What is a solar pile structure?

Solar pile structures are foundational components supporting solar panel arrays, often composed of durable materials like steel or aluminum. These vertical supports anchor the panels securely to the ground, ensuring stability and resistance against environmental factors.

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.

How were PV support structures made?

The driven piles used in the earlier PV support structures were made from hot rolled structural steel shapes such as I beams which were then fabricated by cutting them to length and then drilling, routing, or cutting with lasers holes and slots to enable other parts to fit onto them.

What is a photovoltaic module?

A photovoltaic (PV) module is a packaged, and connected photovoltaic solar cells assembled in an array of various sizes. Photovoltaic modules constitute the photovoltaic array of a photovoltaic system that generates and supplies solar electricity in commercial and residential applications.

What is a driven pile?

Driven piles are the simplest and least expensive foundations, and are typically I beams, hat or channel shaped steel sections. These are commonly galvanized to prevent against corrosion and ensure long life under environmental conditions.

Can steel piles withstand high wind loads?

Case study #1 (steel piles in windy environments): A solar farm in a coastal area with high wind loads utilized steel piles with additional corrosion protection. The flexibility of steel allowed the piles to withstand both the high wind forces and the corrosive coastal environment.