Hello,

We are putting together a 3.6 kW solar system, we have decided not to put the panels on the roof. I would like to have an ground mount system where the mount has angle adjustment for the seasons.

So I have been designing my own mount but I have just found out that they need to be approved to AS/NZS1170.2 for wind loading.

So my question is, does anyone know of an engineer who would be able to approve my design, or perhaps a company that makes plans to this standard that I could purchase?

Thanks,
Matt.

Hi Matt, as PV panels cost so little now, its not worth the hassle and extra cost of making the mounts adjustable (more wear and tear and have to be quite a lot stronger for moveable components), fix them to the ground with 100 x 100 posts 1m in the ground, 2m apart, 150 x 50 diagonals for your alloy rails. Just add some extra panels, some pointing North for morning sun, some West for afternoons.

Cheers
Mike

Thanks for the post Mike, I am seriously considering simplifying my plans and going with a fixed mount.

I have been asking around a bit and (if I understand the situation correctly) that on paper ground mounts need to be wind rated, but it practice this isn't checked?

I don't want to pay an engineer big bucks for nothing.

Thanks,
Matt.