DIY Ground Mounting...

[Energetic]

Hi guys,

Have had an enquiry from someone looking for a ground mount system on the cheap. He wants to have someone local knock up a frame and do the groundworks and us come along and connect and commission. He thinks he can get all the gear cheaper than us but we reckon otherwise...

Does the ground mount system need to be MCS approved?

 

[Markc]

MCS3002:

4.4.3 External metalwork used for bracketry or mounting frames shall be constructed to
correctly support the imposed static and wind loads, must be adequately
ballasted or fixed into a suitable structural member and shall be adequately
protected from corrosion for a typical life to first maintenance of at least 20 years.(for example, stainless steel number 1.4301 or 1.4401 to EN 100881 or
galvanised coating on mild steel as specified in EN ISO 14713:1999 for the
appropriate environment, or equivalent)

This is what you have to conform to. Why bother trying to achieve this if you can purchase something that has been accredited for use. How are you doing to document that this has been achieved by the client? He will have to get it checked by some form of inspector or engineer in my opinion. If he's trying to get a "on the cheep job" then I would suggest he's looking at the wrong technology.

 

[Energetic]

Thanks again Mr C. This guy doesn't seem as well researched as the other enquiries we've had so far. Given that there's no messing about on roofs, scaffolding etc we feel we can give a fair price for the whole system if he does the ground work.

 

[confounded]

MCS3002:

4.4.3 External metalwork used for bracketry or mounting frames shall be constructed to
correctly support the imposed static and wind loads, must be adequately
ballasted or fixed into a suitable structural member and shall be adequately
protected from corrosion for a typical life to first maintenance of at least 20 years.(for example, stainless steel number 1.4301 or 1.4401 to EN 100881 or
galvanised coating on mild steel as specified in EN ISO 14713:1999 for the
appropriate environment, or equivalent)

This is what you have to conform to. Why bother trying to achieve this if you can purchase something that has been accredited for use. How are you doing to document that this has been achieved by the client? He will have to get it checked by some form of inspector or engineer in my opinion. If he's trying to get a "on the cheep job" then I would suggest he's looking at the wrong technology.

Great info, I have a client looking to use the slope at the top of his garden rather than his roof. Again he is looking for the most cost effective way but is happy to go with our advice. Having not done one of these before I was wondering what you think to these if dug into the slope? Sorry about picture quality! They essentially seem like plastic buckets.

Thanks in advance.

Wind & Sun - PV mounting structures

 

[Markc]

We are using those consoles in January for the first time so will let you now what I think in the new year.

 

[Energetic]

Interesting idea. Can flat roof systems be used in ground mount scenarios? That may well solve some of our issues... The ground mount systems i have looked at so far have been very pricey...

 

[confounded]

Thanks Markc, will be interested to hear how you get on.

 

[Markc]

Have a look here. Was on the forum some weeks ago. Pictures are attache to the link for the consoles on a ground mount system.

 

[confounded]

Have a look here. Was on the forum some weeks ago. Pictures are attache to the link for the consoles on a ground mount system.

Thanks for the link, do you mind divulging how much each consoles costs and if you could recommend a supplier?

 

[Markc]

Thanks for the link, do you mind divulging how much each consoles costs and if you could recommend a supplier?

Sorry not on the open forum. Try searching for PV Console via goggle or alike and then contact the suppliers that come up. That's what I did. I just don't like giving info on prices and suppliers out over the forum as Joe Public or potential customers can read all this. Rightly or wrongly that's just the way I see it, Sorry.

 

[confounded]

Sorry not on the open forum. Try searching for PV Console via goggle or alike and then contact the suppliers that come up. That's what I did. I just don't like giving info on prices and suppliers out over the forum as Joe Public or potential customers can read all this. Rightly or wrongly that's just the way I see it, Sorry.

I understand, no problem, I had done that but struggling to get a reply to my calls.

 

[Markc]

I understand, no problem, I had done that but struggling to get a reply to my calls.

Search PV Console in goggle and one will come to the top of the page. That's all I done to start with

 

[confounded]

I did that today and rang them up, left a message and no reply as yet. Not to worry it can wait until after Christmas, thanks for your help and look forward to hearing how you get on in January.