Renewable Energy
Energy from natural sources has become a critical factor for energy security around the globe and today aluminium plays a key role in the structures and systems that draw renewable energy from the sun and the wind.
The structures that hold in place the giant wind turbines and the photovoltaic panels are often located in the harshest of environments – where the wind blows hard and the sun shines persistently. For these renewable systems, designers need materials that can perform and aluminium has rapidly grown to be a key material in the sector.
Aluminium has become an obvious choice as a result of its key properties that ensure performance and the long life of the renewable system. Whether it is a giant solar farm covering tens of square kilometres or a domestic roof-mounted system aimed at taking a homeowner “off grid”, aluminium will be there.
Newer, sophisticated renewable energy systems, such as photovoltaic panel systems that track the sun, take advantage of the cost effective solutions provided by precisely extruded aluminium components.
Key Features:
Renewable energy designers make use of these key aluminium properties:
Precision in Design
The aluminium support structures for solar farms in remote locations can weigh less than half of an equivalent steel structure. That is a key saving in transport to site and in erection mechanics.
Light weight
The aluminium support structures for solar farms in remote locations can weigh less than half of an equivalent steel structure. That is a key saving in transport to site and in erection mechanics.
Corrosion Resistance
Renewable energy installations are expected to have a 30 year life – no problem for corrosion resistant aluminium.
Hulamin in Renewable Energy
Our aluminium extrusions and sheet are used in:
- Concentrated solar power plants
- Solar thermal collectors
- Roof mounting solar system structures
- Solar farm sub-structure and mounting elements
- Photovoltaic panel framing
- Trunking insulation
- Other renewable power facilities and infrastructure.
Fast Facts: Did you know?
- Photovoltaic energy is now a mainstream energy source and it is all renewable. By the end of 2016, 200GW of capacity should be installed globally. While this is less than 5% - together with other wind and solar renewables – it is the fastest growing.
- Glass mirrors were first used in Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) installations. With recent advances in sheet aluminium’s reflectivity and brightness, aluminium is now taking share from glass due to its lighter weight and cost performance.