Winery, Small Ground Mount
Pennsylvania Solar Energy Company INC.
Racking System: Unirac Large Array
Structure Type: Agriculture
Location: OUTSIDE PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
Completed: July 2020
Challenge
Extremely rocky soil and difficult in access presented unique design and installation challenges for a small ground mount system.
This project was going up on a site with a small winery near Pittsburgh. The spot chosen for the arrays had its south face looking uphill—obviously, an unusual situation to begin with. Further complicating the question, Pennsylvania Solar Energy wanted to avoid poured concrete foundations because of the mountainous terrain, and they also wanted to maximize panel density.
“This wasn’t just your average cookie-cutter site,” said Zachary Kushner, Installer Sales Specialist for the Northeast. “Besides the grade, we knew a lot of the ground contained fractured shale rock, so we were aware upfront that it wouldn’t be completely straightforward.”
Solution
Unirac’s Large Array ground mount system was chosen for its flexibility and panel density and designed to be installed with ground screws, avoiding the need to pour concrete.
“It was a very tough puzzle they had to figure out,” Kushner said. “But ultimately, Unirac Large Array plus ground screws was still the right solution for this site because of the other constraints.
Implementation
The biggest challenges began after installation was underway.
“There were four tables (arrays) total. One went in without any issues,” Kushner explained. (Ground screws normally install with nothing more than a Bobcat and a torque adapter.)
“We knew the shale might be a little challenging, so we sank pilot holes with a small auger, which worked for more of the screws,” Kushner said. “But the terrain turned out to be extremely rocky at some points, so we had to call an audible and get a drill.” With the drill, they were quickly able to install the remaining screws, thanks in part to Unirac Soils Engineer Jon Schermerhorn, who was able to consult with Kushner and Pennsylvania Solar via Facetime on the best approach.
Unirac’s Installer Sales Specialists are unique to the industry. With a background in installation, they bring unique insights and efficiencies to Unirac’s customers, working alongside them on site.
IT FEELS GREAT TO BE FINISHED WITH SUCH A GREAT-LOOKING ARRAY. REALLY PAINLESS TOO.
Zachary W. Ready, VP of Construction Management
Benefit
Pennsylvania Solar Energy’s customer obtained a roughly 34kW system on a south-facing uphill slope in rocky terrain and was helped by Unirac to quickly adapt as issues became clear, avoiding costlier delays.
“In three days, we had 170 (Canadian Solar) panels and micros up, with trunk cable run and minimal manpower,” said Zachary W. Reedy, VP of Construction Management. “It is pretty good in my book.”
