Renewable energy production has become much more attractive in various commercial and industrial settings in recent years. Solar energy is particularly valuable for many businesses, even as a supplement or backup to traditional energy supplied by the electric grid.
Commercial facilities face several practical, logistical challenges in the production, transmission, and storage of solar-generated power on site. We have found that one area requiring professional experience and expertise is securely placing many collection panels that remain stable over time. The methods and materials we use at American Standard Foundation Repair in installing helical bases for solar farm structures allow us to place around 120 bases during a construction workday, depending on the terrain and soil conditions on a worksite.
Helical piers, also called helical piles, allow for the installation of bases at the needed depth in differing soil conditions to provide sturdy support for the type, size, and weight panel to be placed.
The seasonal weather in Tennessee, Arkansas, and throughout the Mid-South typically exert significant stress on solar panels. Storm winds can create extreme uplift on panels that can behave aerodynamically like sails or airplane wings. Weather conditions that create flying debris can also lead to severe panel damage. These vulnerabilities require base structures that remain firmly in place and keep panels upright and operational.
Helical bases are engineered as long vertical shafts with helix structures at uniform angles and spacing that are driven deep enough into the ground to penetrate and pass through soil layers that are loose and expansive. The piers penetrate compact and solid soil that can securely handle the distribution of the upper weight load throughout the helical blades. The design features of helical piers are resistant to the combinatorial effects of compressive, tensile, and lateral weight stresses, which makes them highly versatile in solar farm designs across multiple environmental settings.
Current solar technology provides useful lifespans of around 20 to 25 years for solar arrays. Energy engineers expect arrays to be moved from place to place to properly maintain a solar energy farm. An advantage of helical piers is the ability to remove, reuse, or recycle them, unlike other types of bases mounted with underground concrete.
Helical bases do not require excavation or concrete and create relatively little disruption to surrounding soil or landscaping when installed. Most terrain requires very little site preparation. Bases can also be installed under various weather conditions and are ready for immediate use when placed.
American Standard Foundation Repair is an innovative industry leader in developing solutions for clients implementing renewable energy sources, including solar farm infrastructure. Our team of problem-solving engineers and designers works to find the best options for choosing and installing the proper helical bases for solar energy structures that provide safe and stable service for many years.
Contact us today with your questions about the solar helical base design and installation, and let us help you assess the best solution for your energy needs. Estimates are available upon request.
