Types and Features of Ground Mounting Systems

Nov 18, 2022

The ground solar mounting system is a system of solar panels that are mounted on the ground. But for different ground terrains, you may need different ground solar mounting systems. How to choose a suitable solar support according to local conditions is an important link to ensure the efficient operation of the entire solar system. According to the classification of the foundation, we divide the ground brackets into four categories: concrete foundation type, beam driving type, ground screw type and precast pile foundation type ground brackets.

Concrete Foundation Ground Mounting System

PART 01

Concrete Foundation Ground Mounting System

Ground Screw

Introduction: If the installation site is not suitable for plug-in ground screws, a cement foundation can be used, which needs to place the ground solar bracket on the cement foundation, and fix it with bolts.

Features: The depth of the foundation can be relatively shallow, but the amount of excavation, backfill and concrete is relatively large.

Beam Driving Ground Solar Mounting System

PART 02

Beam Driving Ground Solar Mounting System

Introduction: It uses a pile driver to directly drive C-shaped steels, H-shaped steels or other structural steels into the ground. This installation method is very simple, but the pull-out resistance is not excellent.

Features: Fast speed and strong adaptability; Cost-effectiveness; Not limited by seasonal temperature; Easy to remove ground piles and does not affect the reuse of the installation site.

Ground Screw Foundation Ground Solar Mounting System

PART 03

Ground Screw Foundation Ground Solar Mounting System

Ground Screw Foundation

Introduction: Since the 1880s, as an alternative pile type with unique advantages, the ground screw has been widely used in the United States, Australia, Europe and other countries, which can meet various engineering requirements such as compression resistance, pullout resistance and horizontal force resistance.

Features: This is a metal or non-metallic material pipe pile or column pile with helical blades, which is screwed into the ground with special equipment, and the top of the pile is connected to the load. The construction is fast and convenient. The construction period can be greatly shortened. It is environmentally friendly, and has no vegetation.

Precast Pile Foundation Ground Solar Mounting System

PART 04

Precast Pile Foundation Ground Solar Mounting System

Introduction: Precast piles are piles of various materials and forms (such as wood piles, concrete square piles, prestressed concrete pipe piles, steel piles, etc.) made in factories or construction sites. They are pressed or vibrated into the soil. Concrete precast piles and steel piles are mainly used in the field of construction.

Features: It can be produced in batches. Construction is fast. There is no filling and excavation in construction, and only simple field leveling is required. However, when the pile is extruded into the soil by static pressure or hammering equipment, the pile is prone to fracture, and the top of the pile needs to be reinforced with steel mesh, which increases the cost. And it is not easy to ensure the verticality.

Foundation Types Geotechnical Conditions			Ground Screw	C Steel	Precast Pile Foundation	Concrete Foundation
Rock	Residual Soil		⚪	⚪	▲	▲
	Fully Weathered		⚪	⚪	▲	▲
	Strong Weathered		×	×	×	▲
	Medium Weathered ~ Not Weathered		×	×	×	×
Gravel Soil	Boulder		×	×	×	▲
	Pebble, Crushed Stone		▲	×	×	▲
	Round Gravel, Breccia		⚪	▲	×	▲
Sandy Soil	Degree of Compactness	Loose ~ Slightly Dense	⚪	⚪	▲	▲
Sandy Soil	Degree of Compactness	Medium Dense ~ Dense	⚪	⚪	×	▲
Silt	Slightly Dense ~ Dense		⚪	⚪	▲	▲
Clay	Flow Malleability ~ Soft Malleability		▲	×	⚪	×
Clay	Malleable ~ Firm		⚪	⚪	▲	▲
Groundwater	Yes		——	——	——	×
Groundwater	No		——	——	——	⚪

Ground Mounting Systems

Therefore, the best way for a contractor to determine the ideal foundation for a given soil type would be to conduct a proper subsurface investigation. If you need a professional ground solar mounting system foundation suggestion, you can contact us and we are pleasure to provide you with a whole solution for free.