As global PV installed capacity enters the terawatt era, solar power plants are increasingly being built in complex environments—mountainous regions, water surfaces, agrivoltaic sites, and areas prone to extreme winds—rather than just flat deserts and gobi. This shift has placed unprecedented demands on the photovoltaic “skeleton”: the structural support system. Since 2026, driven by localized steel frame supply chain restructuring in the US market and original breakthroughs by Chinese research teams in wind resistance and vibration reduction, the PV mounting industry is undergoing a profound transformation centered on material innovation, structural optimization, and intelligent response.

I. Technological Innovation: From “Passive Resistance” to “Active Mitigation”

In response to the growing frequency of extreme weather events, the technological focus of PV mounting systems is undergoing a qualitative shift. Traditional designs mainly emphasize “resistance”—increasing material strength to passively withstand wind loads. The latest technological path, however, is moving toward “guidance” and “mitigation,” using aerodynamic principles to reduce loads at the source.

A research team led by Xu Haiwei from the Structural Engineering Institute of Zhejiang University has made a key breakthrough in this area, developing an adaptive aerodynamic flow-guiding vibration reduction device for large-scale PV arrays. Breaking through the limitations of conventional dampers—which only reduce overall structural vibration—this device uses embedded control algorithms to dynamically adjust the protective posture of the flow-guiding mechanism based on real-time wind conditions. Experimental data show that after installing the device, peak wind loads can be reduced by more than 45%, while the typhoon resistance design wind speed of PV power plants can be increased by over 20%. This technology marks a shift in wind-resistant design for PV plants from passive load resistance to active load mitigation, offering significant safety benefits for offshore PV and intertidal zone projects.

At the same time, attention to detail reliability is also advancing. A new composite material PV fastener developed by China Energy’s KEHUAN Group has been successfully trialed in field installations. With a thermally fused anti-loosening design specifically for harsh desert and gobi environments, it effectively prevents bolt loosening and module detachment, while eliminating the need for high-altitude work and open-flame welding during installation, significantly reducing overall operation and maintenance costs.

II. Industry Collaboration: Localized Manufacturing and Material Upgrades

Against the backdrop of global trade policies and supply chain security considerations, the material supply for PV mounting structures is undergoing a profound restructuring toward localization and higher-end capabilities.

In the US market, localized manufacturing has become the mainstream trend. Nextpower signed a multi-year steel frame supply agreement with Jinko Solar U.S. Under the agreement, Nextpower will supply more than 1 GW (expandable to 3 GW) of domestically manufactured steel frames over three years for Jinko’s module factory in Jacksonville, Florida. This move not only enhances the structural durability of the modules, but more importantly, US Treasury guidelines indicate that using US-made steel frames can add 6% domestic content value for tracker projects—a critical factor for developers seeking tax incentives.

Material upgrades are equally striking. Chengde Vanadium and Titanium, a leading producer of vanadium‑titanium steel materials in China, recently supplied over 7,000 tons of galvanized high-strength structural steel to a PV mounting manufacturer. Featuring high strength, corrosion resistance, and lightweight properties, this product meets the demanding requirements for steel strength, zinc coating thickness, and wind‑load resistance. Through early supplier involvement (EVI), the company helped its customers achieve both lightweight design and extended service life.

III. Global Market: Full‑Scenario Solutions Become Mainstream

At international exhibitions, major mounting system manufacturers are showcasing customized solutions tailored to specific geographical environments, signaling a shift from generic products to full‑scenario adaptability.

At the PV EXPO 2026 in Japan in March, Mibet presented a comprehensive mounting solution covering water surfaces, mountainous terrain, agricultural land, and rooftops. Recognizing Japan’s mountainous and hilly landscape, its ground mounting system supports various foundation options. For agricultural and remote areas, the company introduced a vertical mounting system with adjustable ground clearance to save land. Its G5 series floating system uses environmentally friendly HDPE floats and has passed rigorous wind tunnel tests to withstand typhoon‑prone conditions.

At the same time, at KEY – The Energy Transition Expo in Italy, Antaisolar highlighted its flagship AT‑Spark smart tracking system. The system integrates the SmartTrail intelligent control platform, designed to enhance stability in extreme environments through structural optimization, aiming to reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) in response to the strong European demand for efficient and reliable mounting systems.

IV. New Installation Models: Lightweight and Eco‑Friendly

Beyond materials and structures, innovations in installation methods are reshaping the industry landscape. A large‑scale PV project underway in Tumuruu, Queensland, Australia, plans to adopt an innovative concrete‑free, low‑impact PEG mounting system. This system secures modules in a wavy configuration using steel rods and a grid of steel plates, with a height of only about one meter. Its biggest advantage lies in eliminating the need for concrete foundations—thin steel rods are driven directly into the ground, reducing steel usage by approximately 75% compared to conventional structures, and installation requires only basic hand tools. This low‑impact design significantly reduces ecological disruption and logistics costs, offering a new paradigm for developing PV plants in ecologically sensitive areas.

V. Standards Development: Regulating Niche Segments

With the rapid adoption of flexible and adjustable mounting systems in complex terrain, industry standards are being accelerated. The New Energy Company of Changjiang Institute of Survey, Planning, Design and Research, as a main drafting unit, recently released the Technical Specification for Flexible PV Mounting Systems and the Technical Specification for Adjustable PV Mounting Systems. These two standards systematically define the mechanical characteristics of flexible mounting systems for the first time, filling gaps in technical specifications for these niche segments. They provide authoritative guidance for the safe application of flexible mounting systems in complex scenarios, marking the industry’s shift from extensive development to a more refined, standardized phase.