2026 New Energy Science Popularization: A Practical Guide to the Classification, Selection, and Application of Photovoltaic Mounting Structures

What is a photovoltaic mounting system?

A photovoltaic mounting structure is a specialized support system designed to hold photovoltaic modules. As a core ancillary component of photovoltaic power generation systems, the performance of PV mounting structures directly impacts the power‑generation efficiency, operational safety, and service life of photovoltaic modules. With the rapid growth of new energy in 2026, domestic installed PV capacity continues to expand, and users’ demand for greater awareness and understanding of PV mounting systems is steadily increasing.

What is the core function of a photovoltaic mounting system?

The core functions of a photovoltaic mounting system encompass three key aspects: first, to securely mount the PV modules and adjust their orientation and tilt angle, ensuring optimal solar irradiation; second, to safeguard the modules against the damaging effects of extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, rain, snow, and hail, thereby reducing the risk of structural damage; and third, to provide adequate clearance for maintenance, facilitating cleaning and inspection by operations and maintenance personnel.

How much does a photovoltaic mounting system affect power generation efficiency?

According to research data released in 2026 by the domestic photovoltaic industry association, properly selected and installed PV mounting structures can improve the overall efficiency of a photovoltaic power generation system by approximately 5% to 10%. An inappropriate tilt angle or a loose structure not only reduces energy output but may also pose safety risks; therefore, choosing qualified PV mounting systems is one of the core steps in building a photovoltaic power generation system.

What are the common types of photovoltaic mounting systems?

Based on raw materials and installation methods, the mainstream photovoltaic mounting systems currently available can be categorized into several distinct types. These different categories cater to widely varying application scenarios, allowing users to select the most suitable product according to their specific needs.

Types of Photovoltaic Mounting Structures Classified by Raw Materials

Currently, the mainstream photovoltaic mounting systems, categorized by material, fall into three main types: aluminum alloy mounts, galvanized steel mounts, and carbon‑fiber mounts. Aluminum alloy mounts are lightweight and corrosion‑resistant, making them well suited for residential distributed PV projects; galvanized steel mounts offer high strength at a lower cost, making them the preferred choice for large‑scale ground‑mounted solar farms; carbon‑fiber mounts, while more expensive, are primarily used in specialized mountainous or high‑altitude cold‑climate applications and currently account for a relatively small share of the market.

Types of Photovoltaic Mounting Structures Classified by Tracking Method

Based on their method of tracking the sun, photovoltaic mounting systems can be broadly categorized into fixed mounts and tracking mounts. Fixed mounts feature a simple structure, lower costs, and easy maintenance, while tracking mounts adjust the orientation of the modules in response to the sun’s position, thereby increasing power generation; they are commonly used in large-scale utility‑scale solar farms. Industry data indicate that single‑axis tracking PV mounts can boost energy output by approximately 10% to 15% compared with fixed mounts.

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Core Reference Dimensions for Selecting Photovoltaic Mounting Structures

Selecting photovoltaic mounting systems requires a comprehensive assessment that takes into account multiple factors, including the project site conditions, geographic environment, and budget. By 2026, the industry had identified five core selection steps, as follows:

1. Confirm the topography and geological conditions of the project installation site, and determine the load requirements for the photovoltaic mounting structure.
2. Based on the project’s installed capacity and budget, select appropriate raw materials and structural types.
3. Calculate the optimal installation tilt angle for the photovoltaic mounting system based on the project’s latitude.
4. Confirm local extreme weather conditions and adjust the wind‑ and snow‑load resistance grades of the photovoltaic mounting structure.
5. Select qualified suppliers to provide compliant photovoltaic mounting systems and installation services.

Comparison of the Advantages and Disadvantages of Photovoltaic Mounting Structures Made from Different Materials

How to choose the appropriate load rating?

