The Faster Smarter And Cheaper Way To Install Ground
As every solar installer knows, working with ground-mounted racking systems carries a host of challenges that you dont normally face when working on rooftop solar projects.
Below are just some of the most common hurdles that can create installation delays and cost overruns:
- Complex geotechnical reporting and lengthy inspections.
- Racking assembly especially on uneven, rocky terrain.
- Excavations that require petrol and heavy machinery.
- The need for specialized, highly trained teams on-site.
- Costly equipment rentals and unexpected delivery delays.
- Uncertainty over soil conditions particularly during winter.
Because of the above, many solar installers have difficulty completing ground mount projects on time and under budget. These challenges also make it harder to secure new contracts.
However, its possible to mitigate these risks, eliminate unnecessary costs, and save precious time with the right ground-mounted solar solution.
Choose Diy Solar Installation
Did you know? You can install a solar panel system with some help within a weekend or a few depending on your trade skills. Not up to DIY? Hire one of your trusted contractors to install for you.
GoGreenSolar solar panel kits include a complimentary roof layout, installation support and permit approval guarantees so you dont have to figure it out all on your own.
If youre handy with tools, love learning new skills, or enjoy managing and completing projects, DIY solar installation could be ideal for you. Many DIYers take satisfaction in the process and are proud of the results!
Pipe & Mechanical Tubing
The Ground Mount System uses either schedule-40 steel pipe or mechanical tubing as the primary structural element.
Locally-sourced steel pipe and mechanical tubing minimizes materials and shipping costs, while increasing the speed and flexibility of construction.
In addition, the Ground Mount System works with concrete piers, pile-driven piers, and many other foundation types.
You May Like: What Can You Run Off Solar Panels
What Is The Cost Of Solar Ground Mount And Racking
Solar pv ground mount and racking systems are a free-standing structure that supports solar panels. Because they can be installed wherever conditions are best for solar power, theyre a great alternative to the traditional roof mount solar system.
we’ll talk about how much it cost to install a ground-mounted solar panel system, as well as how much money a ground-mounted system could save you.
Sinclair Skyrack 20 Options
Sinclair Designs also offers customers unique options for their ground mount systems. Check out each affordable ground mount option below. Contact us for an official quote or to order!
Fixed Tilt Ground Mount System
Season Adjustable Ground Mount System
- Manual: 15-60 Degrees
Note: Higher wind load/snow load options are available. Formal site specific structural calculations available upon request.
Don’t Miss: How To Size A Solar Pv System
Best Ballasted Mount: Dynoraxx
The concept of a ballasted mount is to build your system without drilling into your roof.
This is especially useful if you dont own the property .
We like the Dynoraxx ballasted racking system. The trays are fiberglass, which are lightweight and wont damage your roof.
The Dynoraxx ballasted mount is lightweight and easy to install. The fiberglass trays dont expand and contract under the heat of the sun, which means it wont warp and damage your roof.
Ground Mount Solar Rack
- Average Shipping & Lead Times = 5-7 Business Days
- Only 4 main components used for quick and easy assembly
- Minimal hardware requirements
- UL Certified Grounding Clamps or direct hardware to module
- Rated for 125MPH Wind Load & 60PSF Snow Load
- Additional design features available for requirements over 125MPH & 60PSF.
Your Ground Mount Solar Rack delivers users an affordable and durable solar panel ground mounting system. Despite its budget-friendly price, this Ground Mount Solar Rack offers numerous advantages over the competition:
Budget-Friendly Price
Your Ground Mount Solar Rack is one of the most affordable ground mounted solar racking systems on the market today. Given that this Ground Mount Solar Rack is constructed from galvanized steel, rather than a more expensive aluminum alloy, the overall price is kept to a minimum. These material savings are then passed onto the consumer!
Despite its budget-friendly price, it still manages to offer numerous other advantages over comparable ground mounted solar panel racking systems.
Don’t Miss: Planets In The Solar System In Order
Installation Labor Cost Of Solar Canopy Designs
Avoid the costs of full length posts that require difficult shoring and have no adjustment. The structures come with incredibly high labor solar carport costs and offer no adjustment ability. The picture below illustrates the task of installing 30 posts in the ground. The installer must rig creative shoring out of wood or steel to brace the post in the correct position.
The task of installing these posts with the correct spacing, elevation and alignment of the steel column is nearly impossible. The result is a solar carport structure with an uneven roof line that cannot be fixed. When carports cover parking areas with a sloppy roof line the customer is going to notice.
What Is Roof Mount Solar
A rooftop solar system is the installation of a solar PV system on a house or commercial building. A roof mount solar array requires solar racking, which is used to safely fix a solar system to a rooftop. Solar racking is usually made of aluminum. A rooftop system can be installed on different types of roofs, whether they are flat or sloping.
You May Like: How Many Solar Panels To Power A Refrigerator
Solar Panel Ground Mounting Systems Since 1996
Solar Electric Supply has been specializing in solar panel ground mounts for PV module systems for over 20 years. All of the quality name brands we carry feature weatherproof aluminum or stainless steel components for corrosion resistance. From small commercial systems to large solar farms, we have the expertise and low wholesale prices to make your next ground-mounted solar panel PV project a success.
