IntegraRack: Ground Mount with Epoxy Ground Stakes and Ballast Options

[bayardw]

Especially the newer model that is higher off the ground and adjustable

I'm really torn between the fixed IR-45ASA (adjustable) and the IR-45 (fixed). I can situate a 45 degree or higher mount so I can't even see it from the bay windows because a hibiscus tree/bush. The higher angles also meet setback requirements easier for me. I have to wonder if I want to recline these. Lower angles would be visible. But like everyone, I want to maximize production in the summer! The adjustability of the IR-45ASA has appeal. If only they weren't $50 more. Now here's the kicker, I've got Trina 425W bifacials. Do I really benefit from reclinging those?

 

[sunnlotus]

If there is something specific that you guys want me to look for this year with the racks I am going to review, let me know

I am a manufacturer of metal stamped parts. My view of the two systems, Bright Mount and Integra, is that the Bright Mount product is of superior quality for the following reason. The overall frame made by Bright Mount is made from non-corrosive aluminum with stainless steel fasteners that will outlast the galvanized steel ones offered by Integra. Additionally, the guage thickness of the aluminum is much thicker than that of the Integra steel system. One additional feature of the Bright Mount system is it's angular adjustablity. On the other side of the equation, the Integra system appears to be much simpler to intall and the ability to ballast mount these without a lot of concrete work is a very attractive option. I think both systems will prove satisfactory depending more on a users comfort with installation skills and concerns for long term corrosion protection. If these are to be installed in a maritime environment Bright Mount wins. High end installs might prefer the quality of the Bright Mount system as well. If you are a budget minded DIYer and not located near the ocean, Integra is a solid choice.

 

[sunnlotus]

The BrightMounts are cheaper until you have to add concrete. If you have existing concrete that is one thing, but I don't know many off-gridder's that have huge fields of concrete. The IntegraRack does not require any concrete. So, to make a fair comparison, please add cost of concrete to the BrightMount and added installation time requirements.

You should be a smart shopper and consider total cost of ownership, not the shiny sticker on the pretty box. That's one of the problems these days, consumers fall victim to the illusion of lower sticker price but fail to realize it might be the more expensive option in the long run.

 

[sunnlotus]

Here's how you make concrete off grid on an offshore coastal island

 

[rogerheflin]

I am a manufacturer of metal stamped parts. My view of the two systems, Bright Mount and Integra, is that the Bright Mount product is of superior quality for the following reason. The overall frame made by Bright Mount is made from non-corrosive aluminum with stainless steel fasteners that will outlast the galvanized steel ones offered by Integra. Additionally, the guage thickness of the aluminum is much thicker than that of the Integra steel system. One additional feature of the Bright Mount system is it's angular adjustablity. On the other side of the equation, the Integra system appears to be much simpler to intall and the ability to ballast mount these without a lot of concrete work is a very attractive option. I think both systems will prove satisfactory depending more on a users comfort with installation skills and concerns for long term corrosion protection. If these are to be installed in a maritime environment Bright Mount wins. High end installs might prefer the quality of the Bright Mount system as well. If you are a budget minded DIYer and not located near the ocean, Integra is a solid choice.

I am not sure where you found what the integra is made from, but the Integra (IR-30s) mounts are aluminum, with carbon zinc plated bolts(307A) and the bracket the holds the panels appears to be SS.

 

[sunnlotus]

I am not sure where you found what the integra is made from, but the Integra (IR-30s) mounts are aluminum, with carbon zinc plated bolts(307A) and the bracket the holds the panels appears to be SS.

You are correct and I offer my apologies. I phoned them to discuss their product several weeks ago to determine what the material was. I took notes and wrote it down. In writing my opinion above I trusted my memory and it failed me. I zoomed into some of their testing datasheets where photos can be found and if you look, you can see that the square tubing has markings that say 6061 Aluminum. This now makes Integra in my opinion the better choice because they will not corrode like steel would. Thank you for keeping me honest!

 

[Madcodger]

You are correct and I offer my apologies. I phoned them to discuss their product several weeks ago to determine what the material was. I took notes and wrote it down. In writing my opinion above I trusted my memory and it failed me. I zoomed into some of their testing datasheets where photos can be found and if you look, you can see that the square tubing has markings that say 6061 Aluminum. This now makes Integra in my opinion the better choice because they will not corrode like steel would. Thank you for keeping me honest!

So, you might want to go back and edit your earlier posts to call out this more recent post, and correct the error where you made it. For those who don't read every post in a thread, you've done them, and the IntegraRack company, a disservice based on bad information. You probably didn't mean to do that, but that's the end result unless one keeps reading and discovers the error.