DIY Ground Mount for about $30 per panel with 24 panels (7.8kw)

[carefulmistake]

What do you all think of my structure for an off grid ground mount?

I’ve got 36” ground anchors attaching the back side as well attaching each joist.

 

[Bud Martin]

Bill of materials?
How did you drive those metal pipe into the ground and what kind of pipes are they? Thanks.

 

[carefulmistake]

Here’s the full material list. I used the auger on my tractor to set the posts. End posts are 12” holes with about 3 bags of concrete, middle posts are 6” holes with about 1 bag of concrete.

Item	Cost	Quantity	Totals
Treated 2x4x8	4.63	24	111.12
Treated 2x4x10	5.52	10	55.2
Treated 2x6x10	8.98	6	53.88
Treated 2x4x16	10.76	4	43.04
Simpson strong tie	1.38	18	24.84
Sill tape	11.48	1	11.48
1/4 x 1-1/2" screws - 25 count	9.98	2	19.96
1/4 x 2 1/2 in - 77 count	14.98	2	29.96
1/4" x 4-1/2" - 50 count	27.5	1	27.5
Concrete bags (60 lb)	4.58	16	73.28
2-3/8" OD Galv Pipe 8'	22.94	6	137.64
2-3/8" OD Galv Pipe 6'	16.99	4	67.96
Tie down - 36 in	11.99	3	35.97
Wire rope kit	10.78	3	32.34
Turnbuckle	2.48	3	7.44
Total			731.61
Per panel			30.48375

 

[carefulmistake]

Also, here’s a sketch of the setup that might help understand how it’s structured. I swapped the 15” anchors for 36” ones since I made this as the 15” didn’t feel strong enough.

 

[Hogheavenfarm]

Lot of "sailing pressure" to the west with the panels that low to the ground. If that was me, I would anchor the tops of those posts back to the ground with wire cable and utility pole anchors. Other than that, looks much like my setup. Just my opinion, I tend to be overcautious on these things.

 

[TomC4306]

Overbuilt .
Looks great.
Continue.

 

[OzSolar]

What do you all think of my structure for an off grid ground mount?

Very nice. What's your frost depth there?

Might not ever need them but I would suggest some duck bill anchors driven to north that get's below your frost line (see my poor drawing below). They should be easy enough to install in your soil.

 

[carefulmistake]

Thanks all. The North wind has been my main concern and the additional anchor ideas are great. We don’t have much frost around here, mostly slab on grade in my area so that wouldn’t be too much of a concern with posts being 24” deep.