I. Strong Demand from Large Projects with Clear Specifications

In 2023, several large-scale domestic PV projects issued clear procurement tenders for “hot-dip galvanized Q235 connectors,” specifying detailed technical standards. This indicates a trend toward standardization of support connector specifications in downstream applications.

Zhanjiang, Guangdong Project: Baowu Clean Energy’s 14.4 MW Zhanjiang Steel PV project openly tendered for connectors made of “Q235B hot-dip galvanized” material.

Shaoguan, Guangdong Project: Three Gorges Energy’s 100 MW agricultural-PV hybrid project in Ruyuan, Shaoguan, purchased large quantities of “hot-dip galvanized Q235B” purlin brackets, clamps, and other support connectors, requiring an average galvanized layer thickness of no less than 65 microns.

II. Industry Standards & Compliance

As the industry developed, relevant technical standards were further clarified, providing a basis for product design, production, and acceptance.

Industry standard: Hot-dip galvanized coatings are generally required to meet GB/T13912-2002 Metallic coatings – Hot-dip galvanized coatings on fabricated iron and steel articles – Specifications and test methods, with a minimum zinc coating thickness of 80 microns.

National policy guidance: In April 2023, the National Standardization Administration and other departments issued the Guidelines for the Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality Standard System, explicitly prioritizing the development of technical standards for key PV components, including support structures and their connectors, pointing the way toward standardization and high-quality development.

Major News Events: Upstream Supply Chain & International Exhibitions

III. Launch of Dedicated Q235 Photovoltaic Steel – A “Breakthrough” in Raw Materials

In 2023, a major breakthrough occurred in upstream raw materials for PV supports. China Baowu’s Bayi Steel Company, in cooperation with Xinjiang神州Tongxin新材料公司, successfully developed and mass-produced Q235-GF and other grades of steel specifically for photovoltaic applications. Over 40,000 tons of this steel, designed for PV supports and connectors, has been delivered, achieving a “zero-to-one” breakthrough. This means that raw materials for supports and connectors now have a more specialized option.

IV. Chinese Companies Shine at North American PV Expo – Connector Solutions Draw Attention

In September, Chinese connector manufacturer CNLINKO participated in Solar Power International 2023 in Las Vegas, the most influential PV exhibition in North America. The company showcased its self-developed connector series and solutions for PV applications, receiving widespread attention – demonstrating China’s technological strength in the PV connector sector.

Industry & Standards Developments: New Products & Group Standards

V. Expanded Supplier Product Lines

Many suppliers actively expanded their product offerings in 2023. For example, Tianjin Xiangrun Metal publicly offered hot-dip galvanized PV supports and accessories, emphasizing its ability to process Q235 PV connectors; Yunnan Hongchu Trading also supplied hot-dip galvanized PV support accessories.

VI. New Group Standard – Focus on Hot-Dip Zn-Al-Mg Coating

In August 2023, an important group standard T/QGCML 1281—2023 Specification for hot-dip Zn-Al-Mg coated steel frames for photovoltaic modules was officially released. Drafted by leading companies including LONGi Green Energy and Canadian Solar, this standard defines the terminology, requirements, and test methods for hot-dip Zn-Al-Mg coated steel frames. This marks a step toward more standardized guidance for the “Zn-Al-Mg” coating technology, which offers superior overall performance, and its application prospects are drawing increasing attention.