2. 1. Components Overview
2. Start Section vs. Add Section
3. Installation Procedures
4. Grounding
5. Customization
6. Design Criteria
7. Case Studies
8. Why Patriot?
Table of Contents
3. Components Overview:
Concrete Ballast Block
Key Features:
• 3000 PSI Mix Design
• Rebar Reinforced
• 2’ x 5’ x 14” Standard
• Multiple Sizes Available
Ballast Block with Fork Pockets
Patriot’s 2’ x 5’ x 10” Block
Patriot’s Standard 2’ x 5’ x 14” Block
5. Components Overview: Post
Key Features:
• 2’ Standard Length
• 3” Square Tube
• Dipped Galvanized
• Telescoping Design
• 1” Increment holes
Telescoping post Up and
Down Adjustment.
Post adjusted 10 degrees to
accommodate NS Slope.
Posts in stock and ready to ship.
6. Components Overview: Truss
Key Features:
• 10-40 Degree Angle
Adjustment
• Allows for both 60 and 72
cell modules
• 50 KSI Min. Yield
• Dipped Galvanized
60 Cell
72 Cell
This truss is set at a 30
degree tilt angle.
Galvanized Truss
Standardized for 60 & 72 cell
8. Start Section vs. Add-On Section
Start Section Add-On Section
• 2 Ballast Blocks
• 2 Mounting Plates
• 2 Posts
• 2 Trusses
• 2 Rails
• 2 Bolts – Post to Block
• 2 Bolts – Truss to Post
• 2 Bolts – Rail to Truss
• 1 Ballast Block
• 1 Mounting Plate
• 1 Post
• 1 Truss
• 2 Rails
• 2 Bolts – Post to Block
• 2 Bolts – Truss to Post
• 2 Bolts – Rail to Truss
5 Modules per Section
9. Start Section vs. Add-On Section
Add Section Start SectionAdd Section
*Starts to Adds ratio has a significant effect on price per watt for racking material. The
longer the row is East to West = lower $/watt. The longer the array is North to South =
higher $/watt.
10. Ballast Block Installation
Step 1: Set Block in
Surveyed Location.
Ballast blocks set in place.
Site preparation before setting
ballast blocks.
Standard center ballast to center
ballast spacing is 202”.
11. Mounting Plate to Ballast Block
Step 2: Secure
mounting plates.
Slotted holes allow for adjustment NS
and EW. Additional washers can be
used to level plate on uneven ground.
Mounting plate is installed and
ready for post installation.
Set plates over J-bolts, tighten down
nuts and washers until secure.
12. Post and Truss Installation
Step 3: Attach post to
mounting plates and
attach truss to post.
Attach post to mounting plates using
two bolts. Adjust tilt if necessary.
Attach truss to post using two
bolts. Bottom bolt location
determines tilt angle.
Both post and truss installation
only require 4 bolts in total.
13. Rail Installation
Step 4: Attach rails to
trusses – 1 bolt for
each connection point.
Rails slide together for quick
install and minimal hardware.
Top-down view of rail to truss
connection.
Three incremental holes for
spacing adjustments. Slotted
holes allow for thermal expansion.
14. Module Installation
Step 5: Assemble
modules to rails – Top
clamp hardware.
Top clamps allow for quick
installation compared to
underside attachment to frame.
Adjustable end clamps
accommodate 30-50mm
module frame thicknesses.
Patriot Mid-Clamp
15. Grounding Options
Top Clamp
Grounding
Plate (Module
to Rail)
Grounding Lug
& Copper Wire
(Module to
Module)
Bonding
Strap Jumper
(Rail to Rail)
Lug & Copper
to Ground
Rod (Rail to
Ground)
*Consult with electrical inspector prior to grounding the array. Electrical codes can
vary based on location. Patriot assumes no responsibility for electrical grounding.
16. Customization: Multiple Ballast
Block Sizes and Features
Block with Fork
Pocket Holes
Hybrid Ballast
with Post Driven
*Patriot recommends a civil engineered, wet stamped drawing for each ground mount
project to determine suitable ballast size and post based on: Soil Conditions, Wind Load,
Snow Load, Module Size, Tilt Angle and Height Clearance.
Standard 14”
Block
10” Ballast Block
17. Customization: Rail Lengths
Shorter rail lengths to accommodate
string sizing and space maximization.
4-Panel Sections for higher wind
loads and string sizing.
*Patriot recommends a civil engineered, wet stamped drawing for each ground mount
project to determine suitable rail length based on: Wind Load, Snow Load, Module Size,
Tilt Angle and Height Clearance.
3 Panels
18. Customization: Accessories
Mount combiner
box to truss
Hybrid Ballast with Post
Driven System
Additional blocks for
mounting combiners
External Wire
Management Accessories
Mount Micro Inverters
directly to rail
Cable trays mounted on
ballast blocks
19. Design Criteria Questions
• Windload: 90 MPH? 100 MPH?
140 MPH?
• Snowload: 0 PSF? 30 PSF? 60
PSF?
• Site Size: How much area is
available? Shading?
• String Size: 10? 12? 13?
• Project Timeline: What
month(s) is expected for
installation?
• Project Size: How many kW or
MW
• Module Size: 60 or 72 cell? What
size wattage, 300? 290? 240?
• Project Location: City and State?
• Tilt Angle: What is desired tilt?
• Height Clearance: What is the
desired height above grade for
snow, vegetation, O&M, customer
preference etc.?
20. Case Study: Residential 4kW
• Low-profile Design
• Small Footprint
• No Maintenance
• Module clearance
for vegetation
removal
• Low Cost
• No Post Driving
• No scaffolding or
ladders
• Quick Installation
• Integrated Wire
Management
Advantages for Home Owner: Advantages for Installer:
21. Case Study: Commercial 150kW
• Low-profile Design
• No Maintenance
• Sufficient module
clearance for
vegetation removal
• Minimal Site Prep
• Quick Installation
• Integrated Wire
Management
• Cost Savings with
longer rows
Advantages for Business Owner: Advantages for Installer:
22. Case Study: Utility 500KW
• Low Cost Racking
• No Maintenance
• Module clearance
for O&M
• Meets all building
code design criteria
• Galvanized Steel
• No scaffolding or ladders
• Quick Installation
• Ability to follow land
contours – Adjustable
Post
• Cost Savings with longer
rows and string sizing
Advantages for Owner: Advantages for Installer:
23. Why Patriot Solar Group?
Over 20 years of
manufacturing and
design expertise.
Past clients include:
NASA, Boeing, and
Raytheon.
Vast amounts of
inventory ready to
ship. High capacity/
high production
manufacturing.
Made in USA – Buy
American Act & ARRA
Compliant. 10 year
structural warranty.
Custom Engineering
to meet any design
criteria.
Patriot offers site
prep and installation
services for any size
project.
Renowned customer
service and in-field
technical support.
24. Thank You!
For more information,
please contact us at:
www.patriotsolargroup.com
info@patriotsolargroup.com
517-629-9292
