As the solar energy industry continues to expand, so does the demand for durable, cost-effective, and long-lasting mounting materials. One standout solution gaining traction is ZAM-coated steel—an innovative material that is rapidly replacing traditional galvanized steel in many applications.

But what exactly is ZAM? And why are more solar companies and EPCs switching to it?

 

clenergy mounting system 

 

What Is ZAM?

ZAM stands for Zinc-Aluminum-Magnesium coated steel. It is a type of hot-dip alloy coating that consists of:

Zinc (Zn) – the primary corrosion-resistant element

Aluminum (Al) – enhances surface stability and oxidation resistance

Magnesium (Mg) – improves adhesion and provides self-healing properties

This combination creates a protective layer that performs far better than traditional hot-dip galvanizing (HDG) in many environments.

 

Top Reasons Customers Are Choosing ZAM

1. Superior Corrosion Resistance

ZAM offers 2 to 3 times better corrosion resistance compared to conventional HDG coatings, especially in:

Salt-spray environments (coastal, marine regions)

Industrial zones with high pollution

High-humidity climates

This longer service life translates directly into lower maintenance costs and longer-lasting installations.

 

solar pv mounting structure

 

2. Thinner Coating, Stronger Protection

Unlike HDG, which requires a thick zinc layer, ZAM can achieve better performance with thinner coatings (often 10–30μm). This results in:

Lighter structures

Better precision in component design and tolerance

Lower material usage, which is both cost-efficient and eco-friendly

3. Self-Healing Ability

Thanks to magnesium’s role in the alloy, ZAM-coated steel can self-heal scratches and cut edges, preventing rust from spreading—an advantage especially important during installation and transportation.

 

carport solar racking

 

4. Excellent Weldability and Formability

ZAM-coated steel allows for easy:

Bending, punching, and rolling

Welding without extensive damage to the coating

This makes it ideal for complex solar racking designs and custom solutions.

5. Attractive Appearance

ZAM has a smooth, silvery finish, offering a clean, high-tech look that fits well in visible installations such as carports, fences, or rooftop solar systems in urban areas.

 

ZAM vs. HDG: A Quick Comparison

Feature

ZAM

HDG

Corrosion Resistance

★★★★☆

★★☆☆☆

Coating Thickness

Thin (10–30μm)

Thick (65–85μm)

Self-Healing

Yes

No

Appearance

Smooth & Clean

Rough & Matt

Cost

Slightly Higher

Lower Initial Cost

Environmental Impact

Lower Zinc Use

Higher Zinc Use

 

Q235B steel carport structure 

 

Conclusion

More and more solar developers are moving toward ZAM-coated steel because it offers long-term reliability, reduced total cost of ownership, and better performance in harsh environments. For projects requiring durability, efficiency, and a modern finish, ZAM is becoming the material of choice.

At Xiamen Topfence, we offer ZAM-based pv mounting systems tailored for both ground and rooftop PV projects. If you're planning a project that needs advanced protection with lasting value—ZAM is worth the upgrade.