[RE-wrenches] top of pole mount pipe problems

[Dana]

As long as this theme is still running – Please do not install an 8” mount on a 6” pole or 6” mount on a 4” pole. I have run into this a couple of times with a welded “adaptor” on top of the pole. Both instances the pole and array were 35° to 40° blown over to the down wind direction with the array still attached. There was no $ savings in the long run.

 

Thanks -

 

Dana Orzel

 

Great Solar Works, Inc

www.solarwork.com

E - dana at solarwork.com

V - 970.626.5253

F - 970.626.4140

C - 970.209.4076

“I'd put my money on solar energy… I hope we don't have to wait 'til oil and coal run out before we tackle that.”

—Thomas Edison, in conversation with Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, March 1931

 

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Yago
Sent: Tuesday, February 03, 2009 11:01 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] dpw top of pole mount pipe problems

 

We have installed lots of pole mounted systems and we stay with what is recommended by the racking manufacturer.  

 

I have witnessed several different top of pole solar arrays and solar-powered street lights that had been installed by others that were swaying 2 to 3 FEET at the top, and twisting almost 90 degrees of rotation during brief very gusty winds.  Yes, these were tall poles which allowed more twisting and bending than a typical 8 to 10 foot hight pole, but I can guarantee you if these were made of cast iron they would have snapped off in minutes.

 

Its hard to believe just how far steel can twist and bend when supporting a large surface area in high winds without damage.  I say you should tell your client to install a nice basketball net on his pole and then you should run as fast as you can and don't look back.

 

Jeff Yago


 

  _____  

Netscape.  Just the Net You Need.

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