Aluminum solar frames are an indispensable structural component in photovoltaic modules, primarily used to secure the glass, solar cells, and backsheet, while providing the necessary mechanical strength, sealing performance, and module installation compatibility.
Based on structural form, application scenarios, and profile specifications, aluminum solar frames can be classified into several types.

I. Classification by Structural Form
- Standard Aluminum Solar Frame
This is currently the most common type, widely used in most crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules.
Features: Mature structure, compatible with mainstream photovoltaic module sizes. Stable cost, mature supply chain, and easy to integrate with conventional photovoltaic mounting systems.
Suitable for: Ground-mounted power plants, commercial and industrial rooftops, and distributed photovoltaic projects.
- Reinforced Aluminum Solar Frame
Based on the standard structure, the overall strength and deformation resistance are improved by increasing the wall thickness or adding reinforcing ribs.
Features: Stronger load-bearing capacity, excellent wind pressure and snow load resistance, suitable for large-sized or double-glass modules.
Suitable for: High-wind areas, high-snow-load areas, or extreme-climate environments.
- Thin-Edge/Lightweight Aluminum Frame
By optimizing the cross-sectional structure, the weight is reduced while maintaining strength.
Features: Reduces the module’s overall weight, lowers transportation and installation costs, and improves installation efficiency.
Suitable for: Projects with limited roof load capacity, distributed photovoltaic systems.

Classification by Application Scenario
- Aluminum Frame for Single-Glass Modules
Specifically designed for traditional single-glass backsheet photovoltaic modules, it is a classic fit in the photovoltaic industry. Its lightweight design and precise cost control, along with long-term market-proven application technology, make it suitable for conventional power single-glass modules (≤500W).
Features: Lightweight structure, strong compatibility, low maintenance costs, suitable for most conventional photovoltaic projects.
- Aluminum Frame for Double-Glass Modules
Specifically developed for the characteristics of double-glass modules, its load-bearing capacity is increased by more than 30% compared to the single-glass version. It adopts a multi-layer sealing structure design, offering superior moisture and corrosion resistance, and is designed for high-power double-glass modules (≥500W).
Features: High load-bearing strength, excellent sealing performance, outstanding weather resistance, suitable for scenarios with stringent requirements for durability and stability.
III. Classification by Profile Specifications
- Lightweight Aluminum Solar Frame (Profile thickness 1.2-2.0mm)
Features: Lightweight and compact, lower cost, relatively light weight per frame, usually suitable for small power photovoltaic modules (approximately ≤300W).
Suitable for: Portable photovoltaic systems and small-scale residential rooftop photovoltaics (such as balcony-distributed photovoltaics).
- Medium-weight Aluminum Solar Frame (Profile thickness 2.0-3.0mm)
Features: Moderate strength, balancing load-bearing capacity and cost, compatible with 300-500W conventional photovoltaic modules, and is the mainstream specification in the market.
Suitable for: Most residential rooftop photovoltaics, medium and small-scale commercial photovoltaic projects.
- Heavy-duty Aluminum Solar Frame (Profile thickness 3.0mm and above)
Features: High strength, high load-bearing capacity, compatible with high-power photovoltaic modules (≥500W) or large-span installation requirements, with outstanding wind and snow load resistance.
Suitable for: Large-scale ground-mounted photovoltaic power plants, coastal areas with high salt spray/high wind pressure, and photovoltaic projects in areas with heavy snowfall.
Classification by Surface Treatment Method
- Anodizing Treatment
A dense oxide film is formed on the profile surface via an electrolytic reaction, providing strong corrosion and UV resistance. The colors are mainly natural metallic colors such as black, silver, and champagne. No additional maintenance is required, and it is suitable for extreme climate environments.
Suitable for: Photovoltaic projects in harsh environments, such as coastal areas, deserts, and high-altitude locations.
- Powder Coating Treatment
Powder coating is cured on the profile’s surface via electrostatic adsorption. A wide range of colors is available (white, red, blue, etc.). The coating is smooth and flat, highly decorative, and meets weather-resistance standards, making it suitable for scenarios where appearance is important.
Suitable for: Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) projects, commercial building photovoltaic systems, villa rooftop photovoltaics, and other projects that prioritize aesthetic coordination.
How to Choose the Right Aluminum Solar Frame
For residential use: Prioritize rooftop fixed-angle frames (medium-weight specifications) that balance cost and practicality; for villa rooftops, integrated frames can be chosen to enhance aesthetic appeal. Commercial applications: Ground-mounted conventional or tracking frames (heavy-duty specifications) are suitable for large-scale component installation and extreme environments; integrated frames are preferred for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) projects.
Special applications: Heavy-duty frames with anti-corrosion surface treatment (anodizing) are recommended for coastal/desert regions; portable folding frames are suitable for mobile applications.
Choosing the right aluminum solar panel frame is crucial for ensuring that the frame’s structural strength, adaptability, and application scenario are precisely matched. This avoids both cost waste from “over-engineering” and safety hazards from “under-engineering.” Whether it’s the cost-effectiveness requirements of residential distributed photovoltaic systems, the extreme-environment resistance needs of commercial power plants, or the lightweight, high-strength requirements of special applications, a suitable solution can be found among the wide variety of aluminum solar frame types.













