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A Detailed Guide To Solar Carport Bracket Types

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A Detailed Guide to Solar Carport Bracket Types: Materials, Structures, and Selection

In a solar carport system, brackets are core components that support solar panels, ensure system safety, and maintain power generation efficiency. Different types of brackets vary significantly in terms of materials, structures, and applicable scenarios, directly influencing project costs, service life, and maintenance difficulty. This article comprehensively analyzes the mainstream types of solar carport brackets from three key dimensions—material classification, structural form, and angle adjustment method—to facilitate accurate selection.

I. Classification by Material: Core Parameter Comparison of 3 Mainstream Solar Carport Bracket Types

Material is the foundation of bracket performance. Currently, solar carport brackets on the market are mainly divided into three categories: aluminum alloy, steel structure, and carbon steel. Their material properties, technical parameters, and applicable scenarios differ significantly, as detailed in the table below:

Classification Dimension	Aluminum Alloy Brackets	Steel Structure Brackets	Carbon Steel Brackets
Core Material	6061-T6 Industrial-Grade Aluminum Alloy	Q235/Q345 Low-Carbon Steel	Q235 Ordinary Carbon Steel
Key Parameters	Density: 2.7g/cm³, Tensile Strength ≥276MPa, Yield Strength ≥207MPa	Density: 7.85g/cm³, Q345 Tensile Strength ≥345MPa, Yield Strength ≥235MPa	Density: 7.85g/cm³, Tensile Strength ≥375MPa, Yield Strength ≥235MPa
Anti-Corrosion Treatment	Natural Oxide Film (Thickness ≥10μm), No Additional Painting Required	Hot-Dip Galvanizing (Zinc Coating Thickness ≥85μm)/Fluorocarbon Spraying (Thickness ≥60μm)	Cold Galvanizing (Zinc Coating Thickness ≥15μm)/Rust-Proof Paint (Annual Reapplication Needed)
Load-Bearing Capacity	Single Bracket Load ≤50kg (Suitable for Single 60-Series Solar Panel)	Single Bracket Load ≤150kg (Suitable for Combined Installation of Multiple Solar Panels)	Single Bracket Load ≤80kg (Short-Term Application Scenarios)
Applicable Scenarios	Coastal High-Salt-Fog Areas, Rainy/Humid Environments, Small-to-Medium Carports (1-2 Parking Spaces)	Northern Snowy Areas (Snow Load ≥0.7kN/㎡), Large Connected Carports (≥5 Parking Spaces), Heavy-Load Scenarios	Temporary Carports with Limited Budgets (Service Life ≤5 Years), Inland Dry Areas
Service Life	25-30 Years (Zero Maintenance)	20-25 Years (Anti-Corrosion Layer Inspection Every 5 Years)	8-12 Years (With Annual Rust Prevention Maintenance)
Selection Priority	First Choice for Long-Term Projects and High Anti-Corrosion Demand Scenarios	First Choice for Heavy-Load and Large-Scale Projects	Secondary Choice for Temporary Projects and Low-Cost Demands

II. Classification by Structural Form: Applicable Scenarios of 4 Solar Carport Bracket Types

The structural form of brackets is directly related to the space utilization rate and installation difficulty of the carport. Selection should be based on the carport scale and vehicle type (sedan/SUV/truck). The mainstream structural forms are divided into the following 4 categories:

1. Single-Column Brackets

Structural Features: A single column supports the crossbeam, on which solar panels are fixed. The spacing between columns is ≤3m, with a compact overall structure;

Applicable Scenarios: Small independent carports (1 parking space), narrow parking lots (width ≤4m), suitable for sedan parking (clear height ≥2.2m);

Advantages: Small floor space, easy installation, single set weight ≤30kg, no need for large hoisting equipment;

Limitations: Weak load-bearing capacity, unable to adapt to combined installation of multiple solar panels, not suitable for areas with heavy snow accumulation.

2. Double-Column Brackets

Structural Features: Two columns support one crossbeam, with a column spacing of 3-5m. The crossbeam can carry 2-3 solar panels (arranged horizontally);

Applicable Scenarios: Medium-sized carports (2-3 parking spaces), standard parking lots (width 4-6m), adaptable to SUVs (clear height ≥2.5m);

Advantages: Moderate load-bearing capacity (single set load ≤100kg), balanced space utilization and stability, high cost-effectiveness;

Typical Cases: Open-air parking lots in residential communities, enterprise employee parking lots.

3. Truss-Type Brackets

Structural Features: Adopts a truss structure composed of "columns + diagonal braces + crossbars". The column spacing is 5-8m, and the crossbeam can extend horizontally for ≥10m;

Applicable Scenarios: Large connected carports (≥5 parking spaces), bus/truck parking lots (clear height ≥3.5m), centralized parking lots in industrial parks;

Advantages: High overall rigidity, outstanding resistance to wind loads (≤Level 12 winds) and snow loads (≤1.0kN/㎡), enabling batch installation of solar panels;

Limitations: Complex structure, requiring factory-prefabricated components and on-site welding assembly, dependent on professional construction teams.

