Posts tagged: Ground Mount

I. Introduction

Seasonal tilt solar mounting systems refer to adjustable structures that allow for changing the orientation of solar panels to optimize energy production as seasons change throughout the year.

Key features of these systems include:

• Manual adjustable joints and mechanisms to easily alter the tilt angle of the solar panels. This allows for:
• Increased power generation during peak sunlight seasons. Seasonally adjusted panels can capture 5-10% more energy than fixed tilt systems.
• The ability to position panels to maximize sunlight exposure depending on location and time of year.
• Durable materials including galvanized steel, aluminium alloys, and stainless steel to withstand weather conditions over 25+ year lifespans.
• Corrosion resistant treatments like anodizing and galvanization to protect system integrity.
• Simple structures with less accessories and components, enabling:
• Low installation costs
• Reduced maintenance and operations expenses

By changing orientation 2-3 times per year, seasonal tilt mounting maximizes solar collection during peak seasons. Manual adjustability makes modification straightforward based on location and time of year. Durable, corrosion-resistant materials also minimize maintenance costs over decades of service.

II. Durable and Corrosion Resistant Materials

Seasonal tilt solar mounting systems are designed for durability to withstand decades of outdoor exposure to various weather conditions. Key material considerations include:

Corrosion Resistance

Corrosion can compromise structural integrity over years of service. Therefore, systems utilize:

• Galvanized steel: Galvanization applies a protective zinc coating to steel. This guards against rust for 25+ year lifespans.
• Anodized aluminium: Anodization electrically treats aluminium alloy to reinforce corrosion resistance.
• Stainless steel: Stainless steel alloys like 304 and 316 feature chromium to prevent surface oxidation from weather exposure or rust.

Simple Structure

Simpler designs result in:

• Fewer components needed for installation.
• Lower potential points of failure or wear compared to more complex structures.
• This maintains system reliability over decades of operation.
• Low Installation Costs
• Minimized parts along with straightforward manual assembly directly reduce initial installation costs.
• Easy Maintenance
• Basic robust builds allow easy visual inspection.
• Manual seasonal adjustments do not require expensive specialized equipment or expertise.

Combined with inherent durability, lifespan maintenance costs stay low.

By focusing on fundamentals of durable, maintenance-free structural design, seasonal tilt mounting systems deliver reliable service for 20-30 years. This allows for outstanding return on investment over the system lifetime.

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III. Location and Hemisphere Factors

To optimize the energy generation, seasonal tilt solar mounting systems must adjust panel angles based on location and time of year. The key factors related to geography are:

Hemisphere

The hemisphere where the system is installed determines peak sunlight seasons:

• Northern hemisphere – Peak production in summer
• Southern hemisphere – Peak production in winter

This impacts ideal tilt strategies.

Country/Region

More specifically, the country and region indicate:

• Latitude – Affects sun angle path
• Climate patterns – Rainy or dry seasons affect solar availability

Sunlight Exposure

Tilt adjustments maximize sunlight exposure during peak seasons:

• Winter – Tilt to maximize lower winter sun angles
• Summer – Account for higher summer sun paths

Angles that capture the most sun during peak seasons will generate the greatest additional energy.

Ideal Tilt Angles

Formulas can dial in optimal orientation based on location:

• Summer – (Latitude * 0.93) – 21°
• Winter – (Latitude * 0.875) + 19.2°

Sensitivity Analysis around these starting points can further maximize yearly yield if seasonal cloud cover data is available.

Properly accounting for site geography informs data-driven tilt strategies that maximize solar utilization potential for seasonal mounting systems. This allows substantial gains in solar energy production on an annual basis.

