Industry discussion on ZAM coating technology for photovoltaics – Nippon Steel Coating’s ZAM® brand released an environmental impact report in 2022 on its application in solar mounting systems. The report highlighted that Zn-Al-Mg alloy coating not only provides 10–20 times the corrosion resistance of traditional galvanized steel, but also significantly reduces zinc runoff, making it an eco‑friendly choice for PV projects in harsh environments.

UISOLAR – Technical education and product promotion – On June 2, 2022, PV mounting supplier UISOLAR published an article explaining the advantages of ZAM alloy‑coated steel, noting that its corrosion resistance is 5 to 10 times higher than conventional alloy steel.

Jiangyin Yongjia New Energy – BIPV integrated applications – The company began promoting ZAM steel walkways in building‑integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) in 2022, exploring the combination of safe access channels with solar power generation.

Senyenergy – Quantified performance data release – In 2022, Senyenergy quantified ZAM’s performance, stating that its corrosion resistance is three times that of standard hot‑dip galvanized steel, with a 25‑year design service life and a 10‑year warranty.

MG Solar – Integration into mainstream product lines – PV mounting manufacturer MG Solar had already included ZAM walkways in its mainstream product lines by 2022, offering a 12‑year product warranty.

 Core Value of ZAM Solar Walkways: Safety and Durability

The market’s enthusiasm for ZAM in 2022 was driven by its core safety and durability advantages:

Superior corrosion resistance – Zn-Al-Mg alloy coating provides 10 to 20 times the corrosion protection of traditional hot‑dip galvanizing, ensuring long‑term reliability in harsh environments such as coastal and industrial areas.

Self‑healing of scratches – When the ZAM coating is slightly scratched, alloying elements migrate to form a new protective film, preventing rust propagation.

Improved O&M safety and efficiency – In large PV power plants or rooftop projects, ZAM walkways provide operators with a sturdy, safe dedicated passage, effectively reducing the risk of stepping on modules or slipping.

Environmental sustainability – ZAM® coated steel uses 30–60% recycled material during production and is itself 100% recyclable, fully aligning with the green philosophy of the PV industry.

 Main Application Scenarios (2022)

ZAM solar walkways were mainly applied in the following areas in 2022:

Large‑scale ground power plant O&M corridors – Used as inspection paths connecting PV arrays, protecting cables and improving maintenance efficiency.

Commercial & industrial metal‑roof PV systems – ZAM walkways protect the roof while their lightweight design (up to more than twice as light as traditional steel grating walkways) significantly reduces roof load risks.

BIPV integrated design – As part of building‑integrated PV systems, ZAM walkways offer both functionality and aesthetics, blending with the building itself.