Ground-mounted PV

A ground-mounted PV system holds the array on racks, poles or other foundations at ground level instead of on a building. It is common for larger systems and for sites where a rooftop array is not possible or practical. Like other PV systems, it is built from PV modules, one or more inverters and balance-of-system components. Rack mounting is the usual method for fixed, non-tracking ground arrays and is typical of large commercial and utility-scale plants. Ground arrays are easy to service. Crews can drive a truck up to the array for washing and repairs, and the work carries less risk than rooftop work. Array placement and orientation are also less constrained than on a roof. Ground arrays are more exposed to damage. When an array sits at ground level, NEC 690.31(A) requires the wiring to be protected from ready access, for example with nonconductive screening, security fencing or a raised array. Ground mounts can be fixed or tracking. Trackers fail more often than fixed racks because of their drive mechanisms and control systems, so they add maintenance tasks. A site survey should cover zoning, terrain and grading, soil type, drainage and flood risk, foundations, fencing, and access for vehicles and equipment. Three-phase commercial string inverters such as the Solectria PVI 25TL-480-R are listed by their makers as suitable for ground-mount installations.

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• sentence 7: support check: partial - Passage lists these items for ground-mounted site surveys, but the statement omits that scope and presents them as a general site survey.
• sentence 8: support check: partial - Passage supports the Solectria PVI 25TL-480-R being suitable for ground mount, but not the generalization to other three-phase commercial string inverters. -->