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15
July 2021
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Solar Stik
®
Inc.
Solar Expedition 450W Solar Array
The Expedition must be properly secured to the ground even in low-wind environments. The
methods used for ground securing are determined by two factors:
1. The type of terrain upon which the Expeditions are to be operated—“hard” surface (such as
pavement) or “soft” surface (such as dirt or sand).
2. The environmental conditions—wind conditions that the Expeditions might encounter.
Hard (Impenetrable Surface)
The Expedition must be secured with
sandbags. On hard surfaces, sandbags may
be the only way to secure the Expedition.
Regardless of the surface, twelve (12)
sandbags must be used to prevent damage
in high winds whether or not the metal stakes
are used.
Sandbags should weigh a minimum of 50
pounds each.
To secure with sandbags, one (1) sandbag
is placed on each of the four (4) sandbag
straps in the front, under the location where
the PV panels attach to the rack, and two (2)
sandbags are placed on each of the four (4)
sandbag straps in the rear (see Figure 15).
Soft (Penetrable Surface)
The tent stakes provide additional ground
securing stability when the panels are on
soft ground.
Important:
The stakes should not be
used as the sole source of ground
securing. Place the stakes through the
loops at the end of each batten and drive
them into the ground with a hammer.
Note:
Make sure that the loops are
securely fastened around the stake and
under the loop catch of the stake on both
sides. Drive the stakes deep enough into
the ground so that the lower edges of
the loop catch are buried slightly but do
not drive the top of the stake below the
surface as this will make removal of the
stakes very difficult (see Figure 16).
6 Secure the Expedition to the Ground
WARNING
Failure to properly secure the Expedition(s) to the surface with sandbags could result in
PV panel damage, injury, or death in high winds. Tent stakes should be used in addition to
sandbags when possible. Wind damage can render panels nonfunctional or significantly
reduce their functional life expectancy.