Solar Canopy Solutions That Matter
Through their experience, SML developed their solar carport system with elevation & alignment adjustment. As pictured below, separating the foundation from the I-beam column improved the commercial solar carport cost per watt. The Bolt together foundation cage allowed for increased adjustment on elevation as much as 4 inches. The foundation cage also allows for tolerance of 3 inches on spacing and 2 inches on alignment.
Read Also: North Carolina Solar Incentives 2022
Ground Mount Solar Racking System
Ground Mounts allow you to pick the optimal tilt angle in a south-facing direction. A standard ground mount is built on a structure of steel pipe and concrete at a fixed-tilt angle.
Pole Mounts allow you to adjust the tilt angle to maximize your power output throughout the seasons. A steeper tilt angle captures more power in the winter and also sheds snow off the panels. Pole mounts can be installed above foliage & snow banks to keep the panels clear of debris.
Trackers are pole-mounted racks that follow the sun to maximize daily production. Trackers are the most expensive option, and require maintenance, due to the complexity and moving parts. Trackers are mainly used for large utility-scale PV installations. Residential systems are typically better off installing a few extra panels on a fixed array.
Cutting And Assembly Of Ballast Blocks
During the delivery and pouring of concrete, workers will pull concrete evenly into the form. After the concrete is poured evenly into the form its finished with a Come Along. For larger concrete pours, extendable Come Alongs are used to finish the concrete. The concrete must be allowed to cure for 24 hours before cutting into blocks.
The ballast blocks are then marked out with chalk lines for concrete saws to cut them to size. The concrete blocks are first cut with a shorter saw. The first cut makes a pilot line for the second larger concrete saw to complete the cut depth. Once the blocks are cut, the mounting hardware can be assembled.
Read Also: How To Make Efficient Solar Panels
Northgrid’s Elevated Truss System
NorthGrid Solar has designed a proprietary elevated mounting structure to support the solar arrays above the roof surface. We have constructed over 5 MW of such structures on 20+ rooftops and are widely recognized as an industry leader. Every structure is precisely engineered and custom manufactured for the host building.
NorthGrids elevated racking provides a number of benefits that we feel are of great benefit to our rooftop customers, namely:
- Structural concerns with the roof deck are minimized since the loading is transferred to the building columns.
- There is always a serious possibility of membrane damage with ballasted solar arrays due to thermal expansion, wind, etc. An elevated system rests on posts and leaves the roof surface untouched.
- The elevated system provides airflow and shading over the roof helping to extend its life, reduce building cooling loads and improve the performance of the solar array resulting in higher revenue.
- Poor drainage can accelerate the degradation of a roof membrane. Ballast weight can depress the insulation and create pooling zones. Rails or trays resting on the surface can also block drainage flows and result in more standing water. An elevated system does not interfere with drainage in this manner.
- Having access to the roof surface provides a greater ease of maintenance for the roof and the solar PV system can continue to produce revenue while roof repair or replacement activities are conducted.
What Is Ground Mounted Solar
Ground-mount solar installations are solar panel installations that are installed on the ground without a rooftop. These types of installations also include ground mount racking but dont have your buildings roof as a starting point. Ground mounted systems are a good option for your facility if you dont have enough space for a rooftop mount or you want to have easier access to the solar panels.
Don’t Miss: Why Does Pine Sol Smell So Good
Ground Mounts For Solar Panel Systems
Shop from hundreds of ground mounts for solar panel systems. Find ground mounts for one panel or unlimited panels in all configurations. Multi-panel roof-ground mounts are made of heavy duty aluminum rails and feature various rail lengths with a universal slotted pattern to allow a variety of solar panels to be adapted to a single mount specified by length. Adjustable mounts consists of a panel rail set four L-brackets to mount to any flat surface, telescoping adjustable tilt legs from 25 to 55 degrees, fasteners and thread locking compound. Flush mounts consists of a panel rail set, four slotted L-brackets mount to any flat surface allowing pre-assembly of PV panel onto rails then onto pre-located mounting feet, all fasteners and thread locking compound.
Introducing The Osprey Powerplatform
The Osprey PowerPlatform is a ground-mounted racking system that is revolutionizing the solar industry by making procurement, mobilization, and installation a breeze.
The most obvious benefit of the Ospreys unique design is speed:
- Using nothing but handheld tools, a 3-person team can fully assemble an Osprey racking unit in under an hour.
- Earth anchors provide unparalleled stability and support removing the need for costly, slow geotechnical reports or third-party inspections from specialized engineers.
These time-savings exist with smaller installations, but they can become even more pronounced as the size, scopeanddifficulty of projects increase.
For example, a 2MW ground-mounted solar system may normally take a large team more than 60 days to complete. That same installation can be finished in under 16 days when using the Osprey PowerPlatform.
As a result of this superior speed, your crews can install more ground-mounted solar PV projects per unit of time, allowing you to pursue more sales opportunities and increase your revenues, without having to increase the size of your team.
