Ron, 
How do you propose to support the conduit between the poles should you run it
above grade? At what height above grade? What type of conduit? You say you are
interested in the industry best practice. Speaking as an licensed electrician
with 20 years experience, there's no question in my mind that underground
conduit, installed as described by the other wrenches responding thus far to
your question is the best practice. Maybe you'll find a way to reinvent the
wheel. Please keep us posted on your project.

Dick Ratico
Solarwind Electric


--- You wrote:
Hi Wrenches, I am installing six 8 panel pole mounts in a grid tied system. My
question is about preference for cable run between the poles. I am interested in
industry best practices. I have been told that running conduit between the
poles, i.e. along the axis, will hold the cabling but the poles of course must
be precisely aligned. The alternative is to run cabling down the poles,
underground and up the next pole. This is wasteful of materials, expensive to
the client and in my view presents as many safety concerns as the other option.
Hope to hear some ideas.

Ron
--- end of quote ---

