete 100–120 kilowatts of installation per day, significantly reducing labor and mechanical costs. For solar project developers, this translates to a reduction of 0.05–0.08 yuan per watt in initial investment, directly improving the project's internal rate of return (IRR).
In 2023, technological innovations and product upgrades have further expanded the application scenarios of galvanized steel solar mounts. Manufacturers have optimized product designs to enhance compatibility with various foundation forms, including spiral piles, strip foundations, and roof fixtures, making them suitable for complex terrains such as cement roofs, color steel tiles, deserts, and fish ponds. Meanwhile, the integration of galvanized steel mounts with bifacial modules and tracking systems has become a major trend: by the end of 2023, over 110 GW of solar installations globally used mounting structures optimized for bifacial modules, delivering an energy boost of up to 15%. Single-axis tracking systems, many of which adopt galvanized steel structures, saw a 36.8% increase in deployment over two years, with 52 GW installed globally in 2023, improving solar output by up to 25%.
Regional market performance also reflects the strong momentum of galvanized steel solar mounts in 2023. China, as the world's largest solar market, led the global installation with over 130 GW of ground-mounted solar capacity, accounting for more than 53% of global installations, and galvanized steel mounts played a crucial role in these projects. Data shows that the market size of China's galvanized steel solar mount profiles reached approximately 8 billion yuan in 2023, with the export volume of Chinese solar mount profiles reaching about 120 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 22%, mainly exported to Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. In India, which added 18.1 GW of solar capacity in 2023, galvanized steel has become the preferred material for solar mounts due to its adaptability to local environmental conditions. In Australia, major manufacturers such as Antaisolar showcased galvanized steel-based small ground mount systems at the All-Energy 2023 exhibition, catering to the growing demand for small and medium-sized solar projects in rural and residential areas.
Industry experts point out that the growth of the galvanized steel solar mounts market in 2023 is not only driven by the global surge in solar installations but also by the increasing emphasis on green and sustainable development. Galvanized steel solar mounts are highly recyclable, with a residual value of 2,500–3,000 yuan per ton, which helps reduce the full-life-cycle cost of solar projects and aligns with the concept of circular economy. Looking ahead, with the continuous advancement of galvanization technology and the expansion of global renewable energy investment, galvanized steel solar mounts are expected to maintain their dominant position in the market, supporting the sustainable development of the global solar energy industry.
Key highlights of 2023 galvanized steel solar mounts market: 1) Global demand surges with the expansion of utility-scale solar farms; 2) Cost-effectiveness and durability become core driving factors; 3) Technological upgrades expand application scenarios; 4) Asia-Pacific and North American markets lead growth; 5) Integration with smart tracking systems and bifacial modules becomes a mainstream trend.