Picking the right stuff for your solar panel mounts is key for any solar project. Usually, folks go with aluminum or steel. Each has its own perks, depending on where you're putting them, how much you want to spend, and what you need them to do. Companies like SIC Solar make both so you can find what works best for you.

Aluminum Mounts

Aluminum is great because it doesn't weigh much and doesn't rust easily. That's why it's awesome for places near the ocean, wet areas, and roofs where you don't want to add too much weight. Plus, it's a snap to cut and put together, which saves time when you're installing it. It stays looking good for years and doesn't need a lot of upkeep since it naturally fights off rust. If you're setting up a small or medium-sized solar setup on a business or just putting panels on your house, aluminum is often the way to go.

Steel Mounts

Steel—especially the kind that's been dipped in hot zinc or made of carbon—is super strong. It can take on heavy snow, crazy winds, and big, utility-scale setups where keeping everything stable is number one. Steel is also usually cheaper than aluminum, which makes it a good deal for ground-mounted projects where you're trying to save some cash. But you've got to treat it right to keep it from rusting, and it's heavier, so it can cost more to get it to the site and put it in place. For big solar farms or racking on the ground at factories, steel is going to last.

What to Think About

Aluminum is the champ when you need something light and rust-proof. Steel is tougher and more stable, great for rough weather or big spans. What you pick usually boils down to how big your project is, the weather where you are, what the ground is like, and how much you're willing to spend. Lots of suppliers, like SIC Solar, have mixes—like aluminum rails with steel posts—so you get the best of both worlds.

Both aluminum and steel have a history of working well for solar panels. The right pick is all about matching the mount to what the site needs and what you want to get out of it long-term.