Solar Foundation Support
Solar Foundation Support
(OP)
I'm looking for a little help and guidance.
Under full disclosure, I am doing a research project to understand the different foundation / anchoring methodologies for solar farms / panel installation (non-roof) and could use some expert insight.
What are the primary methodologies used? (helical, driven steel, other?)
Why?
When to use which? (I imagine it can be site specific, but what are key criteria for each type)
What is the cost differential (or cost), perhaps by pier or by foot?)
Or, do you know of any sources where I could find some of this info?
thanks
Under full disclosure, I am doing a research project to understand the different foundation / anchoring methodologies for solar farms / panel installation (non-roof) and could use some expert insight.
What are the primary methodologies used? (helical, driven steel, other?)
Why?
When to use which? (I imagine it can be site specific, but what are key criteria for each type)
What is the cost differential (or cost), perhaps by pier or by foot?)
Or, do you know of any sources where I could find some of this info?
thanks





RE: Solar Foundation Support
You might try the National Renewable Energy Lab (www.NREL.gov) to find out what theirs are on. They are in a very windy location and might have learned something the hard way at some point.
My own PV system is anchored in place by a 3-bedroom house. So far, so good, although our place isn't as windy as NREL is. The house has an advantage over helicals because it also provides living space, which helical anchors do not.
RE: Solar Foundation Support
However, it is very similar to a large billboard or freeway sign. You have a large object on a pole. Wind, seismic, scour are the primary forces acting on it. Limitations include depth to bedrock. Cost is driven by time required for contractor to install. Preferred method will be cheap, quick to install, deep enough to resist overturning and also to not vibrate when it is windy.
RE: Solar Foundation Support
Any detail would be helpful. Haven't been able to find anything re: why one method vs. another for solar or price variance information on web. Have found definitional information on the methodologies
RE: Solar Foundation Support
RE: Solar Foundation Support
For the smaller structures a concrete pad with sufficient weight has worked best. But when the needed weight starts to become unreasonable I have used screw piles or helical piers. I prefer screw piles (continuous round pipe with helix) over the typical helical pier (sectional, square rod with helix).
I'm assuming wet set or post installed bolts connect the solar panels base to the foundation, would be really slick if you could eliminate any concrete caps if using screw piles/helical piers. A steel base with slotted holes to allow for adjustments in dimensions.
Jim Houlette PE
Web: www.evstudio.us
Online Magazine: www.evstudio.info
RE: Solar Foundation Support
What is cheap, readily available, willing to be designed by the structural, and easy to install.
RE: Solar Foundation Support
Jim Houlette PE
Web: www.evstudio.us
Online Magazine: www.evstudio.info
RE: Solar Foundation Support
Scott
www.dbssinc.com
RE: Solar Foundation Support
RE: Solar Foundation Support