Ground Screw Considerations for All Land Types

Multiple foundation and racking options exist to optimize production and safeguard PV assets. Many racking companies now offer helical and ground screw foundations, enabling solar on difficult terrain and in harsh climates.

But not all ground screw solutions are alike.

This presentation offers important considerations for developers, EPCs, and asset owners evaluating ground screw options, including:

Design Options: Various thread and material coatings help address different subterranean rock and soil acidity profiles. It is important to ensure that screws are sized correctly for all soil conditions such as rock, ledge, and frost-prone soils that can function for the design-life of the site.

Manufacturing Options:
Few companies have the knowledge and scale to deliver cost-effective, US-made ground screws that comply with IRA Domestic Content provisions.
Since ground screws are among the first components installed on site, manufacturing must focus on quality and lead time at scale to deliver shortened production schedules.

Racking System Integration:
Understanding the nuances of how screws and supporting structures are designed leads to a smooth installation process and operational life of a project.
Ground screw designs must consider precise placement, torque, and field adjustability to avoid costly remediation.

Installation Considerations:
Some manufacturers produce and deliver the ground screws without a cohesive plan or the requisite experience for the installation. Successfully installing ground screws requires specialized equipment and know-how that is crucial when unforeseen challenges arise on a site.
Refusal risks on rocky sites can derail schedules and budgets. Some manufacturers that include installation will own 100% of the refusal risks until they hand over the completed mechanical installation.