DIY season adjustable ground mount build

[niktak11]

My measly 4.5kW and 1.65kW arrays are a bit undersized for my sol-ark 15k so I'm adding two more arrays of 18 panels each (400-450W bifacials, still need to buy). The rack will be constructed with some c channel pallet rack beams I got for cheap from Facebook marketplace and ironridge XR100 rails.

Old pallet rack beams


Pretty beefy C channel. Cutting and drilling all the holes is gonna take awhile.


The holes will be 20-24" diameter and 36-44" deep depending on the post. Digging with a clam-shell post hole digger (not fun).


Got the first and last posts in the first array level. Only the first post hole is filled with concrete so far.


To be continued...

 

[Skypower]

Nice beams

 

[niktak11]

A little progress. All posts for the first array are now in the ground.

 

[niktak11]

Horizonal beams and ironridge L feet added today

 

[OzSolar]

Great ingenuity! Why the hog panels? Do you think they are going to run away?

 

[niktak11]

Great ingenuity! Why the hog panels? Do you think they are going to run away?

I put those up so the sheep wouldn't mess with the wet concrete and haven't bothered to move them yet

 

[OzSolar]

I put those up so the sheep wouldn't mess with the wet concrete and haven't bothered to move them yet

Yes, the sheep I see in all the pictures along with hoop houses in your clearly farm setting. It was an attempt at humor. I'll stick to my day job. Cheers

And keep those pictures coming. It's fun to see.

 

[niktak11]

Yes, the sheep I see in all the pictures along with hoop houses in your clearly farm setting. It was an attempt at humor. I'll stick to my day job. Cheers

Lol I think I lifted those 90lb beams too many times today to understand humor

 

[niktak11]

Got the rails and the first 4 panels up. 445W Longi bifacials.

 

[TOU47]

This is really turning out nicely! ? ?

 

[TOU47]

What are the dimensions of the orange C-channels & also the solar panels? Thx

 

[niktak11]

What are the dimensions of the orange C-channels & also the solar panels? Thx

3 of the c channel sticks are 5"x6.7 lbs/ft c channel about 9' 4" long. The rest are 6"x8.2 lbs/ft about 10.5' long. The guy I bought them from didn't have enough of the 6" so I have to make due with the 5" for 3 of the vertical posts. Panels are 40.866"x83.441".

 

[TOU47]

3 of the c channel sticks are 5"x6.7 lbs/ft c channel about 9' 4" long. The rest are 6"x8.2 lbs/ft about 10.5' long. The guy I bought them from didn't have enough of the 6" so I have to make due with the 5" for 3 of the vertical posts. Panels are 40.866"x83.441".

It really does look nice. Those are about the same dimensions as my Canadian Solar Bifacial 390's.

I have several 8' galvanized I-beams & a few 10'ers that I'm considering doing something similarly. My I-beams are probably stronger but they bring with them some logistical concerns.

 

[niktak11]

It really does look nice. Those are about the same dimensions as my Canadian Solar Bifacial 390's.

I have several 8' galvanized I-beams & a few 10'ers that I'm considering doing something similarly. My I-beams are probably stronger but they bring with them some logistical concerns.

Yeah the extra flanges make I-beams a bit more difficult to design around. Are they wide flange beams or regular i-beams? If wide flange then you could use them as vertical posts with c channel or tube attached to each flange.

 

[TOU47]

Yes, I believe that they are the wide flange I-beams (6"). I bought them out of a scrap yard for $0.40/#... roughly $35 each. (You pay for galvanized.) Orginally, I bought them to put under my cargo boxes. They worked great but I quickly realized for the money they are so much better than railroad timbers for slightly more money, for many applications.

They will last through my grandchildren's grandchildren...definitely any wind we would get as my uprights. I'm thinking of unistrut or the Iron ridge like you... but may use galvanized pipes & U-bolts for the ability to adjust them for tilt with the DC Solar trailer type mechanism with pillow block bearings/hinges.

On another note, this guy built his for about $400 each & they seem nice...but require welding. See video...I also attached some pictures of my I-beams & the DC Solar racks.

 

[niktak11]

Yes, I believe that they are the wide flange I-beams (6"). I bought them out of a scrap yard for $0.40/#... roughly $35 each. (You pay for galvanized.) Orginally, I bought them to put under my cargo boxes. They worked great but I quickly realized for the money they are so much better than railroad timbers for slightly more money, for many applications.

They will last through my grandchildren's grandchildren...definitely any wind we would get as my uprights. I'm thinking of unistrut or the Iron ridge like you... but may use galvanized pipes & U-bolts for the ability to adjust them for tilt with the DC Solar trailer type mechanism with pillow block bearings/hinges.

On another note, this guy built his for about $400 each & they seem nice...but require welding. See video...I also attached some pictures of my I-beams & the DC Solar racks.

Those beams were a steal! If you use them for a rack make sure to post the pics on this forum.

 

[TOU47]

Not trying to get to far off topic but they definitely were a great deal. As noted, the only downside is NOT welding on them. That said, I'm betting you got a bargain on your beams?

These pictures are them leveling & supporting my $2,500: 25'x8'x9'H cargo boxes I mentioned across the frame rails. (Water tight, with a lockable roll-up door AND a man door...I think they too were a bargain.) They are solid as a rock with 3 per box.

I will definitely post when I get to these...it's coming. ? For now though, I'm trying to rig up 5 panels (with tilt) on an old $250 18' boat trailer for portable use around the ranch. You figure out real quick on a ranch/farm to try to make-do or repurpose things...hopefully not to redneck looking. ?

 

[TOU47]

Ok...I also meant to ask you about your system & the sheep. Are you designing these as a loafing sheds/ shade?

 

[niktak11]

Ok...I also meant to ask you about your system & the sheep. Are you designing these as a loafing sheds/ shade?

Not intentionally but I'm sure they'll be using them in the summer

 

[TOU47]

Not intentionally but I'm sure they'll be using them in the summer

I'm looking at getting some Dorpers to raise for meat, what kind are yours?