Foundation Options for Ground Mount Solar

Large Scale Photovoltaic (PV) arrays deployed on ground mounted racking systems rely on the foundation method to support the modules, and the project itself. There are many factors to consider when determining the appropriate foundation design and solar panel installation. At Landpower Solar, we use the information in certified Geotechnical Reports and work with the customer to design the most economical foundation for the solar mounting systems. This includes any of the following foundations: concrete pier, driven post, screw piles, precast or cast-in-place concrete ballast and helical piles.

 

While various options exist, concrete pier and driven pile are the most common foundations found in the field. Each can claim advantages, but driven pile systems are often found to be the more favorable choice based on cost, installation time, materials, and environmental impact. Where soil conditions permit, driven pile systems can be implemented with lower costs because only the pile itself remains on site after completion. There are neither concrete setting times nor materials costs that must be incurred. As such, once the area is ready, the pile driving can go quickly without the need to wait for weather or concrete set up. The lack of the concrete saves on materials and logistics, since the concrete does not have to be ordered, trucked in, or poured. Lastly, when the time comes decommissioning, the PV array and racking can be disassembled, leaving only the piles to be removed without concrete piers that would otherwise have to be dealt with for potential land re-purposing.

 

Efficient solar mounting system and solar racking installation is our core competency. Landpower Solar is the leading turn-key solar racking manufacturer in USA that designs, engineers, manufactures and installs solar mounting systems. RBI Solar manufacture it’s solar mounting systems in state of the art manufacturing facility in Cincinnati, OH.