ZAM Steel for Solar Mounting System

ZAM steel for solar mounting system is a highly corrosion-resistant coated steel featuring a low-carbon steel substrate and a hot-dip zinc-aluminum-magnesium alloy coating (approximately 95% zinc, 5% aluminum, and trace amounts of magnesium). Domestically, it is commonly referred to as "zinc-aluminum-magnesium steel sheet/coil" based on its coating composition. It is not merely a rebranded version of standard galvanized steel; rather, the coating has been upgraded from pure zinc to a ternary zinc-aluminum-magnesium alloy. Magnesium facilitates the formation of a dense passivation film within the coating, significantly enhancing resistance to salt spray, humidity, and alkaline corrosion.

Core Advantages

Self-healing cut edges; rust does not spread

The zinc-aluminum-magnesium coating forms a dense, protective passivation film at cut edges, drill holes, and scratches, actively sealing the edges to inhibit the spread of red rust—a capability standard pure zinc coatings lack. This makes it particularly suitable for scenarios involving extensive on-site drilling and cutting of mounting structures.

Corrosion resistance several times that of hot-dip galvanized steel

In environments characterized by neutral salt spray, hot and humid conditions, saline-alkali exposure, or industrial atmospheres, the service life of the zinc-aluminum-magnesium coating can be 3 to 10 times that of standard hot-dip galvanized steel. For coastal projects, there is no longer a need to rely on thicker coatings to extend service life.

Thinner, lighter coating; lower material costs

For the same level of corrosion protection, the zinc-aluminum-magnesium coating is lighter than traditional hot-dip galvanizing, allowing for a thinner substrate. This reduces the material weight per watt, leading to simultaneous savings in transportation and foundation costs.

Strong coating adhesion; no cracking during forming

The ZAM steel for solar mounting system exhibits strong bonding between the coating and the substrate. It resists peeling and cracking during cold-roll forming, stamping, and bending, making it compatible with the high-speed processing requirements of over 40 mounting system production lines. 

Ready-to-Use Material: No Secondary Galvanizing Required

The material arrives at our facility with its protective coating already applied. It can be cut and formed immediately, eliminating the need for the secondary hot-dip galvanizing process—and the associated wait times—required for traditional "black" (uncoated) steel pipes. This ensures shorter lead times and greater color consistency across batches.

Technical Specifications

Item	Specification
Product Name	ZAM Steel for Solar Mounting System
Substrate Material	Q235B, Q355B, S350GD, S550GD, etc.
Coating Composition	Zn-5%Al-Trace Mg (Zinc-Aluminum-Magnesium ternary alloy coating)
Common Coating Code	ZM120, ZM150, ZM275, ZM310 (unit: g/㎡, total for both sides)
Coating Mass	120 / 150 / 275 / 310 g/㎡ (selectable per project requirements)
Product Form	Steel coil / Flat sheet / Formed purlins (C/U/hat/H/Z/I sections, square & rectangular tubes)
Thickness Range	1.5mm ~ 4.0mm
Yield Strength	235 ~ 550 MPa (depends on substrate grade)
Surface Treatment	ZAM coating (natural finish), passivation and anti-fingerprint treatment optional
Applicable Standards	JIS G 3323, EN 10346, GB/T 31901, ASTM A1046
Packaging	Steel coil with wooden pallet + anti-rust packing; formed profiles bundled with waterproof film
Application Conditions	Outdoor mounting in coastal, saline-alkali, high-humidity and industrial corrosive environments

After-Sales and Support

Pre-sales Selection Guidance: 

Based on your project’s location—including its distance from the sea, local corrosion classification, and wind/snow load requirements—we help you determine the optimal coating weight and steel grade. This prevents unnecessary costs from excessive coating thickness, while ensuring the coating is sufficient for your project's needs.

In-process Batch Control: 

Our production process adheres to 4 major inspection stages and 16 distinct standards. We verify the coating weight, steel thickness, dimensions, and surface quality for every batch. Each shipment includes a coating inspection report and a third-party salt-spray test report.

Comprehensive Documentation: 

Every shipment of our ZAM steel for solar mounting system comes with material certificates, inspection reports, and certificates of conformity. Steel coils are clearly labeled with their grade, simplifying your inventory management and project inspection/approval processes.

Rapid Issue Resolution: 

We respond within 24 hours to any concerns—such as transit-related scratches, questions regarding the coating, or dimensional deviations—providing replacement parts or technical support as needed.

Long-term Supply Assurance: 

For repeat clients, we offer price-locking and dedicated production scheduling. We also support annual framework agreements, ensuring consistent steel grades and coating specifications for future project expansions.

Why Choose Yizhao？

Established in Tianjin in 2015, our company operates four modern manufacturing facilities spanning over 100,000 square meters, with a built-up area of 60,000 square meters. Our production floor is driven by over 40 automated lines rather than manual labor: cold-roll forming lines shape steel strips into C, U, "hat" (Ω), H, Z, or I-profile sections; high-frequency welding units produce square and rectangular tubing; and laser-cutting and stamping lines handle precise hole-punching, corner-cutting, and perforations. From the moment a steel coil enters our facility until the finished mounting components emerge, the entire process is completed in-house—with no outsourcing or third-party intermediaries. We maintain a firm grip on our raw material supply, keeping a standing inventory of 50,000 tons and an annual production capacity of 500,000 tons. This means that when major clients place urgent or supplementary orders, we don’t have to wait for steel coils to arrive before starting production; the materials are already in our warehouse and production lines are ready, allowing us to cut to the required specifications and begin immediately. This is precisely how we have achieved a cumulative global shipment volume of 27 GW and why we have the confidence to take on a single 1.2 GW project in the Middle East.

FAQ

Q1: What is the actual difference between ZAM (Zinc-Aluminum-Magnesium) coating and standard hot-dip galvanizing? 

The composition of the coating differs. Standard galvanizing uses pure zinc, whereas ZAM incorporates aluminum and magnesium. The magnesium enables the coating to "self-seal" at cut edges, preventing the spread of red rust. In coastal or high-humidity environments, ZAM offers a significantly longer service life.

Q2: Will the steel rust if holes are cut into it? 

It will not rust extensively like standard galvanized steel. The coating at the cut edge undergoes a self-healing process, forming a passivation film that seals the exposed cross-section. Nevertheless, we still recommend applying a zinc-rich paint to any on-site cuts as an extra layer of protection.

Q3: Is it worth the higher cost compared to standard hot-dip galvanizing? 

While the unit price for ZAM steel for solar mounting systems is indeed higher, the coating is thinner—allowing for a reduction in the thickness of the base steel—and it eliminates the need for a secondary hot-dip galvanizing process and the associated wait times. When calculating the total cost per watt, ZAM proves to be more economical for long-lifespan projects.

Q4: Can it be welded on-site? Will this damage the coating? 

It can be welded, but the high temperatures will burn off the coating in the weld zone; therefore, the area must be treated with a zinc-rich paint or zinc spray according to standard specifications. We generally recommend using a modular assembly approach—utilizing bolts and clamps—to minimize welding and preserve the integrity of the coating.

Q5: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ), and what is the lead time? 

For standard specifications, the MOQ is one container; custom-formed components are produced according to your drawings. With 50,000 tons of raw material in stock and proximity to the Port of Tianjin, we provide precise lead times before an order is placed, and we can accommodate urgent requests.