Today's emphasis on the development of environmentally friendly, renewable energy has led to increased interest in solar electric power generation. The photovoltaic (PV) cells or panels used to collect solar rays that were once a novel sight are now creating green electricity at locations throughout the U.S. Unistrut framing channel is well suited for framing photovoltaic solar panels because the material can be used to create an infinite number of dimensional lengths without the need to cut or fabricate the channel. Making a longer or shorter framing section is simple as removing the fastener with hand tools, sliding the channel to the appropriate length, and then re-securing the fastener to hold the panel in place. Because PV panels do not typically come in standard dimensions, Unistrut channel is the framing material of choice for many companies engaged in the fabrication and installation of solar panels.
The benefits of Unistrut framing channel for solar applications go beyond ease of initial fabrication and installation. To achieve optimal performance, solar panels need to move to account for seasonal changes in the sun's orientation. Unlike fixed solar panels, photovoltaic cells mounted using Unistrut support systems can be shifted to achieve optimal orientation to the sun's rays. Just as the case with initial installation, a solar panel's tilt can be modified by removing fasteners, adjusting the tilt of the panel to achieve an optimal angle, and then securing the solar cell in place.
Specific Unistrut products used in solar panel mounting structure design and fabrication include:
- Unistrut Framing Channel in electrocoated green, pregalvanized, hot dipped galvanized, and stainless steel
- Gatorshield® galvanized steel tubing
- Square-Fit® telescoping channel
Unistrut framing channel is not only the material of choice for cost effective solar installations, but for optimal performance as well. Contact us to learn more about how Unistrut framing channel can save time and money during the fabrication of your solar panels, or to discuss how Unistrut Hawaii can assist with the installation of your photovoltaic cells.
