[RE-wrenches] Pole mount PVC

[frenergy]

I've installed 20-30 pole mounts with the PVC conduit running from underground, through the 3' sonotube into the concrete.  It then sweeps up to meet the pole/pipe, exits the concrete right next to it and continues to the DC disco.  Never had an issue with the AHJ.  

        It doesn't really get much sun on it being under the array (many times 3-3.8KW of PV on an 8" pole) and the array is good at keeping tractors, riding mowers, etc away.  I usually add one conduit clamp between the top of the concrete and the disco.

        As a side note, we use 3 straps (from pole/pipe to temporary driven anchor) to secure the pole close to vertical during the pour which helps to keep the bottom of the pole/pipe from moving off center, allows us to secure (code word for 'duct tape') the aforementioned conduit to the pole and allows us to "forget" about pushing the pole vertical after about 1/2 the mud is in the sonotube, because it already is...we fine tune the vertical prior to the end of mud.

Happy, merry, ho,ho from the northern Sierra,

Bill
Feather River Solar Electric




With pole mount systems, It looks cleaner and is safer to run the PVC conduit down the pole into the concrete, and use a 90 degree elbow to come out through the side of the anchor underground.  This way, the pipe is protected from mechanical damage, and there is nothing to trip over when adjusting the array for seasonal tilt.  

I was told that some building departments will not allow this.  Has anyone had a problem with using this method, either technical or legal?   How do you like to route your conduits?

Thank you,

Drake 
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