Solar Panels Stand Buy Guide: Is the “Backbone” of Your System Weak?

When we decide to install a solar system, 90% of our focus is on the Panels and the Inverter. We spend hours debating whether Jinko is better than Longi, or if we should get a Huawei inverter or a Sungrow one. Here are Solar Panels Stand Buy Guide: Is the “Backbone” of Your System Weak?

But there is one critical component that we often ignore, and it is the Solar Stand (Mounting Structure).

Believe me, if you place millions of rupees worth of panels on a weak, cheap iron stand, the first heavy storm or monsoon rain could blow your entire investment away. It is exactly like buying a Ferrari but putting bicycle tires on it.

In today’s guide, we will do a “post-mortem” of solar stands. Which material is better? What on earth are L2 and L3? And how do shopkeepers trick you with the “Gauge” (thickness)?

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Let’s find out.

1. Material Selection: Iron or GI?

In the market, you will generally find two types of structures. This is your first and most important decision.

Common Iron (Painted Iron)

This is the black raw iron that local welders use and then coat with “Silver Paint” to make it look shiny.

• The Problem: This is the biggest mistake you can make. The sun and rain will peel that paint off, and within 6 months, rust will start eating the metal. Your solar panels have a life of 25 years, but this stand won’t even last 3. Stay away from this.

GI (Galvanized Iron)

This is the modern standard. It is iron that has been coated with a protective layer of Zinc.

• The Benefit: It does not rust. It can withstand harsh weather conditions.
• Advice: Always ask for a “Pre-Galvanized” sheet structure, not “Hot Dipped” (which is more expensive and usually unnecessary for residential projects).

2. What are L1, L2, L3? (Structure Design)

When you go to the market, the shopkeeper will ask, “Do you want L2 or L3?” Don’t panic; it’s very simple.

• L2 Structure: In this design, the rear legs of the stand are shorter. The panel is raised about 1.5 to 2 feet from the roof. It is cheaper, but cleaning is difficult because there is very little space to move a wiper underneath.
• L3 Structure: This is the Best (Recommended) option. The panel height at the back is 3 to 4 feet. The airflow is excellent, keeping the panels cooler, which actually helps them generate more electricity.
• High Rise (Custom): If you want to keep your roof usable for walking or sitting, you will need a custom 6 to 8-foot “High Rise” structure. This is more expensive than L2/L3 because it requires much thicker iron (heavier gauge) for stability.

3. The “Gauge” Scam vs. Reality

This is where most fraud happens. The thickness of the structure is measured in “Gauge.” The smaller the number, the thicker and stronger the iron.

• 18 Gauge: Very thin. You can almost bend it with your hands. In high winds, this can fly away along with your panels. Never buy this.
• 16 Gauge: This is the most sold item in the market because it is cheap. It is “passable” for low-wind areas, but risky for stormy weather.
• 14 Gauge (The Gold Standard): For Pakistan’s weather, you must insist on at least a 14 Gauge (approx 1.6mm to 2.0mm) structure. It is robust and can easily handle the weight of the panels and wind pressure.

Pro Tip: Shopkeepers often sell 16-gauge claiming it is 14. Use a Vernier Caliper to check the thickness or weigh the channel to be sure.

4. Angle and Direction

The most expensive stand in the world is useless if it is facing the wrong way.

• Direction: In Pakistan, your panels must always face South.
• Angle: For most cities (Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi), a tilt angle of 30 to 33 degrees is considered optimal. This ensures good average production in both summer and winter.

5. Nut Bolts and Civil Work

You bought the stand, but how is it held together?

• SS Nut Bolts: Always use Stainless Steel (SS-304) nut bolts. If you use common iron bolts, they will rust and eventually seize up or break, damaging your expensive structure.
• Concrete Blocks (PCR): Instead of drilling into your roof (Rawal Bolts), which causes leakage, it is better to use pre-cast Concrete Weight Blocks. They protect your roof waterproofing, and their heavy weight keeps the stand secure during storms.

The Buying Checklist – Solar Panels Stand Buy Guide

Take a screenshot of this list before you go to the market:

1. Material: Pre-Galvanized Iron (GI).
2. Thickness: 14 Gauge (Main Legs), 16 Gauge (Supports).
3. Design: L3 (For better airflow and easy cleaning).
4. Fitting: SS-304 Nut Bolts.
5. Wind Load: Can it withstand 120km/h winds?

Final Verdict Under Solar Panels Stand Buy Guide

Installing a solar system is a one-time event, not something you do every year. Do not compromise on the stand just to save 5 or 10 thousand rupees. Remember, the wind does not care about your panel’s brand; it only looks for a weak structure to destroy.

Demand a 14 Gauge GI L3 Structure from your installer today!

SECTION 3: COMPARISON TABLE

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Here is the breakdown of the estimated market prices for Solar Mounting Structures in Pakistan as of January 2026.

Note: Steel prices fluctuate daily based on the Dollar rate and international iron scrap rates. These prices are for Galvanized Iron (GI) structures.

Solar Stand Prices (Per Panel Basis)

Most shopkeepers sell ready-made stands based on “how many panels” you are installing (e.g., a 2-Panel Stand or a 4-Panel Stand).

Example Calculation:

If you are installing 10 Solar Panels using an L3 (14 Gauge) structure:

• Price per panel: Rs. 5,500
• Total Cost: 10 x 5,500 = Rs. 55,000 (approx).

Custom Structure Prices (Per Kg Basis)

If you are building a custom High-Rise structure (Pergola style) to use the roof as a sitting area, fabricators usually charge by weight.

• GI Sheet / Channel Rate: Approx Rs. 280 – 350 per Kg (including fabrication).
• Labor (Welding/Fixing): Charged separately if not included in the per kg rate.

Hidden Costs (Don’t Forget These!)

The prices above are just for the metal frame. You will also need to pay for:

1. Concrete Blocks (PCR):
   • To hold the stand down without drilling the roof.
   • Price: Rs. 800 – 1,200 per block (You typically need 2 blocks per leg).
2. Civil Work (Labor):
   • The labor cost to lift the heavy stands to the roof and fix the blocks.
   • Est: Rs. 5,000 – 10,000 (depending on system size).

My Recommendation:

For a standard home setup, go for the L3 Structure in 14 Gauge. The price difference is small compared to the safety it provides against heavy winds.