Advantages and Disadvantages of Weathering Steel Solar Mounting Systems

Weathering steel, also known as atmospheric corrosion-resistant steel, is a low-alloy steel between ordinary steel and stainless steel. It is made by adding a certain amount of copper, along with corrosion-resistant elements such as phosphorus, chromium, nickel, titanium, and vanadium to plain carbon steel. When used as a material for solar mounting systems, it requires no anti-corrosion coating, enabling fast construction and zero environmental pollution. It retains the ductility, high strength, and fatigue resistance of ordinary steel while offering 2-8 times the corrosion resistance of plain carbon steel. Its corrosion resistance principle is "rust inhibiting rust" — only the surface oxidizes without penetrating the interior, similar to the corrosion protection of copper or aluminum. When rusted in natural weather, a dense oxide layer forms between the rust layer and the substrate. This layer prevents oxygen and water in the atmosphere from seeping into the steel substrate, thereby enhancing atmospheric corrosion resistance.

(1) Advantages of Weathering Steel Solar Mounting Systems

• Low cost: Weathering steel eliminates the need for anti-corrosion coating processes, reducing related costs.
• Short production cycle: The removal of coating procedures shortens the manufacturing cycle of solar mounting systems.
• Environmental friendliness: No initial coating means reduced pollution, making weathering steel an economically sustainable and "green" material.

(2) Disadvantages of Weathering Steel Solar Mounting Systems

• Difficult welding: As an alloy steel, its alloying elements affect the welding process, increasing weld defect rates and potentially reducing the strength of welded joints. This can impact the service life of the entire steel structure. Additionally, the corrosion resistance of welds is hard to guarantee. Welding technology is therefore the biggest challenge in manufacturing, requiring specialized welding materials and advanced techniques.
• Rust staining: The rust layer on the surface of weathering steel can cause rust marks on nearby objects. Maintenance personnel working near the mounting systems may get rust stains on their clothing.
• Water accumulation corrosion: Weathering steel is not stainless steel. If water accumulates in recessed areas, the corrosion rate accelerates, so proper drainage must be ensured.