Copper and brass alloy selection for solar thermal, wind power, and hydrogen infrastructure — conductivity, corrosion resistance, and RoHS-free grades for clean energy.
Copper and brass are indispensable to the energy transition. A typical onshore wind turbine contains 2–3 tonnes of copper. A solar farm requires approximately 5 tonnes of copper per MW of installed capacity. Copper's unique combination of high conductivity, corrosion resistance, and long service life makes it irreplaceable in clean energy infrastructure.
Solar thermal collectors circulate heat-transfer fluid (water/glycol) at up to 200°C. Fittings must resist DZR (hot water DZ risk) and be lead-free for potable water solar systems.
Wind turbine generators use copper busbars, winding conductors, and slip ring assemblies. Nacelle hydraulic systems and pitch control use brass fittings. Tower grounding uses copper bonding conductors.
Green hydrogen systems (electrolysers, storage, fuel cells) create specific material requirements. Brass can be used for low-pressure hydrogen (<1 MPa) connections and instrumentation fittings.
For electrolyser cooling circuits, CW724R is suitable (water service, not H₂ contact).
| Component | Alloy | RoHS | Key Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar absorber tube | C11000 | ✓ Free | 390 W/(m·K) — maximum heat transfer |
| Solar collector fitting (DHW) | CW724R | ✓ Free | DZR + lead-free for potable solar |
| Solar manifold (non-potable) | CW617N | Ex 6(c) | Machinability for complex manifolds |
| Wind generator busbar | C11000 | ✓ Free | ≥100% IACS — conductivity essential |
| Tower grounding conductor | C11000 | ✓ Free | Conductivity + corrosion resistance |
| Nacelle hydraulic fitting | CW617N | Ex 6(c) | Machinability, pressure rating |
| PV inverter busbar | C11000 | ✓ Free | High current — conductivity critical |
| Battery terminal (EV/storage) | C11000 | ✓ Free | Conductivity + RoHS — no Pb allowed |
| Electrolyser cooling circuit | CW724R | ✓ Free | DZR + lead-free + corrosion resistant |
| Stamped grounding strap | CuZn37 | ✓ Free | Cold-formable + adequate conductivity |
Brassland supplies lead-free grades with full RoHS declarations — ready for solar, wind, and battery storage supply chains.
Get a Quote C11000 DatasheetThis guide covers alloy selection. To have components machined to your drawing, see the matching manufacturing pages:
Composition ranges, mechanical properties, machinability ratings and regulatory data on this page are cross-referenced against the publishers below. Tolerances and minimum values are taken from the relevant published standard at the time of writing — for procurement specification, always reference the current published edition.
Last reviewed: May 2026. EN/ISO/ASTM standards are updated periodically. This datasheet reflects the editions listed; for safety-critical or contract-critical applications, always verify against the current published edition of the standard. For project-specific deviations or supplier-specific composition windows, request a Type 3.1 mill certificate (EN 10204) with your order.