Fueled by the rising cost of fossil fuels and increasing concerns about global climate change, solar energy is the fastest growing energy technology in the United States.

With the increased demand for alternative energy, a robust solar construction industry has emerged, JMC Steel Group companies Wheatland Tube and Atlas Tube – have emerged as leaders, helping engineers and contractors to design and build the solar projects of tomorrow.

Whether you’re installing a utility-scale ground-mounted, carport structure or a commercial rooftop solar system, JMC Steel Group can provide the entire galvanized round, square and rectangular steel tubing you need.

Not only do we have the capacity to meet the demand for any size project under even the tightest of schedules, we have the largest size range in the industry (up to 22” square and 20” round).  Engineers don’t need to be limited to standard sizes when it comes to Wheatland and Atlas products. We also produce custom wall thicknesses to help engineers design a more cost effective solution.  What’s custom for the rest of the industry is standard for us.

For rooftop applications, our structural tubing offers substantial weight, strength and approximately 20% cost advantages over aluminum. For utility-scale ground mounted projects, steel is a better structural support solution than roll-formed and structural beams. We have technical experts who can help you plan the most cost-effective solution for your project.

JMC Steel Group companies produce a wide range of products for the solar energy industry, including:

• Galvanized steel pipe and HSS tubing that provide the support structure and framing systems for solar panels
• Galvanized mechanical tubing (round, square and rectangular) for solar mounting and racking structures
• Steel fence framework that guards the perimeter of your facility

Less Weight, Less Cost for Rooftop Installations

HSS has greater strength-to-weight ratios than other steel shapes, so you need less steel for solar rooftop installations. Less weight means reduced costs for transportation, handing and installation.

Options for Ground-Mounted Structures

For ground-mounted structures, we provide solutions that meet all soil conditions and requirements. JMC Steel Group’s round, square and rectangular steel tubing is used throughout the solar industry as support piers for “Ground-Mounted” structures. Our tubing is also used to manufacture “Screw Piles,” which are designed to be drilled into the ground and take firm hold in compacted material.

Solar Carports

JMC has the largest structural tubing size range of in North America. Our larger sizes (12” – 22” square and up to 20” round) are widely used for carport applications throughout the solar industry. We also offer expert fabrication services to accelerate your project and reduce labor costs.

Cross Members

JMC specializes in square tubing. Whether it’s a fixed-tilt or solar tracking system, JMC’s cross members are the always the preferred choice. They’re available in a variety of sizes and gauges, from 1” – 16” (.065” to .625” wall).

Solar Racking Solutions

Whether you’re building a racking system for ground-mounted or rooftop solar applications, JMC’s galvanized mechanical tube is the ideal solution. Our tube comes in a wide range of sizes and thicknesses and we galvanize our product inline to reduce costs. We also add an extra layer of proprietary clear coating to enhance durability and increase corrosion resistance. JMC’s steel tubing is the No. 1 inline galvanized product in the industry.

Setting the Standards for Quality

All of our manufacturing facilities use quality systems which, at a minimum, are registered to ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System standards. We meet the specifications and standards of ANSI, ASTM, CSA, FM Global, UL and we’re licensed to produce products to American Petroleum Institute (API) standards and the automotive industry’s demanding ISO/TS 16949:2009 Quality Management System Standards.

Not only do we meet the industry’s highest standards, we help establish them. We’re actively involved in helping develop the codes and standards for the industries in which we operate. And to assure that we measure up to your standards, we maintain comprehensive in-house lab and testing capabilities — tensile and hardness testing, steel chemistries, corrosion protection, heat treating, metallurgical analysis and wet chemical analysis.

For more than 130 years, the companies of JMC Steel Group have been leaders in providing comprehensive pipe and tube solutions that meet the evolving needs of the marketplace. Our leadership in serving and empowering the solar construction industry continues that tradition.