Seasonal Tilt Adjustments

To maximize power generation, seasonal tilt solar mounting systems must alter their orientation multiple times per year to match the sun’s shifting path across seasons. There are two main approaches:

Half-Yearly Adjustments

Tilt angle can be changed twice a year based on spring/fall equinox dates:

• Northern Hemisphere:
• Summer tilt – March 20th
• Winter tilt – September 22nd
• Southern Hemisphere
• Summer tilt – September 20th
• Winter tilt – March 21st

This better aligns with seasons versus calendar dates.

Quarterly Adjustments

For more precision, adjust tilt 4 times per year aligned to solstices and equinoxes:

Benefits

• Increased energy collection during “shoulder” seasons
• Reduced machine downtime for adjustments
• Gradual angle changes better track sun’s daily course

Considerations

• Additional manual labour required
• Possible downtime during adjustments

Data Analysis

Historical on-site solar data can reveal optimal dates and degree days for adjustments. Sensitivity analysis identifies energy gains from extra tilts.

Automated Systems

For large installations, automated actuators can systematically alter tilt. But this adds complexity and capital costs.

Fine-tuning mount orientation to follow the sun’s seasonal movement provides outsized electricity generation gains for minimal incremental effort using seasonal tilt solar mounting systems.

I. Introduction to Ground Screws for Solar Arrays

Ground screws are an increasingly popular mounting solution for solar arrays, especially ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. As an alternative to concrete foundations, ground screws offer several advantages:

• Faster installation times
• Reduced costs
• Minimal ground disturbance

Helical anchors and ground screws consist of metal piles with screw-like flanges near the tip. They are screwed into the ground using special equipment to provide sturdy anchoring for solar module racking.

The main benefits of using ground screws over traditional mounting methods like cement slabs include:

• Less invasive – Requires little excavation or concrete pouring
• Reusable – Can be removed and reused if arrays are reconfigured
• Faster – Install hundreds of mounts per day vs waiting for concrete to cure
• Flexible – Adjustable to uneven terrain; suitable for slopes

When to Use Ground Screws

Ground screws are recommended for:

• Solar farms and large-scale ground-mounted installations
• Sites with environmentally sensitive areas where minimal ground disturbance is preferred
• Areas prone to freezing and thawing which can cause ground shift

They may not be suitable for very rocky areas or soils with large boulders.

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Installation Process

Installing helical piles for solar arrays involves:

1. Optional soil testing to determine depth
2. Starting hole excavation if needed
3. Securing mount to rotary hydraulic drive system
4. Spinning ground screw to required depth

Equipment needed includes:

• Rotary drive system capable of producing high torque
• Mounting poles of various lengths
• Soil testing tools (for friction and density analysis)

Proper Embedment depth depends on:

• Soil density
• Frost line depth
• Wind and seismic factors

Using ground screws for mounting solar arrays can simplify the installation process and reduce overall project costs. Their flexibility and low environmental impact make them an ideal solution for solar farms and ground-mounted PV systems.

II. Types of Ground Screws

There are two main types of screw-based mounts used for anchoring solar arrays:

Helical Anchors/Piers/Piles

Helical anchors consist of a central shaft with one or more helical bearing plates welded near the tip. The spiraling flanges allow them to screw into the soil. Key features:

• Come in various lengths to match soil conditions and embedment requirements
• Can have single or multiple helical flanges
• Available in different shaft diameters and flange sizes
• Offer tension and compression capacity

Ideal for: Sandy soils, high water tables

Ground Screws

Ground screws resemble large wood screws with a pointed, threaded tip. The spiraling thread pattern also makes them easy to install.

• Sharpened tip can penetrate compacted soils
• Threaded design displaces soil rather than removing it
• Work well even in rocky areas

Ideal for: Dense or rocky soils

Both styles can serve as wind and seismic anchors for solar racking. The choice depends on:

• Soil composition at site
• Design wind/seismic loads
• System size and panel weight

Professional engineers size the ground screws and specify embedment depth based on site soil analysis.

