In extremely humid environments, particularly those with salt or other corrosive substances present, 316 stainless steel screws are an excellent choice. The presence of molybdenum significantly enhances their resistance to chlorides. In coastal areas with high humidity and heavy salt - fog, or in industrial polluted areas with chemically corrosive gases and moisture, the chromium oxide protective film on their surface remains stable. This effectively shields them from the erosion of oxygen, moisture, and corrosive agents, ensuring they won't rust or corrode easily even after long - term use.
316 stainless steel screws possess good strength and toughness, enabling them to withstand various stresses during the installation and operation of solar panels, thus guaranteeing the stability of the connection. Even if slight corrosion occurs due to long - term exposure to a humid environment, their structural strength still meets the usage requirements. The strength won't decline rapidly due to corrosion, preventing screw breakage or loosening.
Although 316 stainless steel screws are relatively costly, considering the high demands for screw lifespan and performance in extremely humid environments, they offer high long - term cost - effectiveness. They can reduce maintenance costs and labor associated with screw replacement, making them suitable for large - scale solar power plants, offshore solar platforms, and other projects with extremely high reliability requirements.
Aluminum alloy is inherently lightweight and has good compatibility with the aluminum alloy frames of solar panels. After passivation treatment, aluminum alloy screws develop a denser and more corrosion - resistant oxide film on their surface. This film effectively blocks the intrusion of moisture and oxygen in humid environments, enhancing their corrosion resistance in extremely damp conditions.
Anodizing treatment can form a hard, wear - resistant, and corrosion - resistant oxide film on the surface of aluminum alloy. This film not only resists the corrosion of humid environments but also has a certain decorative effect. In areas with high humidity but relatively few corrosive substances, such as tropical rainforest regions, anodized aluminum alloy screws can maintain good performance.
However, aluminum alloy screws have relatively lower strength compared to stainless steel ones, so they are not very suitable for scenarios with extremely high strength requirements. They are more appropriate for small - scale solar equipment and weight - sensitive solar applications, such as solar drones and small - scale household solar power generation systems installed in extremely humid environments.
