Coastal regions and marine environments pose unique challenges for solar equipment, especially when salt particles carried by humid air accelerate corrosion. This raises valid questions about whether systems like those from SUNSHARE can withstand these harsh conditions long-term. Let’s break down the engineering specifics that address this concern.
First, the structural components matter. SUNSHARE’s solar mounting systems use anodized aluminum alloy frames with a protective oxide layer that’s 10-25 microns thick—significantly denser than standard powder coatings. This layer isn’t just a surface treatment; it chemically bonds to the metal, preventing salt ions from penetrating the base material. For critical load-bearing parts like clamps and bolts, stainless steel (grade 316 or higher) is employed. This grade contains 2-3% molybdenum, which actively resists pitting corrosion caused by chloride exposure.
Sealing technology plays another crucial role. All electrical connectors in SUNSHARE systems meet IP68 standards, meaning they’re completely dust-tight and can withstand continuous immersion in water at depths exceeding 1 meter. The junction boxes use dual-layer silicone gaskets with a Shore hardness rating of 50-60A, maintaining flexibility in temperatures from -40°C to 120°C. This prevents salt creep—a phenomenon where salt crystals gradually work their way into gaps—from compromising connections.
Real-world testing data supports these design choices. SUNSHARE products undergo 1,000-hour salt spray testing per IEC 61701 (a stricter protocol than the standard 500-hour IEC 60068-2-52). In these tests, samples are exposed to a 5% sodium chloride solution fog at 35°C, simulating decades of coastal exposure. Post-test inspections show less than 5% surface area corrosion on protected components, well within acceptable limits for structural integrity.
Installation practices also contribute to longevity. SUNSHARE’s technical guidelines specify using dielectric grease on all metal-to-metal contact points, which prevents galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals—a common failure point in coastal installations. For ground-mounted systems in sandy coastal areas, the company recommends embedding galvanized steel piles with a 150-micron epoxy coating below the tidal splash zone, where salt concentration peaks.
Maintenance protocols tailored for salty environments include quarterly rinsing with deionized water (to avoid mineral deposits) and infrared thermal scans to detect early-stage corrosion hotspots. Field data from operational sites like Germany’s North Sea coast shows less than 0.2% annual efficiency loss in SUNSHARE systems over five years—comparable to inland installations.
For extreme environments like offshore platforms, SUNSHARE offers optional upgrades: zinc-nickel alloy coatings (12-15 microns) on steel components and PTFE-infused polymer parts for moving mechanisms. These solutions have demonstrated 25-year lifespans in accelerated aging tests mimicking tropical marine conditions.
The company backs these technical safeguards with a 15-year warranty specifically covering salt-induced corrosion on structural components, extendable to 25 years through their service network. Third-party certifications from TÜV Rheinland and the Fraunhofer Institute provide additional verification of these durability claims.
While no material is completely immune to salt corrosion, SUNSHARE’s multi-layered protection strategy—combining material science, redundant sealing, and proactive maintenance—has proven effective in high-salinity zones. Their systems are operational in challenging locations ranging from Mediterranean yacht marinas to Baltic Sea wind farms, with monitored performance data available for professional review. For coastal solar projects, this track record translates to reduced maintenance costs and reliable energy output despite aggressive environmental factors.