III. Installation Methods

Installing helical piles or ground screws requires specialized equipment to provide enough downward force and torque. Common machinery includes:

• Hydraulic rotary drivers – Generate high levels of torque (up to 10,000 ft-lbs) to screw anchors into soil. Some models offer vibration damping.
• Power auger drivers – Rotate and push the pile using an internal auger. Allows addition of pipe extensions.
• Tracked excavators – Excavators equipped with rotational heads on booms can grip and spin ground screws to depth.

Steps to Install Ground Screws:

1. Mark screw positions according to engineer plans
2. Core pilot hole if needed (denser soils)
3. Position screw at correct angle
4. Spin screw into ground until proper depth using installed torque values
5. Level and test installation
6. Attach solar racking

Other Equipment Needed:

• Testing devices – Measure torque values during installation
• Leveling tools – Verify proper angle and depth
• Compaction tools – Prepare ground surface

For solar farms installing hundreds of anchors, efficiency is important. Multi-screw hydraulic drivers can install 1-2 complete screws per minute in easier soils.

Proper training on machinery is critical to:

• Maximize productivity
• Ensure reliable, structurally sound installations
• Prevent environmental damage

IV. Advantages Over Other Methods

Compared to foundations like concrete piers or I-beams, ground screws offer superior performance for solar installations:

Faster Installation

• Install crews can screw hundreds of piles per day
• No excavation or concrete curing downtime

Lower Costs

• Minimal equipment needs
• Small crew size for rapid scaling
• No waste removal or concrete expenses

Reduced Environmental Impact

• Limited ground disturbance from small diameter holes
• No excavated soil disposal
• Landscape preservation around arrays

Flexible Siting

• Adjustable for uneven or sloped terrain
• Work around existing landscaping or infrastructure

Structural Reliability

• Engineered to withstand high wind/seismic loads
• Resist weathering, corrosion
• Offers tension capacity for uplift resistance

With faster, cheaper installations plus lower environmental impact, ground screws are an ideal mounting choice for most solar farm projects.

V. Disadvantages

While ground screws have many benefits for solar installations, there are some limitations:

Soil Compatibility

• Very dense or gravelly soils difficult to penetrate
• Loose sands provide insufficient grip without concrete base

Screw piles rely on soil friction and compression. Improper soils may require:

• Pre-drilling pilot holes
• Additional anchoring methods
• Concrete collars around piles

Depth Limitations

• Ideal max embedment depth around 30 feet
• Deeper soils require change in foundation type

Slope Limitations

• Most equipment can only handle up to a 30 degree slope
• Greater angles require terracing or custom machinery

Vibration/Noise

• Hydraulic drivers create noticeable vibration
• Not suitable for sensitive animal habitats

Higher Upfront Costs

• Rotary drivers and related equipment have significant costs
• Feasible mostly for large solar farms to offset capital

Ground screws work extremely well across many solar sites. However rocky, angled, or loose soil may favour other foundations like mini-piles or concrete piers.

VI. Cost Savings

Using helical piles and ground screws for anchoring solar racking can generate major cost reductions compared to cast-in-place concrete or steel beams:

Faster Installation Times

• Crews can install 500+ anchors per day with multi-anchor drivers
• No curing time compared to concrete
• Quickly scales to meet project deadlines

Reduced Materials Needed

• Minimal drilling equipment required
• Avoid formwork, rebar, concrete, cranes of slab/pier methods
• Small crew size possible for rapid scaling

Lower Site Prep Costs

• Limited excavation needed
• No hauling or spoil removal
• Preserves existing landscape features

Lower Transportation Costs

• Anchor diameters under 1 foot
• Easy to transport screws and lightweight equipment
• Reduce vehicle trips compared to concrete or steel

With quicker installations, reusable materials, and preservation of landforms, ground screws provide major budget savings over alternative mounting approaches.

