Frame materials: Aluminum, Steel, and Composite Materials (Source: Douyin); Golden Rule: 6063-T5 is the mainstream choice (Source: Retop); Core Feature: Anodized finish per ISO 7599 (Source: SmartBuy); Note: Choose aluminum for C4/C5 corrosion zones (Source: mertcan).
I.
Aluminum Alloy
6063-T5: Mainstream PV frame alloy (Source: Retop); 6061-T6: Used in areas with heavy snow and strong winds (Source: Retop); 6005-T5: High load-bearing and bending resistance (Source: JOINSDA); Anodizing: Anodic oxide film thickness of 8–10µm (Source: Douyin); Density: Only one-third the density of steel (Source: Aiboer)—Aluminum frames: 6063, 6061, and 6005 (three alloy grades).
II.
Steel Frames
Galvanization: Hot-dip galvanizing, 80µm coating (Source: mertcan); Strength: High strength and hardness (Source: Douyin); Price: Relatively low cost (Source: Douyin); Weakness: Cutting and drilling can damage the coating (Source: mertcan); Maintenance: Annual maintenance required in C4/C5 zones (Source: mertcan)—Steel frames: Galvanization, strength, and maintenance (three key points).
III. Composite Materials
GFRP: Glass fiber-reinforced polyurethane (Source: Douyin); Salt Resistance: Resistant to salt spray and chemical corrosion (Source: Douyin); Thermal Expansion: Expansion coefficient close to that of glass (Source: Douyin); Application: Offshore BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics) (Source: Douyin);
Explosion-proof: Prevents glass breakage due to temperature fluctuations (Source: Douyin) — Composite Material: GFRP + Salt Resistance + Expansion (Three characteristics).
IV. Thickness Selection
1.4mm: Standard thin profile for roofs (Source: SmartBuy); 1.6mm: Standard residential (Source: SmartBuy); 1.8mm: Reinforced for industrial/commercial use (Source: SmartBuy); 2.0mm: High-power modules (Source: SmartBuy);
Balance: Balance between weight, cost, and structure (Source: SmartBuy) — Thickness: 1.4, 1.8, 2.0 (Three tiers).
V. Corner Construction
Mechanical: Mechanically interlocked corners (Source: SmartBuy); Bonding: Bonded corner strength (Source: SmartBuy); Welding: Custom welded corners (Source: Alibaba); Powder Coating: Powder-coated finish (Source: Alibaba); ISO: ISO9001 certified (Source: Alibaba) — Process: Interlocking + Bonding + Welding (Three methods).
VI. Selection Criteria
Environment: Choose aluminum or composite materials for coastal areas (Source: sunrak); Strength: Use 6061-T6 for heavy snow zones (Source: Retop); Cost: Use 6063-T5 for residential applications (Source: JOINSDA); Certification: ISO 7599 anodizing standard (Source: SmartBuy); Service Life: Aluminum lasts 30–40 years in coastal environments (Source: sunrak)—Selection: A balance of environment, strength, and cost.
VII.
Procurement Recommendations
First, specify the alloy (6063-T5); second, check the thickness (1.6–2.0 mm); third, verify anodizing quality (ISO 7599); fourth, consider the environment (use aluminum for C4/C5 zones);
fifth, inspect the corners (mechanical interlocking)—Frame: Alloy, thickness, and corrosion resistance (three key factors).
