Choosing the Right Coating for Coastal Solar Sites
ENSOL Engineering TeamPublished 2026-02-01Updated 2026-02-121 min read
Coastal sites are among the most corrosive environments for steel. Salt in the air attacks coatings and cut edges, so coating choice largely decides how long a coastal solar structure lasts.
Why the coast is harsh
Airborne chlorides accelerate corrosion, especially at exposed edges and fasteners. Thin coatings and unprotected cut edges fail first near the sea.
Best coatings for the coast
Hot-dip galvanising (HDGI) gives thick, edge-to-edge protection, and ZAM adds self-healing at cut edges — both are strong choices near coasts. Thin pre-galvanised sections are generally unsuitable without added protection.