Aluminum Price Surge Hits Solar Mounting Systems: How Long Will It Last?

Ongoing Rise in Aluminum Prices

In recent years, the price of aluminum—an essential raw material for solar mounting structures—has continued to rise sharply. This trend has significantly affected the cost of aluminum solar racking systems, increasing the overall budget required for constructing solar power plants. Especially for projects operating under fixed-tariff schemes (FIT), the soaring prices pose a substantial threat to profitability.

At Firstsolar, we began tracking aluminum price trends in late 2020. By September 2021, prices had already reached their historical peak, creating an urgent challenge for solar investors and developers.

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What Can Be Done During the Aluminum Price Hike?

Option 1: Delay the Construction Phase

One approach is to postpone solar plant construction in anticipation of falling aluminum prices. This is based on the assumption that no market sustains high raw material prices indefinitely. However, this strategy is speculative—waiting for six months may still result in even higher costs. Whether to build now or delay must be a calculated decision by the investor.

Option 2: Switch to Steel-Based (ZAM) Mounting Structures

Another alternative is transitioning from aluminum to ZAM-coated steel mounting systems. Steel is heavier but can offer greater structural strength. However, due to its weight, installation is more labor-intensive, potentially increasing installation costs. If investors can secure favorable pricing and labor conditions, ZAM systems may offer a cost-effective solution.

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Do Not Sacrifice Quality for Lower Costs

Most critically, quality should never be compromised. The mounting system forms the structural backbone of the entire solar power plant. While solar panels can be replaced at relatively low cost, a failure in the mounting system can require a full system teardown—costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Some suppliers may attempt to maintain competitive pricing by:

• Reducing the number of support legs
• Using thinner aluminum rails
• Applying lighter surface treatments

While such modifications may not be obvious at first, they directly reduce structural integrity and lifespan.

Firstsolar’s Commitment to Quality

At Firstsolar, we emphasize reliable design, verified materials, and long-term durability in all our mounting solutions. No matter how volatile the material market becomes, cutting corners on core components is never the answer.