What Mounting System Is Best For Your New Ground Mount Solar Panel Racking System?

Our EarthBallast mounting option is ideal for most terrain types, particularly when excess soil or crushed rock is available on-site. The geotextile fabric creates a trampoline effect when it's pulled tight and has a minimum 2" air gap above the ground before the soil or rock is placed on the geotextile fabric. This is what creates the down force for holding the frames down in high wind situations.

 A skid-steer loader or tractor can be used to evenly distribute earth fill over the included geotextile material that is stretched across and epoxied to the top of each solar rack frame prior to the solar panels being installed, creating a strong heavy ballast with a clean and natural look when completed. The EarthBallast system can also be used with sand bags for ballast.

PRO TIP: Ballast with light sand or crushed light colored rock for increased bifacial gain

*1" Conduit Pipe / EMT (NOT included) is required to link the frames together and can be sourced at any local hardware or electrical supply store in 10' lengths, which is enough to cover two panels.

*We recommend using this system with two 3/4" round concrete forming steel stakes for each frame to provide added strength and easy leveling of the system.

 Each IR EarthScrew Kit is good for 5 BallastRack frames, includes 10 EarthScrews. This kit provides fast and easy installation in almost any terrain with incredible strength. The IR EarthScrew is NOT recommended for silt/sand or rocky terrain, only dense compacted soil types. Ten pack kit is good for five BallastRack frames.

*One EarthScrew must be tested at the installation site to ensure it can withstand a minimum of 1,000 lbs of uplift.

*Professional installation is recommended with this mounting option.

*1" Conduit Pipe / EMT (NOT included) is required to link the frames together and can be sourced at any local hardware or electrical supply store in 10' lengths, which is enough to cover two panels.

For really dense soil types:

Pre-drilled holes may be required using an SDS Hammer Drill & 30 Inch SDS-Max Speed-X Carbide Rotary Hammer Bit for Concrete Drilling. Concrete mix can be poured into the holes with water for an even stronger anchor.

10 Pack Kit

• 10 EarthScrews
• Premium Ratchet Wrench

The IR AnchorSpike™ Kits include a set amount of specially designed barbed aluminum spikes and a super strong two part epoxy. The IR AnchorSpikes have a hollow structure with open barbs that allow the epoxy to flow deep into the soil and create a solid anchor rated for up to 1,000 pounds of uplift per spike. Once in place, each BallastRack frame is designed to clamp onto two AnchorSpikes when the carriage bolts at the ends are tightened, which allows for fast and easy leveling of the system. 

*One AnchorSpike must be tested at the installation site to ensure it can withstand a minimum of 1,000 lbs of uplift.

*Professional installation is recommended with this mounting option.

*1" Conduit Pipe / EMT (NOT included) is required to link the frames together and can be sourced at any local hardware or electrical supply store in 10' lengths, which is enough to cover two panels.

Recommended Tools:

- SDS Hammer Drill & 30 Inch SDS-Max Speed-X Carbide Rotary Hammer Bit for Concrete Drilling

10 Pack Kit

• 10 AnchorSpikes
• A & B Epoxy
• Mixing Cup
• Stirring Stick
• Gloves
• Pouring Cups
• Funnel
• Premium Ratchet Wrench

22 Pack Kit

• 22 AnchorSpikes
• A & B Epoxy
• Mixing Cup
• Stirring Stick
• Gloves
• Pouring Cups
• Funnel
• Premium Ratchet Wrench

This mounting kit provides enough concrete anchor bolts to mount up to 11 BallastRack frames to pre-poured concrete slabs/footings or an existing concrete surface such as a patio (on-site engineering may be required). This kit also includes two concrete drill bits and 44 washers. This mounting option provides the highest wind ratings for all BallastRack systems.

• 22 Concrete Anchor Bolts
• 44 Washers
• 2 Concrete Drill Bits
• Premium Ratchet Wrench

For temporary or permanent mounting, each BallastRack system can be ballasted using sand bags, concrete blocks or curb stops.

*1" Conduit Pipe / EMT (NOT included) is required for installation and can be sourced at any local hardware or electrical supply store.