B07 · Solar Thermal & PV
Stainless Steel Sheets for Solar & Solar Thermal: 316L/310S Selection and 3 Item Lists
In our solar thermal application, we have organized three stainless steel parts: commonly used 316L / 310S / 304, with thickness ranging from 1-30 mm.
3 parts and material list
| Part / Component | Recommended grade | Specification / Thickness | Surface | Main failure modes | Reference standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PV brackets/fittings | 304/316/A2-70/A4-70 | T1–5mm; M8–M16 | 2B/Dielectric/Treatment | Outdoor Cl⁻+acid rain+stress corrosion; 304 PREN≈18, 316L≈25 | GB/T 3280；GB/T 3098.6；GB/T 37658 |
| Multicrystalline silicon reduction furnace interior/electrodes | 316L/310S/904L | 3–20mm | 2B/Acid wash | High temperature + chlorosilane/HCl corrosion | ASTM A240；GB/T 3280 |
| Solar thermal absorber/ molten salt storage tank/ steam pipes | 316L/310S/347H | 2–30mm | 2B/ acid washing | High temperature molten salt + heat circulation + chloride corrosion | ASTM A240；GB/T 3280 |
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Select material based on usage conditions
- What are the most common grades in this industry? (Click to view)
- Corrosion from chloride and salt is the most common source (3/3 hits).
- Hot sections also suffer from hot fatigue and oxidation, requiring 310S / heat-resistant castings (2/3 hits).
- Thickness range 1–30 mm: thin plates are mostly formed parts (consider bending rebound and deep drawing cracking), thick plates are mostly welded structures (consider heat input and sensitization).
Common issues
Which stainless steel is used most for photovoltaics and solar thermal?
Based on the total number of these three components, 316L (2 hits), 310S (2 hits), and 304 (1 hit) are the most common. Specific to a part still depends on the medium and temperature, such as stainless countertops that contact salt water should switch from 304 to 316L.
Which parts are prone to issues?
Failure description: Outdoor Cl⁻+acid rain+stress corrosion; 304 PREN≈18, 316L≈25; Recommended grades 304/316/A2-70/A4-70, sizeMaterial1–5mm; M8–M16., Specify media concentration, temperature, and cleaning method on the drawing stage for this type of condition.
What thickness should I select?
Thickness range in the list is 1–30 mm. For thin plates, consider bending and surface finish; for thick plates, welding and structural strength. Values may vary by manufacturer for the same location. Recheck with your drawing or operating conditions.
Related materials and adjacent industries
Applications3
Thickness1–30mm
Grades316