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Figure 6.7. Simple ground mounting for PV arrays using materials readily
available from a hardware store (reprinted with permission of Sandia National
Laboratories, 1991).
It is important to avoid contact between dissimilar materials that could cause
damaging electrolysis (Standards Australia, 1999–2000b; Messenger & Ventre,
2000). Materials used in mounting structures include:
1. Aluminium
x light, strong and resistive to corrosion
x easy to work with
x compatible with most PV module frames
x difficult to weld.
2. Angle iron
x easy to work with
x corrodes rapidly if not galvanised and slowly if galvanised
x easily welded.
3. Stainless steel
x will last for decades
x expensive and difficult to work with
x difficult to weld
x good for salt spray environments.
4. Wood
x cheap, readily available and easy to work with
x needs treatment with preservatives
x not suitable in damp environments.
Stainless steel nuts and bolts should be used with all mounting materials.
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