What are Solar Foundation Piles?

Solar Foundation Piles are round steel pipe piles that can include either a plate to which solar panel brackets can be attached or holes drilled into the end of the pipe for clamps to attach the solar panel brackets.

Is helical pile suitable for solar panel mounting?

Helical piles can resist compressive, tensile, and lateral forces, making them a versatile option for solar panel mounting. This eliminates the need for concrete, allowing the job to be completed in less time than traditional methods. Call today to find out what helical pile works best for your solar panel system.

Are helical piles a good choice for solar array anchoring?

Depending on ground conditions, helical piles can often be shorter in length and therefore cost less in installation time and energy consumption than comparable driven piles or drilled shafts. Some manufactures of helical piles for solar array anchoring assert installation rates as high as 500 piles per day.

How do I choose a pile for a solar farm?

The load-bearing capacity needed for the solar farm is another critical factor in selecting the type of pile. Projects requiring high load capacities—such as those with large, heavy solar panels or in regions with significant wind forces—may necessitate the use of concrete or composite piles.

What is a helical pile?

Helical piles (also called helical piers) are basically steel shafts with helical flights that remain in the ground to which the above ground racking is fastened. Ground screws share the same basic principles as helical piles and are also used for anchoring solar arrays.

Why do solar panels use composite piles in earthquake prone areas?

Case study #3 (composite piles in seismic zones): In an earthquake-prone area, composite piles were used to provide the necessary load capacity while also offering flexibility to absorb seismic forces—ensuring the stability of the solar panels.