As the global energy transition enters a critical phase, the construction scenarios for photovoltaic (PV) power stations are expanding from flat plains to complex terrains such as slopes, deserts, and plateaus. In this process, a seemingly inconspicuous but critical component—screw piles—is becoming a key factor in project success. Recent developments in the screw pile sector both domestically and internationally signal a quiet technological revolution in PV mounting foundations.

Moving Away from Concrete: Screw Piles as the Key to Complex Terrain

In the past, building a PV power station often meant large-scale concrete pouring. However, as more projects face non-ideal landforms, the limitations of traditional methods have become apparent. A recently completed highway slope PV project in Tianjin offers a textbook case of innovation.

The project is located on the western section of the Jin-Shi Expressway in Tianjin. The challenge was to install a PV system on slopes and interchange loops without compromising expressway safety. Faced with steep slopes, loose soil, the risk of slope disturbance from traditional helical piles, and high soil salinity that could cause corrosion, the technical team did not stick to conventional methods. Instead, they replaced traditional screw piles with prestressed concrete pipe piles. This custom solution allowed the piles to be precisely embedded into deep stable soil layers, avoiding slope disturbance while solving the corrosion problem and significantly enhancing mounting stability.

From groundbreaking to grid connection, the project took only 45 days, setting a new speed record and creating a replicable “Tianjin model.” According to estimates, the project will generate 10.66 million kWh in its first year and a cumulative 254 million kWh over its full lifecycle, turning previously idle slope space into a green “sunshine bank.”

Large-Scale Development in Western China: The “Steel Foundation” in the Desert

In the vast deserts and Gobi regions of western China, a massive wave of PV construction is underway. As a key component of the “desert, Gobi, and barren land” energy bases, the demand for screw piles is growing exponentially.

In early 2026, the Tengger Desert Hexi New Energy Base in Gansu Province—a 3 GW PV project in the Jiuduntan area—entered a phase of intensive procurement and construction. Public bidding documents show that even a single project of this scale requires hundreds of thousands of screw piles. For example, a procurement notice issued by CNNC (China National Nuclear Corporation) called for two specifications of screw piles, Φ76×4×2300 and Φ80×4×2500, with an estimated total exceeding 270,000 units. Following that, the First Engineering Bureau of China Aneng also publicly tendered for steel screw piles for the 2.5 GW portion of the project, with the winning bid exceeding RMB 25 million.

In Hongyuan, Sichuan, at an altitude of 3,600 meters, the province’s first grid-forming energy storage power station is also pushing toward full-capacity grid connection. This project extensively uses screw piles and cast-in-place piles. According to the project manager from China Construction Second Engineering Bureau, the piles serve as the foundation for the entire PV array and are critical to ensuring stability and safety. The design incorporates rotatable, corrosion-resistant steel pipe piles, successfully overcoming the challenge of uneven terrain on the plateau.

New Trends in the U.S. Market: Domestic Manufacturing and Full Traceability

Across the Pacific, the U.S. solar mounting market is also undergoing significant shifts. In February 2026, American manufacturer American Steel and Aluminum (ASA) announced its official entry into the solar market with a new “American-made steel screw pile.”

This 1806-founded company recognized a clear market need. With increasing demand for predictable project timelines, developers increasingly require reliable foundation solutions that minimize supply chain risks. ASA’s new screw pile emphasizes “end-to-end” domestic manufacturing and “full traceability,” aiming to significantly shorten lead times and reduce early-stage project delays.

According to the company, the screw pile is compatible with most major tracker and fixed-tilt mounting systems on the market and is specifically engineered to handle challenging site conditions, including glacial till, cobble, boulders, and even bedrock. Robert Souliere, Director of Business Development at ASA, noted, “I know from experience the importance of foundations for solar developers and their industry partners. This steel screw pile was developed precisely to address that challenge.”

Industry Trend Observations

Synthesizing recent developments from both domestic and international markets, the screw pile industry shows three major trends:

Customized Technology: No longer a one-size-fits-all solution. From the prestressed concrete pipe piles used on the Tianjin slope to the rotatable corrosion-resistant steel piles in the Sichuan plateau, future PV foundations will be increasingly tailored to specific geological and climatic conditions.

Extreme Application Scenarios: As high-quality flat land becomes scarcer, PV construction is moving toward slopes, deserts, plateaus, and even offshore environments. This demands higher corrosion resistance, greater pullout resistance, and enhanced penetration capability for screw piles in complex geological conditions.

Supply Chain Localization: Particularly in the U.S. market, driven by policy and market demands, manufacturers are emphasizing local production and supply chain transparency. Companies like ASA are leveraging their vertically integrated operations and two centuries of manufacturing heritage to capture market share by offering “worry-free delivery.”