Does Aluminum Corrode When in Contact with Stainless Steel 304?
When installing solar panels, strong and reliable fasteners are crucial to ensure the system remains stable under harsh weather conditions. Although aluminum and stainless steel reactions can lead to corrosion due to their dissimilar metal properties, stainless steel is still recommended for use in solar mounting systems.
Stainless steel screws are often preferred over aluminum fasteners because of their strength and durability. However, when stainless steel reacts with aluminum, the aluminum is more likely to corrode. This process, known as galvanic corrosion, occurs when two metals with different electrochemical properties come into contact, especially in the presence of moisture. This raises the question: does aluminum react with stainless steel?
Yes, aluminum and steel reactions can indeed cause galvanic corrosion, where the aluminum (anode) corrodes more quickly due to its lower position on the nobility table compared to stainless steel (cathode). However, the extent of the corrosion can depend on the surface areas of the metals in contact. When small areas of stainless steel are in contact with large areas of aluminum, such as in the case of stainless steel fasteners in aluminum plates, the corrosion risk is relatively low.
Best practices to minimize the galvanic reaction include:
- Isolating dissimilar metals with gaskets or insulation.
- Applying protective coatings.
- Using anodic materials to prevent corrosion, such as sacrificial anodes.
While the aluminum and stainless steel reaction presents a corrosion risk, proper design and materials can mitigate this issue, ensuring long-lasting solar installations.
As a solar mounting manufacturer with our own factory, Yuens is committed to producing high-quality aluminum products. These products are designed for durable and efficient solar racking systems, ensuring the reliable performance of aluminum components and reducing the risk of aluminum and stainless steel reacting during installation. Contact us to learn more about the industry insights.
