Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-10-27 Origin: Site
In modern solar mounting systems, the helical ground screw (also known as a ground anchor or earth screw) plays a crucial role as the foundation that supports the entire solar panel structure.
Compared with traditional concrete foundations, ground screws offer faster installation, reusability, and better adaptability to various soil types — making them the preferred choice for solar farms and ground-mounted solar systems.
A helical ground screw is a steel anchoring device with spiral blades (helices) welded onto a shaft. It is driven into the ground using a hydraulic machine to provide a strong, stable, and non-concrete foundation for solar structures.
These ground screws are commonly made of hot-dip galvanized steel or zinc-aluminum-magnesium (Zn-Al-Mg) coated steel to prevent corrosion. The upper part often connects to the solar mounting frame using stainless steel bolts, nuts, and fasteners.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Q235 / Q355 carbon steel, Zn-Al-Mg coated, or hot-dip galvanized |
| Surface Treatment | ≥80 μm galvanization for corrosion resistance |
| Diameter | 68mm – 140mm |
| Length | 800mm – 3000mm (customizable) |
| Top Connection | Flange plate or U-shape connector with anchor bolts |
| Installation | Driven into ground by pile driver, no concrete required |
| Advantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| No Concrete Needed | Saves time, reduces cost, and allows easy relocation. |
| Fast Installation | Ground screws can be installed within minutes using a driver machine. |
| Eco-Friendly | Causes minimal soil disturbance and can be reused. |
| Strong Load Capacity | Supports solar structures under high wind or snow loads. |
| Compatible with Bolted Connections | Works perfectly with stainless steel bolts, nuts, and fasteners in mounting systems. |
In a solar ground mounting system, each helical ground screw acts as a foundation point that anchors the solar support structure.
Once the ground bolts are installed, steel posts or C-channel beams are attached using stainless steel bolts, washers, and nuts to form a secure and stable frame for solar panels.
The connection between ground screws and mounting rails is typically made using:
Flange plates with pre-drilled bolt holes
U-shaped or L-shaped connectors fixed by stainless steel bolts
Anchor bolts for direct fastening
These bolt-based connections ensure excellent structural integrity and long-term resistance to vibration and corrosion.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Hot-dip galvanized carbon steel (Q235 / Q355) |
| Coating Thickness | ≥80μm galvanized or ≥200g/m² Zn-Al-Mg |
| Helix Type | Single or double helix |
| Connection | Flange plate + bolt holes |
| Bolt Size | M10 / M12 / M16 stainless steel bolts |
| Application | Ground-mounted solar PV systems, fencing, outdoor structures |
Using bolts and fasteners instead of welding offers several benefits in solar construction:
Easy Maintenance: Damaged parts can be replaced quickly.
Precision Alignment: Bolts allow micro-adjustments during installation.
Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel bolts and anchor bolts ensure durability in outdoor conditions.
Recyclable and Reusable: The structure can be dismantled and reused with minimal damage.
Bolted connections are especially popular in solar ground mounting systems, where installation speed and stability are essential.
Ground screws are the foundation of solar farms and PV projects. Combined with aluminum solar mounting rails and stainless steel bolts, they ensure long-lasting performance even under extreme weather.
They are also used in fence posts, decking systems, billboards, and temporary structures, thanks to their reusability and strength.
For agricultural solar systems, helical ground screws provide stability without disturbing soil layers — ideal for greenhouses or farm solar power setups.
| Parameter | Helical Ground Screw | Concrete Foundation |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Time | 3–5 minutes per screw | 1–2 days curing time |
| Environmental Impact | Minimal, no excavation | High, soil disruption and CO₂ emission |
| Reusability | 100% reusable | Not reusable |
| Load Capacity | High, with bolted connections | High but fixed |
| Cost Efficiency | Lower total installation cost | Higher due to labor and materials |
The helical ground screw is an essential component of the solar mounting system, offering a sustainable, strong, and flexible foundation solution.
With stainless steel bolts, anchor bolts, and fasteners, it ensures secure and long-lasting solar installations — even in challenging soil or weather conditions.
For solar developers seeking fast, eco-friendly, and durable foundations, ground screws are the ultimate choice.
1. What is the main advantage of a ground screw compared to concrete foundations?
Ground screws require no digging or concrete, allowing faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective installation.
2. Are ground screws suitable for all soil types?
Yes. They can be installed in clay, sand, gravel, and mixed soil. For very rocky terrain, pre-drilling may be necessary.
3. What type of bolts are used to connect solar structures to ground screws?
Typically stainless steel bolts (M10–M16) and anchor bolts are used for secure, corrosion-resistant connections.
4. How long do ground screws last in solar installations?
With proper galvanization and bolt protection, ground screws can last over 25 years — matching the lifespan of solar systems.
5. Can ground screws be reused after dismantling?
Yes. They can be unscrewed, relocated, and reused, making them highly sustainable for temporary or modular solar projects.
