Scalable Ground Mounts FAQ

The scalable ground mount is a kit that is both versatile and flexible when it comes to solar panel mounting needs. Usable with most panel sizes the scaleable ground is an excellent option for housing several panels. This FAQ will answer some of the more common questions about the ground mount. 

Q: What is the difference between all the different VC#-HR#?

A: The naming convention of the ground mounts has to do with the number of vertical columns and horizontal rows each kit provides. The VC# typically is one to five while the HR# are always 4 or 8.

Q: What is the difference between a VC2-HR4 vs a VC2-HR8

A: In short, not a whole lot is different between these two kits. Most of the parts in the kit are identical, the key difference is the overall size of the system and the included clamps. The rails, connectors, tee caps, and even number of post holes is the same between these two kits. The HR4 kits are designed for larger 300w+ panels and thus come with larger clamps. The HR8 kits are designed for smaller 100w panels and come with smaller clamps. 

Q: How many max  panels does each VC#-HR# hold? What kit should be picked when sizing?

A: Keeping in mind that HR4 kits are for large panels and HR8 are for small panels we can find out the max panel count for any kit by multiplying the VC# with the HR#. For example a VC3-HR4 (3x4=12) can hold a max of 12 big solar panels. While a VC2-HR8 (2x8=16) can hold a max of 16. With this we can pick out a matching ground mount for our pump kits depending on how many and what type of panels the pump kit comes with. A Pro 1000D normally comes with 12, 100w panels so a VC2-HR8 would be able to house those 12 panels with room to grow and add up to an extra 4 panels. Meanwhile the Pro 2000D normally comes with 8, 370w panels so a VC2-HR4 would be able to exactly house 8 panels. 

Q: How do the rails connect and how many rails should be connected together?

A: All kits come with a number of 58’’ rails that are joined together using the L plate connectors in conjunction with nuts and bolts. A single VC  rail is made by combining 3, 58’’ rails to make a 174’’ rail. Each single VC takes 2, 174’’ rails to hold the panels. 

Q: How do you calculate the length of the cross pipes for each kit?

A: A general idea of the overall ground mount size can be found in the manual but we can calculate a much more precise length for the cross pipes. While the pipes that hold up the ground mount are dependent on the desired tilt angle for the panels, the cross pipe lengths are dependent on the size of panels and number of VCs. To calculate the ideal cross pipe length you take the horizontal measurement of a single panel and multiply that valve by the number of VCs. The cross pipe length should always be at least a foot greater than the total length of the previous mentioned total. For example a VC2-HR4 uses large panels that each measure 69.1’’ in horizontal length. The VC2-HR4 has 2 vertical columns so with the panel size in mind we get 69.1’’x 2 = 138.2’’. Our cross pipe must be longer than 138.2’’ to accommodate the small amount of space in between VCs and have some extra pipe length on each side of the ground mount. With 138.2’’ being about 11.5’ a minimum cross pipe length of 12.5’ would be needed. You could also round up to even 13’ or even 15’. 

Q: How far should each post be from each other? 

A: In general we recommend that each post be 80’’ from each other on all sides. So long as the values are the same to keep the entire structure square the 80’’ is flexible. Doing 75’’ or 85’’ apart on each side would work too. Just keep in mind the overall size of the ground mount as you do not want to scale too small overall with the posts.