Is A DIY Solar Array Ground Mount Worth It?

[Amy@altE]

Suit yourself, but depending in the pitch (tilt), and the design criteria for wind as well as other considerations, I'd be real careful about the entire design, including anchorage and footings.

The design tool also recommends minimum footing sizes. It includes tilt, snow load, and wind speed criteria. Obviously it isn't for everyone, but it is a very useful tool to help decide if it is worth it to DIY.

[J.P.M.]

Go to IronRidge's web site and use their design tool. http://www.ironridge.com/sga/general They just added a 5 panel high in landscape option. 5 high and 10 wide should not be a problem. They have a nice system where you buy their connectors and you supply the 3" Schedule 40 piping yourself to save on shipping costs. They will output the engineering numbers that the permits will want, as well as a BoM. Don't worry about the pricing they list, it is MSRP, you will get it for less than that from their distributors.

Suit yourself, but depending in the pitch (tilt), and the design criteria for wind as well as other considerations, I'd be real careful about the entire design, including anchorage and footings.

Amy - no disrespect - you're a structural engineer ?

[Amy@altE]

Go to IronRidge's web site and use their design tool. http://www.ironridge.com/sga/general They just added a 5 panel high in landscape option. 5 high and 10 wide should not be a problem. They have a nice system where you buy their connectors and you supply the 3" Schedule 40 piping yourself to save on shipping costs. They will output the engineering numbers that the permits will want, as well as a BoM. Don't worry about the pricing they list, it is MSRP, you will get it for less than that from their distributors.

[J.P.M.]

Yes, if feasible. I have seen a few photos of five-panel high configurations, although most of the designs online only show four panels high.


Peace,
Dr. Z.

Good luck on the structural design. What's the tilt ?

[Zeigh]

All in one plane ?

Yes, if feasible. I have seen a few photos of five-panel high configurations, although most of the designs online only show four panels high.


Peace,
Dr. Z.

[J.P.M.]

Hello,

I have another post asking if others had used Kee-Klamps (or Speed-Rail) to construct their own solar array ground mount. Now I am wondering if it is worth it in the long run to take on the project or have an installer do it. I certainly have the ability and equipment to build a system right now, but the data required by my County building department is daunting and I might have to involve an engineer. Buying a prepackaged commercial design looks as though it would cost even more. While I crunch the numbers and hair still left on my head that will inevitably be pulled out with such a project regardless, I would be interested in the feedback of those more experienced than I.

BTW, my design is for a 50 panel system, ideally 10 columns of 5 horizontal panels high.


Peace,
Dr. Z.

All in one plane ?

[Zeigh]

Hello,

I have another post asking if others had used Kee-Klamps (or Speed-Rail) to construct their own solar array ground mount. Now I am wondering if it is worth it in the long run to take on the project or have an installer do it. I certainly have the ability and equipment to build a system right now, but the data required by my County building department is daunting and I might have to involve an engineer. Buying a prepackaged commercial design looks as though it would cost even more. While I crunch the numbers and hair still left on my head that will inevitably be pulled out with such a project regardless, I would be interested in the feedback of those more experienced than I.

BTW, my design is for a 50 panel system, ideally 10 columns of 5 horizontal panels high.


Peace,
Dr. Z.