Ever since it was first introduced as a commercially viable metal almost a century ago, aluminum has been transforming nearly every industry into which it is introduced. This transformation continues today as aluminum is helping to shape the renewable energy industries, such as involving the construction of solar panels. It is amazing to realize that after so many decades, aluminum remains a material of the future.
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Of course, at Clinton Aluminum, we work with aluminum every day. And while we are never shocked by the amazing applications our customers come up with on a regular basis, we continue to be impressed by just how revolutionary aluminum has proven to be. If you are working in the solar industry or another area of green energy, we’re here to help fulfill your need for reliable, high performance aluminum alloys.
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When people think of aluminum, they might think of huge skyscrapers or airplane bodies or even rocket ships. This wonder metal is famed for its tremendous strength-to-weight ratio and as such has become essential for many different applications that require being as lightweight as possible. It’s likely that not many people first think of electricity and aluminum.
Yes, aluminum is lightweight. And it is extremely ductile, non-magnetic, and corrosion resistant. It’s also a great conductor of heat. However, what is most important to our discussion today is that aluminum is also a strong conductor of electricity. Compared to copper, which many people associate with electrical wiring because of its conductivity, aluminum has 59% the conductivity while having only 30% the density.
That makes aluminum a great choice when it comes to electrical applications. Aluminum wiring was actually first used in the early 1900s, and its prevalence spread very rapidly after the end of World War II, to the point where it eventually replaced copper as the conductor of choice in power cables. This is because of aluminum’s cost and weight advantages, as well as its corrosion resistance.
Another common use of aluminum over the last century has been as a rigid electrical conduit. This is a tubing system that helps protect wiring systems. It is an improvement over steel conduit because it does not spark or rust, and as such aluminum is commonly used for this purpose in locations such as coal mines, grain elevators, and oil refineries where it is critical that sparking be avoided.
The alloys most commonly associated with electrical applications are in the 1ххх, 6ххх, and 8ххх families. In particular with the 8xxx series, the products have a demonstrable service life of more than 40 years. Power cables usually start with a solid aluminum rod of a diameter between 9 to 15 mm. At this size, it is relatively simple to bend or roll the rod without any cracking. In fact, the rod is nearly impossible to tear, making it perfect for critical transmission applications in municipal power grids.
All of this is to say that aluminum has a long history of being a vital metal to the power and energy industries. So, it is no surprise that aluminum would be helping to shape the new applications that are currently being developed in renewable and green energy.
As an example of how aluminum is affecting the solar power industry, this article from PV Magazine highlighted that Natcore Technology Inc. has succeeded in replacing the silver in its solar cells with aluminum. This development has been made without sacrificing any of the performance of the silver solar cell.
Silver is another material that is extremely conductive, but it also happens to be very expensive when compared with aluminum. Twice as much aluminum will be required in the new solar cells, but the raw material costs will be just .6% as when silver was used. This will represent a huge cost reduction for Natcore.
The company was quoted as saying the use of aluminum, “Will simplify the production process, significantly lower costs, and speed the path toward ultra-high-efficiency cells. The cell utilizes a novel packaging approach in which a flex circuit is directly bonded to multiple, small contact pads by high-speed laser fusion.”
But aluminum is helping transform the industry in other ways than just as a critical component in the solar cell. Aluminum extrusions have been used extensively in all kinds of applications that rely on the metal’s strength, lightweight, and corrosion resistance, for instance in the transportation, building and construction, and aerospace industries.
That’s why many solar companies are turning to aluminum to build their frames and mounting systems. Aluminum extrusions have the added benefit of being easy to design and work with, thanks in large part to aluminum’s high formability. Moreover, aluminum is 100% recyclable, an important consideration for many renewable energy companies.
Of course, this tremendous flexibility also presents an important challenge when working with extrusions. For new and innovative designs, it may require a great deal of testing and prototyping to make sure that the design is adequate for the task at hand and there won’t be any risk of structural failure. This brings up another of aluminum’s advantages, which is that it is relatively cheap to prototype, not to mention that new designs can be tested quickly. In addition, there is new software available that can analyze the viability of extrusions before physically testing them.
Aluminum alloys are proving a critical material in the solar industry, just as they have been proven essential to many other industries over the past century. Aluminum makes financial sense thanks to its flexibility and high performance at a reasonable price that can’t be matched by any other material.
