ABS Plastic Versus Aluminium Solar Mounts

The decision is about the surface, not the mount

Both families hold a framed panel securely. The question that separates them is whether the surface can safely take a fastener. A composite caravan roof, a membrane RV roof or a boat coachroof usually cannot. A metal shed roof, a timber cabin or a steel pole usually can.

What ABS gives you

UV-resistant ABS, 100 % recyclable, around 50 % lighter than an equivalent metal fixing. The 180 mm side profile pair weighs about 1,200 g and the 530 mm pair 2.1 kg. It bonds rather than bolts, acts as a wind deflector and holds the air gap. The side profiles are supplied in black but are suitable for painting any colour, and are rated IP66 in the source technical data.

What aluminium gives you

Factory-anodised aluminium brackets with 316 stainless screws on the L-feet packs, and stainless bolts, washers and serrated flange nuts with the Z mount sets. Brackets are predrilled at 100 × 60 × 60 mm on the L feet. Nothing has to cure, and the installation is load-bearing as soon as the last screw is tight.

Where the two overlap

The flush mount kit is the interesting case: aluminium feet that we recommend bonding with Sikaflex 221 heavy duty bonding sealant on a caravan or motor home, so you get the aluminium interface to the panel frame without a hole in the roof.