Groumd Mounted

[pcollins]

Evening All,

I've been out to look at a job which customer is considering a ground mounted array due to limited suitable roof space but a large field instead!

I've not to date installed anything on the ground so wanted to ask whether anybody on here has any experience of this and would be willing to impart some advice please;

Does anybody have any preferable mounting systems? I've been looking at a couple, Schuco do one that can be driven into the ground, I've also seen on that can be mounted onto concrete pads, which I prefer the idea of but there is obviously a cost implication.

Inverter location and housing: 12 metres away in a garage is one option but I think I would prefer to keep the DC side of the install short and therefore house the inverter in a suitable locked shelter near to the array and then run underground AC cable to the consumer unit in the garage... Any thoughts please?

Cheers

Paul

 

[Martin Dawes]

Regarding inverter location, why not get an inverter with a suitable IP rating and mount it on the array mounting?

I'd be interested to hear how you get on with a ground mounting system.

 

[pcollins]

i was considering an IP rated inverter, was considering some form of enclosure for it anyway to stop it from going green over time. Plus I've just wondered whether you can get an IP rated and DC rated isolation switch, they must exist...

Will keep you posted on the mounting system...

Cheers

 

[JulianC]

Kraus & Naimer DC isolators are IP66 rated. Use the T106 range on all jobs but only 2 mounted outside so far. Details here: Photovoltaic Disconnectors - Photovoltaic Isolator Switch

 

[Martin Dawes]

To be fair, I've never used a rotary switch that isn't at least IP66 rated. I've not checked the one that I used on the DC side but I'd be very surprised if it wasn't at least IP55

 

[Markc]

Hi Paul

We have done the Schuco ground mount on concrete pads. Its a mammoth set of aluminium rails and legs. Keep inverter outside (IP Rated) under the array and central. Keeps the unit cooler and efficiency higher. Don't worry about it going green! If that happens then the panels will go the same way! We have done 18 panel system and the inverter is mounted on the centre rear leg. Used a security M6 bolt to lock the inverter to the mounting plate and security panel clips on all panels. The client must check with their home insurance company that they will cover the array for theft and damage. Some don't. I suggest using the concrete pads system over the driven legs but get a builder to form the pads. We done everything and mixing over four ton of concrete by hand nearly killed us!

 

[pcollins]

Hi Folks,

Thanks for all the help, I've narrowed it down to the Schuco system that Mark mentioned and a ground mounted system from Wind and Sun.

Good point ref the concrete, Mark, I'm estimating 5 - 6 cubic metres of the stuff so will definately have somebody mix and lay it, turns out that this is around a reasonable sized truck load!

Ref the security bolts, are these the Torx ones or something more complex? Also, where did you get your security panel clips from please? I'm definately in favour of using these, just trying to find a suitable product!

Cheers
Paul

 

[Markc]

Everything came from Schuco. We just asked for the security clips. Some where sheer off nuts and others where triangle tool. (think we had what they had at the time)

The system is a monster. See our pics

 

[Martin Dawes]

That's a cracking looking installation, Mark. Nice one.

How long did it take you?

 

[Markc]

That's a cracking looking installation, Mark. Nice one.

How long did it take you?

Do you want the truth?

Concrete - 2 men 1 1/2 days (Hottest days of bloody 2010 as well!!!!!)
Mounting system - 2 men 1 1/2 days. Panels & inverter mount 1/2 day
SWA back to house and mains, Commissioning and test 2 men 3/4 day

Clients house isn't shown (it not the one you can see in the pic's) Eco house to the right of that one. Basement plant room, Biomass boiler, Solar thermal, rain water harvesting, grey water recycle, concrete heat store etc.........and 50wt GU10's every where!!!!!!!

Has just won a award to the build including the PV so with any luck a bit of advertising to come off it as well.

 

[pcollins]

That's a cracking looking installation, Mark. Nice one.

What he said! And thanks for sharing the pics! Sounds like a bit of a challenge, but the Schuco looks a better built system (and possibly Ikea style assembly hell!)

I'll be disappointed now if customer goes with a smaller array on the garage roof instead (plus more chance of getting blown away in this wind!)

 

[lamb]

I am currently installing a 15Kwp system on agricultural premises, with three inverters in a purpose built brick kiosk adjacent to the panels, with adequate ventilation.
We used ground mounted aluminium A-frames anchored into concrete pads, assembled with stainless bolts and stainless nylock nuts, with weed mat and shingle below the A-frames. There is a 120m run of 4 core SWA from the field to the switch room, in underground ducts with manholes every 30m.

With the A-frames the most important thing is to set them out perfectly square, level and plumb, using string and pegs if necessary.

Pictures will follow at some point.

 

[pennywise]

From an electricians point of view great install and lovely work, from a client slash member of the publics point of view bit of an eyesaw but there's nothing you can do about that regarding positioning. Just personal opinion

 

[Markc]

From an electricians point of view great install and lovely work, from a client slash member of the publics point of view bit of an eyesaw but there's nothing you can do about that regarding positioning. Just personal opinion

Eye saw yes. The neighbours (who hadn't moved in by the time we finished as the house in the pictures was being built) complained but after talking to local planning office discovered permission had been granted for the eco house WITH a ground mount PV array. The client has planted up the rear and top side so it will be shielded in a couple of years or so. Had a tree taken down three weeks after the array went in and has now put a wicker fence up to hide that side as well. From the clients house its hard to see but from in the garden its is quite big. One stipulation was to keep the entire array under 2mts in height. The client has since fitted guttering to the lower panels and harvests rain water off the array as well.

 

[robbobnbill]

Im looking at a sort of ground mount, the structure that is being fed is an allotment shed / office so panels cant be mounted on the structure, are there any ground mount systems that can be mounted at height so that the panels are above the structure? all the ones like the schuco ones seem not to have a lot of ground clearance, or am i looking at forking out for something custom from my fabricator?

Cheers