B07 · Solar Thermal & PV
Stainless Steel Sheets for Solar & Solar Thermal: 316L/310S Selection and 3 Part Lists
In our solar thermal applications, we have organized three stainless steel parts: commonly used 316L / 310S / 304, with thickness ranging from 1-30 mm.
3 Parts and Material List
| Part / Component | Recommended Grade | Specification / Thickness | Surface | Main Failure Modes | Reference Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Racks/Fasteners | 304/316/A2-70/A4-70 | Tubing 1–5mm; M8–M16 | 2B/Passivated/Lacquered | Outdoor Cl⁻+ Acid Rain+ Stress Corrosion; 304 PREN≈18, 316L≈25 | GB/T 3280；GB/T 3098.6；GB/T 37658 |
| Reducer Wall/Wires in Crystalline Silicon Furnace | 316L/310S/904L | 3–20mm | 2B/Acid Wash | High temperature + chlorosilane/HCl corrosion | ASTM A240；GB/T 3280 |
| Solar absorber/heat exchanger/salt storage tank/vapor lines | 316L/310S/347H | 2–30mm | 2B/acid washing | High temperature salt + thermal cycling + chloride corrosion | ASTM A240；GB/T 3280 |
Select materialsShow usage conditionsMaterial selection
Consider application specifics
- What are the most common grades in this industry? (Click to view)
- Corrosion from chloride and salt is the most common source. (Click for details)
- For high-temperature sections, consider hot fatigue and oxidation. (Click for details)
- Thickness 1–30 mm: Formed parts are more common (consider springback and deep drawing cracks). Welded structures are more common (consider heat input and sensitization).
Common Issues
Which stainless steel is used most in photovoltaics and solar thermal applications? (Click to view)
Based on the total number of these 3 components, 316L (2), 310S (2), and 304 (1) are the most common. Specific parts may require different grades depending on the medium and temperature, such as stainless steel countertops that need to switch from 304 to 316L when exposed to saltwater.
What part is the most prone to issues?
Failure description, e.g., "PVMounts/nuts and bolts": Outdoor Cl⁻+ acid rain + stress corrosion; 304 PREN ≈18, 316L ≈25; Recommended grades: 304/316/A2-70/A4-70, dimensions: profiles 1–5mm; M8–M16. This type of condition requires specifying media concentration, temperature, and cleaning methods during the design phase.
What thickness should I select?
Thickness range in the list is 1–30 mm. For thin plates, consider bending and surface finish; for thick plates, welding and structural strength. Values may vary by manufacturer for the same location. Recheck with your drawing or operating conditions.
Related Materials and Adjacent Industries
Applications3
Thickness1–30mm
Grades316