Different support foundations have different applicable load parameters. When selecting a support foundation, it is essential to ensure that the foundation design will not result in uplift, breakage, or other damage under different load conditions. Based on this, dimensional parameters and material cost optimization should then be considered.

Currently, the commonly used foundation types for photovoltaic (PV) supports are mainly divided into two categories: reinforced concrete (cement pile) foundations and helical pile foundations. Reinforced concrete foundations can be further subdivided into reinforced concrete isolated foundations, reinforced concrete strip foundations, cast-in-place reinforced concrete foundations, and precast pile reinforced concrete foundations.

Reinforced concrete independent foundations

Advantages: Reliable force transmission and load-bearing performance; wide applicability; simple construction; strongest wind load capacity; flood and wind resistant.

Disadvantages: Large project scope; requires many workers; long construction period; significant environmental damage; this type of foundation has been rarely used in photovoltaic power plants in recent years.

Reinforced concrete strip foundations

Advantages: Simple construction process, no special tools required, minimal excavation.

Disadvantages: Significant environmental impact, requires extensive site leveling, and high maintenance costs.

Cast-in-place reinforced concrete foundations

Advantages: Simple construction process, fast construction speed, material saving, and low cost.

Disadvantages: Requires specific soil conditions; suitable for silty soil or silty clay with a certain degree of compaction; prone to borehole collapse in sandy soil layers, and difficult to form boreholes in gravel or pebble soil layers.

Precast reinforced concrete pile foundations

Advantages: Concrete piles are prefabricated in a factory, making construction simpler and faster.

Disadvantages: Relatively higher cost.

Helical pile foundation

Advantages: No excavation or site leveling required, minimal environmental impact, low labor requirements; adjustable support height; reusable materials.

Disadvantages: Requires a certain level of soil compaction; requires specialized construction tools; relatively high cost; lower corrosion resistance compared to cement pile foundations.

Shandong Shantou Steel Group Co., Ltd., as a professional provider of integrated solutions for solar photovoltaic (PV) mounting systems, can provide customers with complete integrated solutions and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) services for PV power generation projects. It manufactures PV mounting products such as tracking brackets, ground-mounted brackets, roof brackets, and carport brackets to meet the needs of various domestic and international customers for their PV power plant projects.