Hybrid foundations provide a flexible foundation strategy for ground-mounted solar PV systems, allowing different foundation types to be used within the same project where ground conditions, drivability, archaeological constraints or structural requirements vary across the site.
At HTR Solar, the most common hybrid arrangement combines driven piles with ballasted foundations. Driven piles can be used across suitable areas of the site, while ballasted foundations can be introduced locally where pile installation is restricted or unsuitable. This may include areas identified during construction with drivability constraints, or sensitive areas defined during project development where ground penetration is restricted.
Where required by the project-specific design, different foundation types can also be coordinated within the same mounting table. For example, a table extending partly into an archaeologically sensitive area may combine driven piles outside the restricted area with a non-driven ballasted foundation where ground disturbance must be minimised.
The hybrid approach is not limited to driven piles and ballast. Depending on the project requirements and approved foundation design, HTR Solar can coordinate combinations of driven piles, ballast foundations, ground screws, root anchors and gabion basket foundations, providing an integrated foundation strategy for the complete mounting system.
