Dec, 17th 2013
Mike,
I’m sorry I had to take off today before circling back with you.
We’ve been impressed with SunStall’s efforts on behalf of the …….. Solar Park project despite the challenges. While some weather issues might/should be expected this time of year in WI, I honestly think that this Nov/Dec was extreme in terms of the wet/mud early only to be followed by the frigged temps – I think today was the nicest day we’ve seen in a month.
In no small part due to SunStall, it looks like we will meet out 12/31 deadline. The next project we do, I’ll owe you a steak dinner.
a MidWest Client
German engineering influences the solar market with its integrated geotechnical services. Using a pile driving team and soil experts, Sunstall Inc. and AquaSoli LLC are helping lower the costs of solar plants nationwide. With the on-site test loadings, these experts can obtain the foundation strength as well as soil parameters and use the data to create secure and feasible foundation designs for solar plants.
Lilburn, GA – Novato, CA April 26, 2012
After making initial contact shortly before the start of Intersolar 2011 in San Francisco, California. Cantsink President, Patrick Hutchinson and Sunstall President, Helge Biernath, began talks to consider creating a strategic alliance on ground-mounted photovoltaic projects. During these conversations, it became increasingly evident that the two companies could very easily work in tandem to greatly increase the productivity and marketability of each firm, resulting in a cost-effective offering to the customers.
Cantsink Manufacturing, a manufacturer of steel helical piles from Lilburn, Georgia, has had increasing success on the Eastern Seaboard of the US, but had very little exposure and capability to have its product installed in the Western United States. The use of helical piles for PV installations, offers a quick, effective and environmentally friendly means of supporting ground mounted solar structures. Helical piles provide an effective alternative to driven steel piles and concrete foundations.
Sunstall Inc, a California corporation, offers extensive knowledge in installing ground mount utility solar projects. Experienced in the execution, management, and coordination of construction, Sunstall is able to offer a key piece of capability, nationwide, expanding the service offering of Cantsink Manufacturing. Sunstall is able to coordinate and manage project installations from coast to coast, effectively. Using Cantsink’s products and Sunstall’s installation capability, the two companies can now offer services that will guarantee a superbly engineered project that will be installed quickly, competently and will stand the tests of time. For more information you can visit cantsink.com and sunstall.com.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0Cia6TK9Y4&w=560&h=315]
The many different types of mounts for solar arrays, be it fixed-, single-, or dual-axis trackers, can lead to considerable confusion when trying to decide how to mount your solar panels. However, there are several advantages and disadvantages to each type of mounting system depending on a variety of variables including climate, latitude, landscape, budget, and size of the solar array that you are hoping to build.
Fixed-axis systems are the most mechanically simple, and least expensive mounts for solar panels. They can be used on the roof or on the ground, and because of their mechanical simplicity, tend to have a longer lifespan than trackers. These mounts are also beneficial in less sunny climates, where extra expense of a solar tracker may not be worth the small increase in electrical output.
If you decide that you want a solar tracker, there are many options that you can choose from. Firstly, there are thermal (passive) and electrical (active) trackers. Thermal trackers use the heat from the sun, which heats a liquid inside of the solar panel, to rotate. These are beneficial because they have fewer mechanical parts, and are therefore less prone to failure. They are also less expensive. However they can be slow to react to solar motion. In addition, they can be imprecise in the winter because they rely on heat to rotate. Finally, there are electrical trackers, which are the most popular. They are very precise even in the winter, and can increase electrical output from 20-40% from fixed-axis mounts. However, they require a fair amount of maintenance and are more expensive than fixed-mount and thermal trackers.