DIY Ground Mounting of Solar Panels

Hey guys!

I'm currently researching how to mount my solar panels. I know that my system will be ground mounted, but I don't know what materials to use. I've seen people use angle iron and tubing made of either aluminum or mild steel. I do live in Florida, so the structure will need to withstand hurricane force winds (~150 mph).

What is your experience? What do you recommend? If you could direct to me any resource, I'd be appreciative.

Thanks!

Comments

  • Belmont Solar
    Belmont Solar Registered Users Posts: 26 ✭✭
    Aluminum angle or the Tough Trac mounting
  • Vic
    Vic Solar Expert Posts: 3,208 ✭✭✭✭
    Even if your PV mounts will not need to pass a formal Plan Check, and inspection, sounds like you will want to have a rack design that is Engineered to meet your conditions.

    You might want to start looking at the products offered by the sponsor of this site:
    http://www.solar-electric.com/solar-...el-mounts.html

    These companies may well have calculators that allow you to input your local conditions, and come up with a design. Have not looked at any of these suppliers for several years.

    In addition, Unirac has a very useful on-line calculator that may work for ground mount racks.

    These calculators may well result is an acceptable outcome, without needing to hire a Structural or Professional Engineer.

    FWIW, Good Luck, Vic
    Off Grid - Two systems -- 4 SW+ 5548 Inverters, Surrette 4KS25 1280 AH X2@48V, 11.1 KW STC PV, 4X MidNite Classic 150 w/ WBjrs, Beta KID on S-530s, MX-60s, MN Bkrs/Boxes.  25 KVA Polyphase Kubota diesel,  Honda Eu6500isa,  Eu3000is-es, Eu2000,  Eu1000 gensets.  Thanks Wind-Sun for this great Forum.
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Ground or pole mounts in hurricane areas will need to be engineered and soil samples taken to insure the mount will be secure. You could trade the expense of the soil report, for a super duty anchor for the very worst soil in your area, but then you pay for extra gear instead of soil report.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

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