Does anyone have a recommendation for a ballast based ground mount system that would mount one or more portrait 400-450W bifacial panels ( one high) that is inexpensive and can be daisy chained ( connected side by side) to accommodate about 32 panels or 4 strings of 8. I've seen the IntegraRack IR30 that looks promising. I have many many yards of 3/4 inch blue/gray drain rock left over from a septic system install that would make the ideal ballast plus base rock. For up to 24sqft they indicate a 120mph wind capability. This is sufficient for most panels in this range. I calculated the area of a typical 400W panel at 21sqft. The reason I am interested in the ballast version is I have to get rid of this very large pile of drain rock and have a small Kubota tractor to move it easily. I also hate concrete having used many many yards and a pump on my last system. These racks are about 46" wide so 32 in a row would be 85 feet long. Thoughts, options, alternatives and options appreciated!
Ballast based Ground Mount systems
- Thread starter pgrovetom
- Start date
outboard1196
Solar Enthusiast
I wish I went integra rack, DIY cost me more.
Do you have a to worry about snow?
There's the powerfield system but has low 25* angle.
I have two strings of eight 400w bifacial panels each, mounted portrait orientation, using IntegraRack45. Very happy with them. Allowed me to mount over ledge (surface bedrock) easily. Have about 18-20 inches of bank run gravel holding them down and they don't even think about moving in high winds. Rated to 120mph. My only concern is that I'm going to need to run a snowblower in front of them after any significant snowfall as they're perhaps one foot off the ground. Other than that I can't think of a better system for easy, DIY ground mounts.
Renusol tubs work well, if they are available where you live.
www.tradesparky.com
Renusol 520075-K Console+ Box
<p>Renusol are a leading manufacturer of solar panels worldwide and are led by the motto ‘Solid, Simple Service’. Renusol’s commitment to developing versatile, innovative products have led them to worldwide success, offering unique, easy-to-install products to suit a wide range of applications...
rogerheflin
Solar Addict
I have 2 rows of 7 panels with the Integra rack. Mine is sitting on an old concrete pad and currently ballasted with some 66lb landscape blocks that I have (the pad is 50x100 and I am still figuring out where to best place the panels to reduce shading from various trees, and my house). For 7 panels one needs 8 integra racks. installing was pretty easy, the hardest part was moving the 66lb landscape rocks the 50ft to use as ballast.
My panels are also bifacial and the panels mounted this way seem to be generating more power than my roof mounted panels so the bifacial is helping to some extent.
GarySaf
New Member
Would anyone know if permits are an issue for these plastic ground mounts? I'm in California and would like to try these for part of my install, but just didn't know if they will pass inspection.
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