1. Welcome Hearth.com Guests and Visitors - Please enjoy our forums!
    Hearth.com GOLD Sponsors who help bring the site content to you:
    Jotul Cast Iron Stoves
    Woodstock Soapstone Stoves
    Hearth and Home (QuadraFire and Harman Stoves)
  1. Bob Rohr Minister of Fire

    joined: Jan 9, 2008
    564 posts
    SW Missouri

    Yes some brands are intended for solid rock conditions. This type here is more like a giant roto-hammer and Tapcon screw. They have units like this scattered around the country. The job above was at a friends place above Utica, NY. I think he paid $125.00 per installed post. Compared to digging, pouring concrete with an anchor bracket, etc. it was very price competitive.

    The screws turned it into a one day installation for the rack system.

    Most of the larger solar installers have access to these machines, call or google around.

    One installation in Germany along the autobahn they hung one of these small mini excavator rigs, with a cable, from a larger cat above the hillside. The were able to mount a large PV array on a steep, rock cliff along the highway.

    Attached Files:

    #26

    Helpful Sponsor Ads!



  2. begreen Super Moderator

    joined: Nov 18, 2005
    36,118 posts
    South Puget Sound, WA
    How does one find more information about them in the US? My searches found them in Tasmania, Germany and South Africa, but not in the states. Can you provide some company names or links for US suppliers and rental companies?
  3. Bob Rohr Minister of Fire

    joined: Jan 9, 2008
    564 posts
    SW Missouri

    I've talked with some of these companies at the various trade shows. I think it was TerraSmart that has equipment across the country. Looks like plenty of You Tube stuff to go through also online. I googled solar ground screw installation.

    I'd contact all of them and ask for contacts near you. Usually companies that have special trades like this network across the country.

    Buzz at Northwest Mechanical is a friend of mine in your area that installs solar try him. www.nwmechanical.com

    Here are some others to look into;

    www.terrasmart.com
    www.orionsolarracking.com
    www.sseenterprise.com
  4. begreen Super Moderator

    joined: Nov 18, 2005
    36,118 posts
    South Puget Sound, WA
    Thanks, I'll check them out!
  5. peakbagger Minister of Fire

    joined: Jul 11, 2008
    1,045 posts
    Northern NH
    Did you ever decide to sign the contract and get one installed?

    Its been a good summer for solar. Last month I banked 200 KW and hope to get another 200 this month
  6. velvetfoot Minister of Fire

    joined: Dec 5, 2005
    4,839 posts
    Sand Lake, NY
    Nope. Don't think I want it on the roof and don't think backyard is suitable, but may get another quote.

Share This Page