4. Cable-Stayed Brackets

Structural Features: Uses a small number of columns as fulcrums, with crossbeams fixed by cable stays. The crossbeam span can reach 8-12m, with no intermediate columns;

Applicable Scenarios: Extra-wide parking lots (width ≥8m), scenarios requiring reserved passages for large vehicles (e.g., truck passages in logistics parks);

Advantages: Extremely high space utilization rate, no column obstruction in passages, facilitating vehicle entry and exit;

Precautions: Cable tension (≥20kN) must be calculated in advance, and regular inspections of cable tension are required to prevent bracket deformation due to slack.

III. Classification by Angle Adjustment Method: Power Generation Efficiency Differences Between 2 Bracket Types

The installation angle of solar panels directly affects power generation. Bracket angle adjustment methods are divided into "fixed-angle" and "adjustable-angle" types, which should be selected based on local sunlight conditions:

Adjustment Method	Fixed-Angle Brackets	Adjustable-Angle Brackets
Adjustment Characteristics	Fixed angle after installation (usually designed according to the local optimal tilt angle), non-adjustable	Angle can be adjusted manually/electrically to adapt to seasonal changes in sunlight
Angle Range	28°-40° in Northern China, 22°-32° in Southern China	Manual: ±5° adjustment; Electric: 15°-45° stepless adjustment
Power Generation Gain	Stable annual power generation at the optimal tilt angle (reference value: 100%)	8%-15% higher annual power generation than fixed-angle brackets (more significant in areas with large seasonal temperature differences)
Applicable Areas	Areas with small seasonal changes in sunlight angle (e.g., South China, Yunnan)	Areas with large seasonal changes in sunlight angle (e.g., Northeast China, Northwest China)
Cost Difference	Same cost as fixed brackets of the same material	Manual adjustment: 10%-15% cost increase; Electric adjustment: 30%-40% cost increase
Maintenance Demand	No additional maintenance	Manual: Adjustment once per quarter; Electric: Annual inspection of motors and control systems

IV. Core Recommendations for Solar Carport Bracket Type Selection

Determine Material First, Then Select Structure:

High anti-corrosion demand (coastal/rainy areas): Prioritize aluminum alloy brackets, matched with single-column/double-column structures;

Heavy-load demand (snowy areas/large carports): Prioritize hot-dip galvanized steel structure brackets, matched with truss-type structures;

Temporary projects with limited budgets: Select carbon steel brackets, matched with single-column structures (annual rust prevention maintenance required).

Choose Angle Adjustment Method Based on Region:

South China and Southwest China: Select fixed-angle brackets (high cost-effectiveness);

Northeast China, North China, and Northwest China: Select manual/electric adjustable-angle brackets (significant power generation gain).

Special Adaptation for Special Scenarios:

Extra-wide parking lots (≥8m): Select cable-stayed steel structure brackets;

Truck/bus parking lots: Select truss-type steel structure brackets (clear height ≥3.5m).

V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Bracket Types

Q: Between aluminum alloy brackets and steel structure brackets, which has stronger wind resistance?

A: With the same cross-sectional size, steel structure brackets have stronger wind resistance (the elastic modulus of Q345 steel is approximately 206GPa, while that of aluminum alloy is about 70GPa). If the cross-sectional size of aluminum alloy brackets is increased (e.g., wall thickness from 2.5mm to 3.5mm), wind resistance similar to that of steel structure brackets can be achieved, but the cost will increase by 20%-25%.

Q: What is the service life of the motor in electric adjustable-angle brackets? Is frequent maintenance required?

A: High-quality electric bracket motors (e.g., IP65 protection rating) have a service life of 10-15 years. Annual maintenance is required: cleaning motor dust, inspecting cable connections, and testing adjustment accuracy. The maintenance cost is approximately 500-800 RMB per set.

Q: Are truss-type brackets suitable for small household carports?

A: No. Truss-type brackets require an installation scale of at least 5 parking spaces to reflect cost-effectiveness. Using truss-type brackets for 1-2 parking space household carports will result in material waste (cost increase of over 40%) and complex installation. Single-column/double-column brackets are recommended.

Q: Can carbon steel brackets with rust-proof paint be used in coastal areas?

A: It is not recommended. The salt fog concentration in coastal areas is high, and the protection life of rust-proof paint (even fluorocarbon paint) is only 2-3 years. Rust will appear after 3 years, requiring annual repainting, leading to high long-term maintenance costs. If the budget is limited, "carbon steel + thick hot-dip galvanizing (zinc coating ≥100μm)" can be selected, which can barely be used in coastal areas for 5-8 years.