Best Ground Mount System

[Murby]

i searched around here and could not find solid options. What I am looking at is ironridge.

I just installed my own solar system using Ironridge ground mount hardware.. Its good stuff.. solid, easy to work with.

But part of me was wondering if the 2 1/4 square tubing from menards attached to galvanized 3" fence post would not work. I have never done a ground mount system. So what is the best most durable ground mount system. This will be used with 60 panels of solarworld mono black 285w panels. Any good instructional videos where it gets into the how to ground mount? I've searched no real good results on YouTube.

thank you for your options and guidance!

Its not a good idea to mix steel and aluminum.... the frames of solar panels are aluminum and they will corrode (Galvanic Corrosion) if they are secured to most metals.. Aluminum and stainless are what you need to use.

The IronRidge system does use galvanized steel pipes and aluminum components which are in contact with those pipes (angle brackets), but the contact is minimized to only the aluminum rail mounting surfaces and the steel galvanization does provide a level of protection.. That said, I wasn't crazy about it myself and actually considered installing an insulator membrane between the two metals.

But ya, IronRidge is the way to go... I'm very happy with mine.

You can see my thread showing the installation of my system here:
https://www.solarpaneltalk.com/forum...ht-first-watts

[Mike90250]

I'd build it in 3 arrays of 20 panels - or whatever works well with splitting the arrays and controllers. But not a single giant structure. and allow for snow !

[littleharbor]

Here's the thread
https://www.solarpaneltalk.com/forum...ht-first-watts

[tyab]

IronRidge systems when used as designed are pre-engineered and provide engineering analysis sheets that meet the code requirements for every state. Your local building department will be able to tell you what parameters they want the design for (soil conditions, snow load, wind loads). 60 panels is a big expensive system, so take the time to make sure you know what your building department wants. If you go with IronRidge, you will be looking at 3" schedule 40 galvanized pipe - it is over 7lbs/ft and comes in 21' sticks so be prepared to deal with that weight and size and a lot of concrete for those holes. You will be building a suspension system to hold the pipe in place for concrete pouring - look at the post just done in the solar panel equipment forums for someone that just did their IronRidge system - thus plan for a lot of 2x4's for that. I have a ton of photos of my IronRidge system during that phase in my google photo album.

[J.P.M.]

My thought was to drop a 4' deep x 8" cement hole for each galvanized pipe. Basically strong enough for the shed I'm building and would be over kill for the array footings.

SEE WHAT'S REQUIRED BY YOUR LOCAL CODE. UNLESS YOU ARE FAMILUIAR WITH STRUCTUAL ENGINEERING AND LOCAL REQUIREMENTS, YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT'S REQUIRED FOR A SUFFICIENTLY ROBUST DESIGN. if YOU HAVE NO LOCAL REQUIREMENTS, CONSULT A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER PROFICIENT IN SOLAR ARRAY DESIGN.

[littleharbor]

You'll need a bit more diameter than that. Sonotube comes in all sizes when you find out what you need.

[Sunin]

Probably. For one thing Ironridge knows nothing about your soil conditions or embedment method requirements. As mentioned, check with your local authority. Note too, code requirements or not, a safe design will always use good engineering. That's more than a wrench monkey can provide.

My thought was to drop a 4' deep x 8" cement hole for each galvanized pipe. Basically strong enough for the shed I'm building and would be over kill for the array footings.

[J.P.M.]

Clarification: a DIY would need those calcs or even a ground mount system like ironridge?

Probably. For one thing Ironridge knows nothing about your soil conditions or embedment method requirements. As mentioned, check with your local authority. Note too, code requirements or not, a safe design will always use good engineering. That's more than a wrench monkey can provide.

[SunEagle]

Let us know what you find out concerning a better ground mount system. I hope it works out for you.

[Sunin]

I agree the rules don't always make sense. But think if you did have a close neighbor and they installed something that could be blown over onto your property and damage something or hurt someone. The rules are in place to make sure someone doesn't just throw something up and hopes it will be safe.

The other reason for following the rules is because your home or property insurance may not award you any claim should something get damaged because it wasn't installed per safety code.

The decision (or gamble) is yours to make. I was just trying to point out something for you to think about.

And I appreciate it, definitely did not think of it. Hopefully that is not too expensive!

[SunEagle]

When you are a mile from your nearest neighbor it is odd how strict they are on what you can do on your own property!

I agree the rules don't always make sense. But think if you did have a close neighbor and they installed something that could be blown over onto your property and damage something or hurt someone. The rules are in place to make sure someone doesn't just throw something up and hopes it will be safe.

The other reason for following the rules is because your home or property insurance may not award you any claim should something get damaged because it wasn't installed per safety code.

The decision (or gamble) is yours to make. I was just trying to point out something for you to think about.

[Sunin]

I believe Ironridge will provide engineering drawings to satisfy and local codes. But as sensij states you really need to check with your AHJ to see what they require concerning documentation.

When you are a mile from your nearest neighbor it is odd how strict they are on what you can do on your own property!

[SunEagle]

Clarification: a DIY would need those calcs or even a ground mount system like ironridge?

I believe Ironridge will provide engineering drawings to satisfy and local codes. But as sensij states you really need to check with your AHJ to see what they require concerning documentation.

[sensij]

Clarification: a DIY would need those calcs or even a ground mount system like ironridge?

You'll need to check with your AHJ to see what they require to issue a permit.

[Sunin]

Good question. But I will also add in the modifier that any ground or roof top system will require some type of wind loading calculations performed by a PE.

Clarification: a DIY would need those calcs or even a ground mount system like ironridge?