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Home > Newest Products: Solar > Learn > Technical Support > Products > Racking Knowledge > 

Mill Finish vs Clear Anodized vs Dark Finish - Which Rail to Use?

Tatyana Grinenko 3/6/2018
You’re debating what rail type to get for your solar system and wondering what is the difference between them anyhow. We’ll review here why it matters which rails you decide on:

Mill Finish Rails 
(e.g. UNIRAC Light Duty 14ft Rail Mill)
Mill Finish rails are generally less expensive due to them not undergoing extra surface treatment as clear anodized rails. Mill finish rails are shinier in appearance due to this and are more easily scratched. Due to the bare aluminum being exposed to the weather elements, overtime the rail will oxidize. Mill rails are best for areas that are in drier regions where salt and moisture are not an issue.

Mill Finish Rails



Clear Anodized Rails (e.g. 
UNIRAC Light Duty 14ft Rail Clear)
Clear Anodized rails are a dull chrome color due to undergoing a process that creates an anodized finish that is more resistant to the elements. This extra layer provides a barrier against scratches and corrosion. In areas near the ocean, higher in moisture or salt, clear anodized rails are your best option.

Clear Anodized Rails



Dark Finish Rails (e.g. 
UNIRAC Light Duty 14ft Rail Dark)
They’re just like clear anodized rails as far as performance, but they are black. It costs more to create black anodization, it’s purely about how much you care about aesthetics. If you have a dark roof, dark solar panels and you want your rails to match, dark finish rails are what you would want.

Dark Finish Rails



Summary: If you live in an area without too much moisture that would cause corrosion, Mill Finish rails make the most economic sense.


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