VII. Environmental Factors

Compared to foundation solutions like concrete slabs, ground screws are much more eco-friendly:

Landscape Preservation

• Avoids extensive grading and earthworks
• Allows vegetation to remain and regrow
• Maintains site drainage patterns

Limited Ground Disturbance

• Narrow diameter minimally disrupts soil
• No trenching or excessive digging
• Reduces soil erosion risks

Wildlife Protection

• Low noise and vibration installation
• Leaves habitat intact under arrays
• Allows animal movement through site

Storm water Control

• Permeable design doesn’t increase runoff
• Enables rainwater infiltration

Sustainability

• Steel is recyclable
• Anchors can be reused on other sites
• Reduces use of concrete and carbon emissions

In addition, sites with potential contamination like landfills can use ground screws without digging into unhealthy soils. Their small footprint makes them ideal for environmentally sensitive solar farm locations.

Conclusion

Ground screws present an innovative mounting method for solar PV projects that offers:

• Faster installation with less manpower
• Cheaper overall costs than concrete or steel
• Minimal site impact for sustainability

Key advantages as anchoring foundations:

• Adjustable for sloped terrain
• High wind and seismic capacity
• Tension load resistance
• Rapid scalability

Ideal applications:

• Large solar farms
• Sites with frozen ground
• Landfill or brownfield locations
• Areas valuing wildlife conservation

Ground screw limitations:

• Very loose or shallow bedrock
• Extreme slopes over 30 degrees

Continuing trends show ground screws gaining favour over pile-driven posts or cast-in-place concrete:

With quicker, cheaper installation and lower environmental impact, ground screw mounting enables the renewable energy transition by easing deployment of ground-mounted PV systems. Their advantages make them a foundation pile suited for the coming decades of solar expansion.

I. Introduction to Ground Mounting Structures

In Structura Metal a ground mounted setup refers to a solar panel system that is installed directly into the ground rather than on a roof. Ground installations have become increasingly popular for both residential and commercial solar projects. There are several key benefits that the ground mounts provides over rooftop solar systems:

• More flexibility in panel placement.
• Increased energy production.
• Easier maintenance.
• Avoid roof obstacles and structural issues.

At Structura Metal Ground Mounted Solar offers much more flexibility in where you can place panels to optimize sun exposure. With a rooftop system, you are also having limitations for the shape and directions of the areas available. Ground mounts allow placement in the wide open spaces without blocking the sunlight.

In addition, we also having the open airflow beneath ground mounted panels helps to keep the temperatures lower. This allows for more efficient energy conversion and increased energy production compared to rooftop systems. Studies show ground mounted solar can produce 10-45% more energy than the fixed rooftop setups.

Furthermore, a ground mounting system avoids any roof structural issues or the obstacles like vents, chimneys etc. And since panels are more accessible on the ground, overall maintenance is simpler without working from heights or ladders.

With all these advantages, it’s no wonder ground mounting structures are becoming the preferred mounting solution for many solar projects. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of ground mounted options available.

II. Strengths of Ground Mounted Setups

Installing a solar panel system on the ground rather than the roof offers some unique advantages. Here are the main strengths of ground mounted setups:

• Orientation and Angle Flexibility – With ground mounts, we are having the panels that can be positioned at the optimal angle and directions to maximize sunlight exposure. You are not limited by the shape or direction of the areas on your roof.
• Higher Energy Production – The open airflow underneath helps keep temperatures lower. This allows ground mounted panels to convert sunlight to energy more efficiently, generating 10-45% more power.
• Easy Maintenance – Accessing rooftop solar panels typically requires climbing ladders or using special equipment. Ground mounts are closer to the ground, making regular inspection and cleaning much simpler.
• No Rooftop Restrictions – Rooftop solar projects may be limited by structural issues, vents/chimneys, or lack of space. Ground mounts avoid all the rooftop restrictions.
• Land Restrictions – While rare, some neighbourhoods have rules against installing visible solar panels. Ground mounts may need to be hidden behind the fences or vegetation.