The loads on photovoltaic mounting structures are primarily categorized into wind loads and snow loads. In northern China, where snowfall is frequent, it is necessary to select PV mounting systems with a snow load rating of at least 0.5 kN/m². In the southeastern coastal regions, which are prone to typhoons, PV mounting products with a wind resistance rating of no less than Grade 12 should be chosen.

Recommendations for Selecting Photovoltaic Mounting Structures in Different Application Scenarios

Different application scenarios impose varying performance requirements on photovoltaic mounting systems. Selecting the wrong type can not only increase costs but also compromise power generation efficiency and service life. Below are guidelines for selecting the appropriate system for various applications.

Selection of Photovoltaic Mounting Structures for Residential Rooftop Solar Systems

Residential distributed photovoltaic systems are typically installed on residential rooftops, which have limited space and load-bearing capacity. Therefore, aluminum alloy fixed PV mounting structures are the preferred choice: they are lightweight, corrosion‑resistant, eliminate the need for additional roof reinforcement, and are easier to install and maintain. For pitched roofs, these brackets can be directly adjusted to match the roof’s slope, ensuring optimal tilt angles to meet everyday power generation needs.

Selection of PV Mounting Structures for Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Power Plants

Large-scale ground‑mounted solar power plants have substantial installed capacities and demand high generation efficiency. In areas with flat terrain, horizontal single-axis tracking racking systems are the preferred choice to maximize overall energy output. For mountainous or topographically complex regions, fixed‑tilt racking systems strike a balance between cost and performance. Galvanized steel racking offers the structural strength required for large‑scale projects while delivering superior cost‑effectiveness.

New Trends in the Photovoltaic Mounting Structure Industry in 2026

As photovoltaic technology continues to evolve, PV mounting‑system products are also undergoing constant upgrades, and the industry is currently characterized by two distinct development trends.

Tracking the continued rise in the penetration rate of photovoltaic mounting systems.

As the grid parity of photovoltaic power plants advances, the industry’s demand for higher energy generation continues to grow. According to 2026 industry data, the penetration rate of tracking PV racking systems in China has risen to over 35%, an increase of nearly 20 percentage points compared with 2020. Looking ahead, the cost of tracking PV racking systems is expected to decline further, driving an additional rise in their market penetration.

High-corrosion-resistant, long-life photovoltaic mounting systems have become the mainstream.

Currently, the design service life of photovoltaic power generation systems has generally been extended to over 25 years. Consequently, users’ expectations for the service life of PV mounting structures are also rising. Photovoltaic mounting systems made from new materials—such as highly corrosion‑resistant aluminum alloy profiles and galvanized aluminum‑magnesium steel—are gradually becoming the market mainstream, with product lifespans reaching approximately 30 years, thereby aligning with the full lifecycle requirements of photovoltaic systems.

Key Points for the Daily Maintenance of Photovoltaic Mounting Structures

Proper routine maintenance can effectively extend the service life of photovoltaic mounting systems and reduce safety risks. Routine maintenance primarily focuses on two key aspects.

Regularly inspect the structural fastenings.

Photovoltaic mounting structures are exposed outdoors for extended periods and subjected to wind loads and temperature fluctuations, which can cause fasteners to loosen. Therefore, it is essential to inspect the bolts, welds, and other connection points of the mounting system every six months. Any signs of loosening should be promptly tightened to prevent structural displacement during high-wind conditions and to protect the photovoltaic modules from damage.

Perform corrosion protection treatment effectively.

In coastal areas with high salt‑mist exposure or in regions of high humidity, photovoltaic mounting structures are more prone to corrosion. It is essential to inspect the anti‑corrosion coating on the structure annually; if any coating peeling is detected, promptly reapply the protective coating to extend the service life of the mounting system.

As the new energy sector continues to grow, photovoltaic mounting systems—key components of solar power generation systems—are seeing ongoing advancements in both technology and service. When selecting a mounting system, users should carefully align their choice with their specific site requirements and partner with reputable, qualified suppliers.

This article was generated by AI and is for reference only.