Project included the installation helical piles to support solar panels. The Solar panels were arranged in five arrays for a total capacity of 2.4 mega watts. Because the project is housed on leased land minimizing ground disturbance was important. Also, typical life of Solar Panels is 20 or 30 years, so ease of removing the support posts with minimal disturbance is also important. Helical piles may be removed as easily as they are installed. Helical pile offers both of these advantages over other ground support systems.
McDowell NW Pile King installed 474 each 2-3/8” diameter shaft helical piles with double helical flights 10” & 10”. Each helical pile was installed a minimum of 11’ below grade. After the 11’ lead helical section is installed an extension shaft is added to allow the panels to be supported three feet above grade or six feet above grade. Helical piles were installed both vertical and at 30 degrees using a high capacity torque drill motor. Helicals piles were installed to approximately 5 tons compression and 5 tons tension design load.