While the panels and racking systems are often the focal point in discussions about solar installations, the underlying support is also critical. The right decking is fundamental for ensuring any solar energy system’s structural integrity, load-bearing capacity, and long-term durability.
At Corrugated Metals, Inc. (CMI), we understand that a robust foundation is the cornerstone of a successful solar installation. This article explores the critical role of corrugated metal decking in solar projects and why choosing a trusted provider is essential for maximizing your investment.
Read on to learn more!
WHAT IS CORRUGATED METAL?
Many people have heard the term “corrugated metal,” and likely many more can recall seeing the material, often in agricultural and industrial settings in the form of siding or roofing. But what is corrugated metal exactly, and how is it made?
Those corrugations significantly enhance the metal’s strength and rigidity compared to a flat metal sheet, enabling it to span greater distances and support heavier loads. Its durability, corrosion resistance, and relatively lightweight nature make it a highly versatile material for many applications, including in the demanding environment of solar panel installations.
5 REASONS CORRUGATED METAL IS IDEAL FOR SOLAR PANEL DECKING
Companies that use corrugated metal for anything from roofing or siding on structures to components or supports for products (like solar panels) quickly come to appreciate its remarkable functional characteristics, including:
- Exceptional Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Solar panels, particularly in large-scale deployments, impose a significant weight load on the underlying structure. With its inherent strength, corrugated metal decking effectively distributes this load, ensuring the system’s stability and safety. We meticulously engineer our decking solutions to meet the specific load requirements of each project, providing long-term reliability and peace of mind.
- Superior Durability and Corrosion Resistance: Solar installations are designed to endure decades of exposure to the elements. Corrugated metal’s exceptional resistance to corrosion and harsh weather conditions safeguards the decking’s structural integrity over the long term, protecting the investment in solar panels. We manufacture our metal decking to withstand the most demanding environments, ensuring years of trouble-free performance.
- Simplified Installation: Corrugated metal is compatible with various solar panel mounting systems. This compatibility streamlines the installation process and reduces the risk of misalignment or structural issues. We collaborate closely with mounting system providers to ensure that our decking solutions are fully compatible and optimized for efficient installation.
- Thermal Reflectivity and Cooler Operating Temperatures: Corrugated metal’s high reflectivity helps to mitigate heat absorption, leading to cooler surface temperatures. This can improve the efficiency of solar panels, which tend to perform better in cooler conditions.
- Minimized Maintenance and Optimized System Performance: By providing a stable, durable, and corrosion-resistant foundation, corrugated metal decking significantly reduces the need for maintenance and ensures the long-term performance of the solar installation. This translates to reduced operational costs and a maximized return on investment. Our unwavering commitment to quality and durability ensures long-term cost savings and enhanced system performance for our customers.
HOW COLLABORATING WITH AN INDUSTRY LEADER BENEFITS YOUR COMPANY
Solar panel installation components must be manufactured to exacting standards to maximize the system’s benefits. That includes the decking. When you work with Corrugated Metals, you benefit from a partner that offers:
- Tailored Solutions for Unique Applications: We recognize that every solar project is unique. Therefore, we offer customized metal decking solutions tailored to the specific requirements of each application, including load requirements, panel dimensions, and environmental conditions.
- A Century of Industry Expertise: With 100 years of experience in the metal forming industry, we possess the expertise and knowledge to deliver high-quality, reliable solutions for even the most complex solar projects.
- State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Capabilities: We utilize advanced manufacturing techniques to ensure the precision, consistency, and quality of our metal decking products.
- Scalability for Projects of Any Size: Our production capabilities are scalable to meet the demands of projects of any size, from small residential installations to large-scale solar farms.
- Unwavering Commitment to Quality: We are dedicated to uncompromising quality in every aspect of our business, from material selection to manufacturing processes to customer service. Our dedication to quality ensures that our metal decking solutions provide long-lasting performance and value.
- Engineering Support: We provide attentive support to our customers to ensure the correct products are being used for each application.
SOLAR DECKING (AND MORE) WORLDWIDE
Our expertise in the solar industry goes beyond decking and is leveraged by companies around the world. The Kogan Creek Solar Boost Project in Queensland, Australia, is an excellent example. This 44-megawatt solar thermal addition, designed to enhance the power station’s electrical output and fuel efficiency, showcased the integration of renewable and conventional energy technologies. We were contracted to create crucial components for this large-scale installation, demonstrating our expertise in handling complex projects.
Over 13 months, we roll-formed approximately 2,618,000 square feet of materials, including solar reflectors crafted from 24-gauge ASTM grade 33 steel with a G90 galvanized finish. These reflectors, with precise dimensions of 35” and 23” in width, 317.25” in length, and 1.50” in height, underwent rigorous inspection procedures, adhering to our ISO 9001:2008 quality program.
Ensuring the safe, timely, and cost-effective shipment of these panels to Australia was essential. Capitalizing on our familiarity with ISPM 15 standards and international shipping regulations, we easily navigated Australian customs rules and detailed documentation requirements. This project allowed us to expand our involvement in the environmentally responsible solar market on a significant scale.
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR THE SOLAR ENERGY INDUSTRY
The global shift toward renewable energy is accelerating, and solar power stands at the forefront of this transformative movement. The benefits of transitioning to solar are undeniable, offering a pathway to a cleaner, more sustainable future. By harnessing the sun’s abundant energy, we can significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. The environmental advantages are profound: reduced greenhouse gas emissions, decreased air and water pollution, and a diminished carbon footprint.
The solar industry has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, a trend that experts predict will continue its upward trajectory. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity will experience substantial growth in the coming decades, becoming a dominant source of electricity generation. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports that the U.S. solar market alone has seen consistent year-over-year growth, with significant increases in residential, commercial, and utility-scale installations. These statistics point to the increasing viability and economic competitiveness of solar energy.
Innovative solar panel companies that prioritize quality and efficiency are well-positioned to capitalize on this rapidly expanding market. By partnering with trusted providers like Corrugated Metals, Inc., these organizations can ensure the structural integrity and long-term durability of their installations, further enhancing their reputation and customer satisfaction. The use of high-quality metal decking provides a robust foundation for solar panels, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
As the demand for solar energy continues to rise, companies that invest in reliable infrastructure will gain a significant competitive edge, paving the way for tremendous success in the years to come. The future of solar is bright, and those who embrace innovation and quality will undoubtedly reap the rewards.
A TRUSTED PROVIDER TO THE SOLAR PANEL INDUSTRY
At Corrugated Metals, we are more than just a supplier; we are a trusted partner in the success of your solar projects. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service sets us apart in the industry. We offer:
- Expert Guidance and Assistance: Our team of experienced engineers and technical experts is readily available to provide guidance and assistance throughout the project lifecycle, from design and specification to installation and maintenance.
- Comprehensive Product Offerings: We offer a wide range of metal decking products and services to meet the diverse needs of the solar industry.
- Sustainable Practices: We are committed to sustainable manufacturing practices and the use of environmentally friendly materials.
By partnering with CMI, you are choosing a company with the skills, experience, and dedication to deliver the superior metal decking solutions you need to ensure the success of your solar installations. We have worked extensively with solar panel companies and are a leading supplier to many other industries, including aviation, military, oil & gas, transportation, automotive, and several more. As a result, the best practices we bring to bear on every project include insights from a vast array of use cases and technical challenges.
LET’S DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT
Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and discover how we can help you achieve your business goals. Whether you’re considering our products for an upcoming project or simply want to learn about the value of corrugated metal for solar panel decking, we’re happy to talk with you. And if you’re ready to move forward with a purchase, you can request a quote online now.