DIY ground mount solar

Solar Array Top Caps for DIY Ground Mounts

Build your own ground-mounted solar array with galvanized pipe from your local hardware store. Cap each pole, run cross pipe, add panels.

  • Fits 2" (2 3/8" OD) or 2.5" (2 7/8" OD) ground pipe
  • From 1 panel to dozens, on 2-20 poles
  • Bolt on, no welding, pipe hardware included

Heavy duty, 5-star rated on Amazon

  • Bolt on, no weldingFits standard pipe
  • Heavy galvanized steelZinc coated, built to last
  • Pipe hardware includedU-bolts and bolts to mount on your pipes
  • Designed by off-griddersFamily business, California

Choose your size

Match the top cap to your ground pipe

Both sizes hold 2" (2 3/8" OD) cross pipe with two 3/8" U-bolts.

Array top cap

2.5" Pipe Array Top Cap

  • Fits 2.5" (2 7/8" OD) ground pipe
  • Build arrays from 1 to dozens of panels
  • Set bolts + two 3/8" U-bolts for the pipes included
Diagram of solar array layouts from 1 to 20 poles using top caps

Unlimited configurations

Plan an array of any size

Top caps sit on top of each ground pipe and hold the horizontal cross pipe. Add poles to make the array longer and add cross pipe rows to make it taller.

  • Small: 2 poles for a few panels
  • Medium: 4-6 poles for a cabin or homestead
  • Large: up to 20 poles for dozens of panels

Specs

Array top cap specifications

SpecDetail
Ground pipe2" (2 3/8" OD) or 2.5" (2 7/8" OD), schedule 40/80 or oilfield pipe
Cross pipe2" (2 3/8" OD) pipe
Attachment2 set bolts to the ground pipe, two 3/8" U-bolts to the cross pipe
MaterialHeavy duty zinc coated steel
Array size1 panel to dozens, on 2-20 ground pipes
InstallBolt on, no welding

In the field

See how the top caps go together

Top cap on the ground pipe

Cross pipe held by U-bolts

Finished ground mount

From the back

Installation

How to build a ground mount with top caps

  1. 1

    Lay out your poles

    Mark a straight line of ground pipe positions, spaced to fit your panels.

  2. 2

    Set the ground pipes

    Set 2" or 2.5" pipe in concrete at the same height. Follow local codes for depth.

  3. 3

    Cap each pole

    Drop a top cap on each pipe and tighten the set bolts.

  4. 4

    Run cross pipe & mount panels

    U-bolt the 2" cross pipe across the caps, add rails and bolt on your panels.

5-star reviews

What buyers say on Amazon

★★★★★
Quick availability & delivery. Seller provides everything needed and the quality is excellent. Galvanized steel will last a long time.
Amazon customer
★★★★★
This bracket is HEAVY! Welds and quality are impressive. Very happy with this bracket!
Amazon customer
★★★★★
The welds are professional... no sharp edges or points. I'd like to see more products from SolarPanelPoleMount.com.
Amazon customer
★★★★★
The components are thick zinc coated steel, very heavy duty and will definitely not bend or break. All hardware was included. It just bolts to the top of a pipe, very easy.
Amazon customer

FAQ

Array top cap questions

How many top caps do I need?

One per ground pipe. A small array might use 2, a large one up to 20.

Which size fits my pipe?

Measure the outside diameter (OD). 2 3/8" OD is 2" pipe; 2 7/8" OD is 2.5" pipe.

Can I use oilfield pipe?

Yes, as long as the outside diameter matches. Schedule 40/80 galvanized pipe also works.

What else do I need to buy?

Ground pipe, 2" cross pipe, concrete, and panel rails. All are available at hardware or big box stores. Our build guide has a full parts list.

Only need a few panels on one pole?

A top of pole mount holds up to 6 panels on a single pipe.