Light, strong, corrosion-free, attractive, economical. aluminum extrusion is a versatile metal-forming process that allows real design freedom with built-in near-net-shape ability and unique properties that are unsurpassed by competing materials.

See a comparison of aluminum extrusions and competing materials in the links below, as well as in the Spotlight publication at right.

Extrusions are Better for Solar Frames and Mounting Systems

IBIS Associates, the firm behind the key research on the total effect of light-weighting vehicle components, used publically available information to model the total material, processing and assemblies for comparing available aluminum extruded and galvanized steel CSP frame designs for utility-scale concentrating solar power systems. Download this informational flyer to see preliminary results showing strategic cost analysis of extruded aluminum versus steel frame designs. 

Aluminum Extrusions are Better for PV Mounting Structures
Using information available in the public domain, IBIS Associates set out to determine the costs to fabricate, assemble, ship, and install PV mounting structures for two separate material systems: aluminum extrusions and galvanized steel. Three specific cost factors were considered: system components, fully burdened installation labor, and shipping costs. When taking into account the cost of material, other components, shipping and installation, aluminum is a more economical alternative to steel in PV mounting structures and have a lower Total Cost of Ownership across all market segments.

Roll Formed Steel and Copper Extrusions

(Printer-Friendly Version)

Molded Plastic, Wood, Vinyl (Polyvinyl Chloride)
(Printer-Friendly Version)