When should I use 2inch or 3inch poles for Ground Mount systems?
I noticed that both Ironridge and Unirac have the same type of distinction in their ground mount systems.
Is there a way of calculating when to use 2" or 3"? Could you provide some documents?
Thanks.
Comments
The choice between 2" or 3" pipe is usually site specific. For instance, if you had rough terrain you might want to minimize the number of footings for the array. If you use 3" pipe you can span almost twice the distance of 2" pipe and reduce those footings. Alternatively, if you were on a large older flat roof, you might want to distribute the weight of the array over more points and use the 2" pipe to reduce the cost.
The component manufacturers offer a lot of information for your engineer to make the decision.
Here are two links:
Ironridge - A library of information for assisting in the design
UNI-GR/## mounts will be discountinued but they will accept new orders until 4/8/11. They are still selling all side of pole, top of pole, and ground array items. They may still be able to accept new orders for the UNI-GR/## mounts after the deadline based on how many they still have in stock then, but will not be able to build new ones.
Comments
The choice between 2" or 3" pipe is usually site specific. For instance, if you had rough terrain you might want to minimize the number of footings for the array. If you use 3" pipe you can span almost twice the distance of 2" pipe and reduce those footings. Alternatively, if you were on a large older flat roof, you might want to distribute the weight of the array over more points and use the 2" pipe to reduce the cost.
The component manufacturers offer a lot of information for your engineer to make the decision.
Here are two links:
Ironridge - A library of information for assisting in the design
Unirac - A complete configuration tool
Both companies offer extensive support to help you and you engineer determine which size pipe to use.
I talked to IronRidge technical support.
UNI-GR/## mounts will be discountinued but they will accept new orders until 4/8/11. They are still selling all side of pole, top of pole, and ground array items. They may still be able to accept new orders for the UNI-GR/## mounts after the deadline based on how many they still have in stock then, but will not be able to build new ones.