III. Weaknesses of Ground Mounts

While ground mounted solar offers significant advantages, there are some potential downsides to consider as well:

• Higher Installation Cost – In general, a ground mounting system has a higher upfront price tag than an equal sized rooftop system. The racking and foundation materials, digging/trenching, and labour make it more expenive.
• Land Restrictions – Although rare, some neighbourhoods prohibit visible renewable energy systems or restrict their placement. Ground mounts may need creative vegetation or fencing.
• Safety Concerns – Since panels are accessible, a ground mounting structure poses a minor risk for kids or pets walking into them. Proper fencing helps mitigate this.
• Damage Risks – Rooftop solar is largely protected from incidental damage. However, ground mounted panels may be exposed to vehicles, animals, weather events, vandalism etc.
• Aesthetic Impact – Low profile ground mounts usually blend into landscapes well. But some systems stand out and homeowners may prefer to keep their yard/lawn view unchanged.

IV. Types of Ground Installations

If you decide to install the ground mounted solar system, you have several options when it comes to the specific type of mounting structure. The three main types of ground installations are:

• Traditional ground-mount
• Tracking systems
• Carports and canopies

Traditional ground-mount systems use to anchors and robust structural racking to fix panels in an optimal position. This is the most common type of ground mounted system.

Tracking Systems go by step further by using automated hardware to move panels and follow the sun’s path during the day. This further maximizes energy production but has a higher cost. Single-axis trackers shift panels east-west or north-south to capture more sunlight. More advanced dual-axis trackers can shift in multiple directions to keep panels perpendicular to the sun’s rays.

Carports and Canopies utilize very large Ground Mounted Structures as coverage for vehicles in parking lots or other uses. For example, a solar carport can provide shade for cars while generating clean power.

Determine the scale of your solar needs and budget to decide which type of ground installation makes the most sense. Tracking systems produce a good amount of extra energy but carry a cost premium over traditional fixed racking.

V. Traditional Ground-Mount Systems

The most common and cost-effective type of ground mounted solar setup is the traditional fixed racking system.

Traditional ground-mount systems work similarly to rooftop mounts. Panels get attached with the strong metal frame and angled to optimize sun exposure. Instead of being installed on singles though, the racking frame mounts directly into the ground with the pier or anchor supports.

Benefits of traditional fixed ground mounting:

• Low Cost – Traditional mounts have the lowest hardware and installation the costs per watt over other ground systems. This makes it affordable for most homeowners.
• Easy to Install – For most residential sites, traditional fixed mounts can be fully installed in 1-3 days with a small crew minimizing labour expenses.
• Low Maintenance – With no moving parts or motors, traditional systems require very little ongoing maintenance besides occasional panel cleaning.
• Expandable – Additional panels can be easily added later on to increase your system size. The fixed mounting structure is designed for modular expansions.

The simplicity, affordability, and reliability of fixed position ground mounting structures make them a top choice. The only downside is they lack the sun tracking advantage of more complex systems. But the better return on investment keeps traditional mounts popular for residential installs.

VI. Tracking Systems

Tracking systems take ground mounted solar technology to the next level for maximum sunlight capture and energy production. These systems utilize motors, sensors, and controlers to automatically move solar panels over the course of a day. By keeping panels aligned perpendicular to the sun’s rays, they generate up to 45% more power annually.

There are two main types of solar trackers used with ground mounts:

• Single-Axis Trackers: Rotate panels along one axis to follow the sun east to west.
• Dual-Axis Trackers: Rotate panels along two axes enabling full 360 degree range of motion to precisely face the sun all day.

Benefits provided by tracker ground mounting:

• Greatly increased energy yield per panel
• Optimized spacing between rows of panels
• Better performance in winter months
• Reduced shade impact

The main disadvantages of using solar trackers are higher hardware costs, more complex installation, and increased maintenance requirements. Trackers utilizes motors, controllers, wiring, and gears that may eventually need replacement. Proper installation is also key for reliability.

