4" x 2" timber frame for mounting?

[DomB]

Hi all,

We've been asked to quote for a ground mounted system to run along the length of a 1.2m high wall.

I've had a look at the Console system (Thanks MarkC) but could really do with the panels being mounted in portrait. The Schuco "flat roof array" system might work too. But I wonder if making a frame out of treated timber which we bolt Schuco mounting rails to is an option. It wouldn't be that much different to how the Schuco in-roof system works, i.e. rails bolted directly to the rafters; we'd just be building the equivalent of the rafters..

However, the PV commissioning tests do ask for confirmation that the "Array Frame & Material is Corrosion Proof" - I wonder if we'd fall foul of that? I guess the whole thing is about it lasting 25 years.

Any thoughts much appreciated

Cheers

 

[Worcester]

Remember it has to last 25 years!

So yes you potentially would
a) be non-compliant so the system wouldn't be eligible for FIT
b) be building something that could collapse after 10 -12 years through rottern timbers, and throwing the customers inestment away.

There's no reason why a timber structure with proper foundations, and weather protection etc can't last for 25 years (that's what a timber house is ...) So if you want to makes something out of timber you'll need a proper structural design for it, with all the calcs and saftey factors, signed off by an engineer. - You'll need that signing off by an engineer anyway for a ground mount to take account of the wind and snow loads etc.

The Ground mount schletter system is a great system and can cope well with this situation.

 

[DomB]

Thanks Worcester, agreed, that's where my worries lay.

I'll take a look at the Schletter.

Big up

DomB