Literal ground mount

[kbridgeman]

i have a metal tile roof mostly North facing so considering a ground mount. Due to extremely rock ground considering a literal on the ground ballasted system.

my property is south facing and at a 15-20’ pitch In Virginia at 37’

A couple ideas I’m playing with that I’m looking for people to shoot down.
1) Bucket ballast


2) east west ballast with the spine running down the south facing hill.


3) flat roof type south facing pitched.


as a reminder property is pitched 15-20’. These last are pitched another 10’.

 

[Any name you wish]

Costs on each? That usually makes my decision on this. I went with this setup:


This is an older pic, as I have moved nearly all of them to the back wall.

 

[Hdonly]

Posts and 2x6's

 

[kbridgeman]

@Hdonly @Any name you wish i will have a grid tie system so I have some concerns that a homemade system would have approval issues so I’m largely looking at purpose-built stuff, but repurposing it for ground instead of roof.
should I be concerned about approvals on a ground mount?

 

[Hdonly]

@Hdonly @Any name you wish i will have a grid tie system so I have some concerns that a homemade system would have approval issues so I’m largely looking at purpose-built stuff, but repurposing it for ground instead of roof.
should I be concerned about approvals on a ground mount?

I can't answer that question. My system is isolated and dedicated to running a TV and desktop/laptop computers. No grid tie.

 

[Any name you wish]

@Hdonly @Any name you wish i will have a grid tie system so I have some concerns that a homemade system would have approval issues so I’m largely looking at purpose-built stuff, but repurposing it for ground instead of roof.
should I be concerned about approvals on a ground mount?

Mine is isolated as well running network components and using my EV as a dump for power. I don't know what the requirements would be for grid tie ground mounts.

 

[Ampster]

should I be concerned about approvals on a ground mount?

The only entity that can answer the question about whether you need approval for a ground mount is your local authority. I would only be concerned when I found out what their requirements are. As far as engineering, most racking manufacturers supply stamped engineering drawings including how many and how deep the posts need to be. Electrical will follow the NEC for the most part so there is nothing to be concerned about if you know the code.

 

[mularkey]

I can't answer that question. My system is isolated and dedicated to running a TV and desktop/laptop computers. No grid tie.

This is a type of system I'm interested in. Do you have any instructions / resources, which detail how to set it up? Also, any chance you are in the Virginia / DC area — or know others with experience doing this in the area?

In terms of mount, I was thinking about something just like this in my front yard — and then somehow, connecting that to a laptop charger. Does that seem viable?

 

[Hdonly]

That mount looks like the wind may spin it around. I can't say what will work in your area. I live way out in the woods and the county doesn't seem to care much about my system as long as it is stand alone. Here is a pic of my inside panel. I have a single circuit from the inverter to my computer stuff inside.

 

[WYtreasure]

@kbridgeman
In Wyoming we call a breeze 33 mph. Each of your weighted "ground mount" components and the panels would be projectiles on a windy day.

 

[WindWizard]

Windy here as well. This is what I use and built from material at Home Depot. Wind rocks it a bit but it seems to be working great.

 

[ChrisG]

@kbridgeman do you have a link to the bucket ballast ones?

 

[cs1234]

@kbridgeman do you have a link to the bucket ballast ones?

I am also interested in using these types of bucket ground mounts. I was hoping somebody like Signature Solar would start carrying them so I could pick them up locally some day. They look so incredibly easy to install and a smidgen better than laying them on the ground like Will does. They seem to be very common in China, as I've found numerous versions of them available there as well.

Stateside sources:

PowerField Energy PowerRack Solar PV Ground-Mount System

DetailsPowerField Energy PowerRack Solar PV Ground-Mount System NOTE: Maximum module width 41.3”/1050mm. Please let us know if you intend to install modules on these measuring between 1010mm and 1050mm in width as special adapter clamps are required in those cases.PowerField Energy's PowerRack...

www.renvu.com

Our Patented PowerRack Technology — PowerField Energy

Patented. Tested. Proven. The PowerRack is engineered for easy installation and to be scalable and moveable over time, PowerRack allows PowerField to be installed almost anywhere.

www.powerfieldenergy.com

China example:

Plastic Ballasted Roof Mounting System For Solar Panels Manufacturer,Plastic Ballasted Roof Mounting System For Solar Panels Design

We are a professional Plastic Ballasted Roof Mounting System for Solar Panels,ballasted roof manufacturer,we have completed many large-scale Plastic Ballasted Roof Mounting System for Solar Panels,ballasted roof projects of hundred megawatt range around the world..Want to know more Plastic...

www.corigy.com

First post, I'm not a bot, or a salesperson. I've just been lurking forever.

 

[ChrisG]

I’m going to call that company. That seems like a simple solution to my problem.

 

[cs1234]

I’m going to call that company. That seems like a simple solution to my problem.

Keep us posted, I'm too lazy to call them.

 

[73powerstroke]

Keep us posted, I'm too lazy to call them.

Santan solar has these in there show room. I'm not sure the price. They seem to not be on the website but I know they have them in gilbert az