Overall, the pros of solar tracking capabilities often outweigh the extra costs for larger commercial ground mounting projects. The significantly higher energy production provides better and faster return on investment. But trackers may be excessive for smaller residential ground installs where fixed mounts sufficient.

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VII. Carports and Canopies

Carports and canopies utilize very large ground mounting structures that serve dual purposes. They provide shade or shelter, while also hosting solar panels to generate significant amounts of the electricity.

The most iconic example is the solar carport. As the name suggests, solar panels get installed on the roof structure of a carport. This keeps vehicles underneath shaded from the elements, while the panels above soak up the sunlight. The collected energy can then power buildings, electric vehicle charging stations, or get fed back into the grid.

Solar canopies function similarly, by mounting panels on top of a steel structure designed specifically for shade. You often see these utilized in parks, schools, and playgrounds to produce renewable power in addition to shielding what’s underneath.

Benefits of solar carports and canopies:

• Large open spaces for mounting many panels.
• Dual purpose installations (power + shelter).
• High visibility demonstrations of clean energy.

The main barriers to larger carport or canopy projects have traditionally been the high upfront design and material costs. However, as solar panel prices continue to fall, these types of installations are becoming more financially viable. And they serve as impactful sustainability symbols for schools, commercial centres, and other public spaces.

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VIII. Cost of Ground Mounted Systems

Installing a ground mounted solar array comes at a higher initial price tag than rooftop solar. There are several cost factors that contribute to this:

• Structural Materials – Industral grade aluminium and galvanized steel is used to assemble the racking, poles, and foundations. These materials are more heavy duty than typical rooftop mounts.
• Excavation And Equipment – Digging holes for foundations, trenching electrical wires, renting heavy machinery, and transporting materials add to project costs.
• Labour – Ground mount installations take longer and often require crane equipment to position modules. More man hours equals more labour expense.

However, against these higher upfront costs are the long term savings:

• Increased Energy Production – The optimal positioning and solar tracking capabilities lead to significantly more clean energy generated.
• Accelerated depreciation further reduces tax burden.

Over time, the extra energy and financial incentives make ground mounted systems pay for themselves more rapidly compared to equivalently sized rooftop installs. And protection from weather/debris means savings on roof repairs.

IX. Maintenance of Ground Mounted Solar

A key advantage of ground mounted solar is that regular maintenance is easier than rooftop systems. Accessing panels on the ground avoids the need for ladders or technical rope training. Basic upkeep best practices include:

Inspections

• Inspect all wiring, mounts, gear boxes for damage quarterly. Repair any loose connections or corrosion.
• Check panel glass for cracks/chips annually which could allow moisture damage.

Cleaning

• Clear any accumulated leaves/debris around the mounting structure.
• Wash panels with soft brushes and water at least twice per year for maximum solar absorption.

Vegetation trimming

• Trim any nearby plants/branches that may overhang and put panels in shade. Sunlight occlusion severely reduces output.

Snow Removal

• Use non-abrasive plastic shovels to clear heavy snow off panels after storms.

Tracking & Monitoring

• Ensure tracker motors function properly in all seasons.
• Monitor production output levels monthly to catch any decreased yields from common culprits like dirty panels, tracking miss collaboration, or wiring issues.

Following this basic preventative maintenance checklist for your ground mounted system improves reliability, extends equipment lifespan, and maximizes solar energy production year after year.

X. Conclusion

Installing solar panels on the ground rather than roofing provides unique advantages. Ground mounted solar gives you flexibility on placement for optimum sunlight exposure for leading to significantly higher energy generation. The ability to incorporte tracking systems takes this productive potential even further.

As solar panel and storage prices continue falling, renewable energy adoption will only accelerate further. Both rooftop and ground mounted solutions each have ideal applications depending on the site constraints and power demands. Consult with qualified solar professionals to map out the best clean energy generation plan tailored for your home or business.