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At Clinton Aluminum, our founding principle is based on the importance of finding the right material for the job. Contact one of our friendly customer service representatives today to learn more about what aluminum alloy might be right for you.
Solar sector has gained a remarkable attraction in recent years. It is due to the awareness and sustainability programs held by the government and some private groups that more people are now headed to put their reliance on renewable energy instead of other means. There are several advantages of solar energy, like increased value in your property, no power shortage, contribution to sustainable development for future generation, etc. The durability of a solar panel is measured through the solar panel frame used in the PV modules as they play a vital role in the composition of the solar panel. Aluminum is considered the perfect metal for the production of solar frames due to its various properties. The lifespan of an aluminium frame can reach up to 3 to 4 decades.
Stainless steel also has a long lifespan but they are heavier, complex, and costly than that of aluminum. Aluminum alloy on the other hand is oxidation resistance, higher strength, and cost efficient and is therefore considered as the best choice. In this blog, we will understand the advantages of solar panel frames and why it is the best choice for solar panel production.
The functions and advantages of solar aluminum frame are endless. That’s the reason that it is the best choice for solar panel production. Let us dive into some of its major advantages:
Aluminium frames offer essential structural support to solar panels, maintaining their shape and integrity. They prevent the panels from bending, warping, or sagging due to their own weight or external factors like wind or snow loads. The solar cells produced from silicon are cut into wafers and bound with the help of EVA where a solar frame is used as the support that ensures the solar panels remain in an optimal position and function effectively over their lifespan.
Solar panels have to bear various forms of mechanical stress during transportation, installation, and operation. Frames act as a protective shield, absorbing and dispersing stresses, preventing damage to the PV module’s sensitive components such as the photovoltaic cells, glass, and wiring.
Aluminium frames possess corrosion resistance properties which make them an ideal choice for solar frames for outdoor applications and protecting them from moisture, humidity and harsh atmosphere. Aluminium is thus considered the best choice for the solar frame manufacturers.
Aluminium frames contribute significantly to the longevity of solar panels. They can be used for around 4 to 5 decades thereby shielding the edges and corners. Also as discussed above, these frames reduce the risk of moisture ingress, which could lead to corrosion or electrical malfunctions. This protection helps maintain the structural integrity of the entire solar panels, extending their lifespan.
Solar panels are installed in the outside weather and it has to face exposure to harsh environmental conditions. Solar Frames here act as a barrier, shielding the edges and providing an extra layer of protection against moisture, humidity, and other weather-related factors. This protection prevents potential damage to internal components, ensuring the panels remain operational in various climates.
Aluminium is not only cost-effective but also lightweight and is designed with mounting holes or attachment points that facilitate secure installation. These features ensure proper alignment and positioning of panels on rooftops, grou0nd mounts, or other mounting structures, making the installation process efficient and reliable.
Being the part of creating a sustainable future, aluminum solar frame contributes here by having the additional advantage of being recycled. This feature compresses the ecological impact of solar panels by making them environment-friendly for harnessing the sunlight for power generation. The ease of aluminum frame meets the need of creating an economy where the cycle repeats where resources are sustainable throughout their lifespan.
Aluminum Frames contribute to the overall aesthetics of solar installations. They provide a finished appearance, and matt surface thereby enhancing the visual appeal and integration of solar panels into architectural designs.
These advantages collectively demonstrate the crucial role of aluminum frames in preserving the functionality, durability, and efficiency of solar panels, making them an indispensable component in the solar energy system. By making and embracing the use of aluminum frames, we can contribute to the creation of a sustainable and eco-friendly future for the upcoming generation. Aluminium being free from oxidation and corrosion resistance is the best choice for solar panel manufacturers.
Aluminium frame made by Vishakha Renewables meets these all needs and we are committed to creating a clean and greener planet. The aluminum solar frames made by us are made from 6063 and 6005 aluminum alloy with T5 and T6 temper and customized with 15+ microns anodizing thickness. We are the largest producer all over India for the production of solar panel components. Join Vishakha Renewable and contribute with us in this journey to creating a sustainable future.
Read What is the Impact of Aluminium Frame on Solar modules here!
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