Pole mount solar

[skywalker]

I live on an extinct volcano in SoCal; nothing but rock from ancient lava flow and after a failed attempt to do a standard ground mound PV array that would have had 16 footings (impossible to dig 16 discrete holes; thanks to the rock everything is a massive over excavation) I decided to do two separate pole mounts with 12 Solarworld panels each. The trouble is, I can find only one company that offers pole mounted Solar. Does anyone know additional companies that install pole mounted pv solar arrays? All help is appreciated.

[Mike90250]

IronRidge in California makes pole mount systems ? or are you looking for someone to do the install ?

[skywalker]

IronRidge in California makes pole mount systems ? or are you looking for someone to do the install ?

Yes, both the source for the pole mount and a solar contractor experienced in installing pole mounts in difficult terrain (rocky mountainous area). Every solar provider I’ve talked to does either only roof mount or simple ground mounts with multiple little footings but not a pole mount.

[DanS26]

Then you need to think out of the the box a little bit.....

1. Get the specs from Ironridge.
2. Hire a General Contractor with a good sized Bobcat with the proper hole punching/digging attachment.
3. Most GC's would be more than happy to install the framework.
4. Hire a qualified electrician to make the connections.
5. Have the installation inspected.

[Mike90250]

Then you need to think out of the the box a little bit.....

1. Get the specs from Ironridge.
2. Hire a General Contractor with a good sized Bobcat with the proper hole punching/digging attachment.
3. Most GC's would be more than happy to install the framework.
4. Hire a qualified electrician to make the connections.
5. Have the installation inspected.

You may need to have stamped, engineered plans, for the pole and array mount if you are getting the inspection process. The Array mount folks generally have an option for a small add-on fee, to have them engineered, otherwise, you end up paying hours for a 3rd party engineer to analyze the whole mess before he will sign off.

[Living Large]

You may need to have stamped, engineered plans, for the pole and array mount if you are getting the inspection process. The Array mount folks generally have an option for a small add-on fee, to have them engineered, otherwise, you end up paying hours for a 3rd party engineer to analyze the whole mess before he will sign off.

This sounds like great advice. I am designing a detached garage and a room addition to my new cabin. My prospective GC told me the local lumber supply has software to design roof trusses, and the Code Official accepts designs using them as "approved". But if I design my own roof with beams, I need to go find my own engineer to review and stamp the plans $$$. Supposedly, only the roof is an issue if the rest of the construction is typical stick frame.

Not the same, but not totally different. Concept of finding the lowest cost to approve is the similar.

[Naptown]

I live on an extinct volcano in SoCal; nothing but rock from ancient lava flow and after a failed attempt to do a standard ground mound PV array that would have had 16 footings (impossible to dig 16 discrete holes; thanks to the rock everything is a massive over excavation) I decided to do two separate pole mounts with 12 Solarworld panels each. The trouble is, I can find only one company that offers pole mounted Solar. Does anyone know additional companies that install pole mounted pv solar arrays? All help is appreciated.

What is the terrain like there.
Many racking manufacturers have ballasted ground mount systems.

[mapsolar]

Get after it!

I live on an extinct volcano in SoCal; nothing but rock from ancient lava flow and after a failed attempt to do a standard ground mound PV array that would have had 16 footings (impossible to dig 16 discrete holes; thanks to the rock everything is a massive over excavation) I decided to do two separate pole mounts with 12 Solarworld panels each. The trouble is, I can find only one company that offers pole mounted Solar. Does anyone know additional companies that install pole mounted pv solar arrays? All help is appreciated.

There are a few more companies so don't give up so quick. Smaller projects are not easy.... Contractors need volume in order to travel to distant locations. Fuel , lodging, food, business license, all become cost plus once away from home. We spend a good amount of time on the road, which is 0 profit as compared to working in the same town that you live in....thus why you don't find many of us willing to travel.
This system was built by a single person in 15 days. 1 day with a concrete truck and 4 hours with a crane op and helper.
It is not that hard if you have the will, know how , and some power tools! But not all contractors are able to do this kind of project.

FYI as you found out Soils are everything and in poor areas, measures will be needed. To be determined by soils report and possible engineering.
There are other factors, earthquake zone 4,high wind area, which may require more planning/permitting time from AHJ.

All things a good contractor will be able to help you with.

[KennethR]

california contractors license

You are looking for it for you to install? I suggest if there aren't any other company's there. Build your own.