However, there are even larger benefits that await.
You May Like: How To Install Solar Light At Home
Roof Mounted Solar Panels
Roof mounted panels are usually the preferred option as they use up free roof space and not valuable ground space. On the roof there is also usually an unobstructed view of the sky which is necessary for generating sufficient power. Roof mounting uses the inherent strength of your roof to provide sufficient structure to maintain position which can work out cheaper than ground mounting.
Clear and unobstructed skies will give you more power. The cost of the mounting kit is also usually cost effective. The cheapest being the commercial metal trapezoidal roof and the costliest being home roof tiles. Access and installation time are also a consideration here.
Pros of roof mounted solar panels:
- Lower cost than ground mount
- Requires less racking and less installation
- Utilises otherwise unused space
- Doesnt usually require planning permission
Cons of roof mounted solar panels:
- Difficult to access for maintenance or repair
- Roof pitch, angle and shape can interfere with optimum setup
- Space constraints can limit generation potential
- Not everyone likes the look of roof mounted panels
If your roof is of a sufficient size, angled in the right direction, has no awkward shapes, pitch or features, roof mounted solar panels work well. They are cheaper and easier to install and use space that is otherwise underutilised. Its an efficient use of that space, which is why so many properties use roof mounting.
Do Ground Mounts Cost More Than Roof Mounts
In general, yes, ground-mounted solar panels will cost more to install than an equally sized roof-mounted system. This is due in part to the structure on which the solar panels are installed.
A rooftop system is supported by the roof and the buildings structure, meaning theres no need to erect a supporting structure. Instead, the panels are attached to a racking system which is then secured to the roof.
But with a ground-mounted system, an independent structure will need to be erected to support the panels. The structure will consist of posts pounded deep in the ground for stable support, then, cross-beams are added in addition to the racking system and the solar panels themselves.
Also Check: Do Solar Panels Need To Be Cleaned
Should You Choose Ground Mount Or Roof Mount Solar Panels
When deciding which set-up to go with at your facility, there are many factors to think about before making a final decision.
For a rooftop solar energy system, youll have to consider how much rooftop space you have, the health and age of your roof, and what types of obstructions you have in the way, such as skylights or vents.
When it comes to installing a ground mounted solar panel system, youll have to consider the type of location and space available. Will the ground be able to withstand large holes and be able to hold ground mount panels racking in place? Do you have enough ground space or the right space for a ground mount solar installation?
Both are good options, it just depends on what your ultimate goals and priorities are with your solar panel system and how much you want to invest. Either way, whether you go with a roof mount or perhaps a carport ground mount solar installation, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of generating solar energy on your site.
Solar power is the ultimate renewable energy source. No matter what type of mount you choose, you will benefit from cheaper utility bills, a reduced carbon footprint, and the opportunity to move away from complete reliance on the grid especially when paired with an energy storage system, among other perks.
Ironridge Ground Mount Systems
These are built to be long-lasting, flexible, and withstand any weather. They also come with a 25-year warranty.
Image source: Ironridge
Pricing is difficult to pinpoint because it will depend on the size of your solar array, costs of material at the time of purchase, and the fact that many suppliers ask that you request a quote.
Recommended Reading: How Much Is It To Install Solar Power
Concrete Pour Site Location
Pouring concrete ballast blocks is most cost effective when performed on the solar construction site. Except, when to do so would incur heavier labor costs than an off-site pour would incur. In these cases, nearby concrete plants are often accommodating of the pouring, cutting, and assembly to take place on their own concrete yards. If on-site labor is expensive, pouring nearby the solar construction site will always be a cheaper solution.
besides on-site vs. off-site labor costs, location of the concrete ballast pour is important for two reasons. First, the distance from the ballast pour location to the solar array will acquire shipping costs. Secondly, the proximity to a source of ready-mix-concrete and/or delivery can also increase freight and delivery costs.
To begin making blocks, concrete forms are placed in large rectangular formations to accommodate the ballast block size. The individual ballast size is determined by a structural engineer and is based on wind and snow loading. Solar Mounts LLC offers stamped engineering services for all their solar mounting products. 3500 PSI concrete is used to pour the concrete ballast block.
Ground Vs Roof Mounted Solar System
Solar panels are typically ground mounted or roof mounted. Other options include pole mounting and wall mounting but these are less popular and more bespoke.
There is no best solar panel mounting option. Much depends on available roof space, the pitch and facing of the roof and any restrictive covenants or planning issues related to roof mounting. Solar panels on the ground can work equally well as roof mounting but will obviously use up ground space which is often a premium over roof space.
Don’t Miss: Does My Zip Code Qualify For Free Solar Panels
Sinclair Skyrack 20 Features
- Average Lead Time = 5 Business Days
- Only 4 main components used for quick and easy assembly
- Minimal hardware requirements
- UL Certified Grounding Clamps or direct hardware to module
- Rated for 125MPH Wind Load & 60PSF Snow Load
- Additional design features available for requirements over 125MPH & 60PSF.
