IronRidge, an ESDEC company, has successfully streamlined the process of designing and installing ground-mount, solar-power arrays when using ground screws as the foundation method.
IronRidge’s hex-head, set-screws ensure a strong attachment between the sub-structure and the ground screws for solar-power structures.
In March, the company completed compatibility testing with Krinner Foundations G-Series ground screw and American Ground Screw’s Model-3 ground screw, and now offers a certified systems engineering letter.
Both ground screw options are now part of the UL2703 listing for IronRidge XR Ground Based System.
Additionally, IronRidge manufactures custom-attachment hardware, which is required to connect the sub-structure to the ground screws. These hex-head set screws provide corrosion protection and a thread-locking coating to ensure fasteners will not loosen over time.
IronRidge has designed and tested this set screw for use with Krinner Foundations’ and American Ground Screw’s products to meet the load requirements placed on the system.
Finally, IronRidge has added the option to select ground screws in the Ground-Mount Design Assistant online platform. This ensures the attachment hardware (hex-head set screws) is added to the bill of materials, and the engineering letter is added to the downloadable zip file of certification letters and ground-mount installation manuals.
Ground Screws are becoming a preferred foundation method for ground-based arrays. In a recent survey of IronRidge installers, ground screws were chosen over cement pilings 2-to-1. It’s easy to understand why. At least a full day can be shaved off installations because there’s no need to wait for foundation inspections or for the concrete to cure.
Ground screws perform well in a variety of soil types and conditions, from sandy and rocky to hard-packed clay, which isn’t always the case with poured footings.
“IronRidge has long been committed to reducing our installer’s soft costs and, this latest initiative to streamline the design and install of ground-mount systems delivers on that promise,” says IronRidge CEO, Rich Tiu. “We have collaborated closely with two pre-eminent manufacturers of ground screws to make this possible. The result is a combination of hardware, software, and engineering that saves installers time and money.”
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