Anchoring and Concrete Pad Details for Ground-mounting Powerwall+ on Poured Concrete with Steel Posts

In this mounting configuration, a concrete pad is constructed with vertical steel posts attached directly to the concrete pad. Powerwall+ is mounted to the posts, allowing it to be vertically and laterally supported by the concrete pad.

Note

At the contractor's expense and with no liability to Tesla, the homeowner and contractor can work with a third party structural designer (or other qualified person acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)) and the AHJ to develop alternative supports.

Concrete Pad Sizes

The primary design constraint for mounting on a poured concrete pad with steel posts is the risk of wind blowing the Powerwall(s) and pad over. As indicated in the table below, the required thickness and width of the concrete pad depend on which type of units are installed on it and how many units are installed.


Pad Size	Pad Thickness	1 Powerwall+	1 Powerwall+ and 1 Powerwall

36 x 36 in (914 x 914 mm)	6 in (152 mm)	Max wind 115 mph	Max wind 125 mph
36 x 36 in (914 x 914 mm)	9 in (229 mm)	Max wind 140 mph	Max wind 150 mph
48 x 48 in (1219 x 1219 mm)	9 in (229 mm)	Max wind 175 mph	Max wind 180 mph

See Powerwall+ Anchoring Details for installation scenarios which require site-specific calculations.

A10 - Anchoring and Concrete Pad Details for Ground-mounting Powerwall+ on Poured Concrete with Steel Posts

Requirements for Poured Concrete Pad with Steel Posts

Within the perimeter of the pad, excavate and remove all loose and organic material, compacting soil to a level surface. Embed the concrete in the soil per detail (below). Should AHJs require further embedment of footing, contractors shall consult a third party structural designer or other qualified person acceptable to the AHJ to abide by the requirements set by the AHJ. Compact and fill a 4-inch thick base of crushed, course stone when 10PSF or more ground snow load is expected in site-specific design criteria
Concrete used for pads shall have a minimum compressive strength of 3,000 PSI at 28 days. Work can begin 14 days after the pad is poured
Concrete reinforcing shall meet the temperature and shrinkage requirements of ACI 318
- #4 Rebars <=16 inch O.C. (both ways)
- ASTM A615 Grade 60 (FY = 60,000 PSI)
- Minimum 3 inch cover for concrete facing soil
Posts shall be 2 inch SCH 40 steel pipes
Each post is to be attached to the pad through a Hollaender pipe flange with (4) 3/8 inch Simpson Strong-Tie Titen HD concrete screws (ESR 2713) with minimum 2-½ inch embedment. An equivalent concrete anchor approved by the installing company's structural designer or other qualified person acceptable to the AHJ can be used with compliance letter
All items to be cast in concrete, such as reinforcing steel, shall be securely and accurately positioned into the forms prior to placing the concrete
Concrete anchors shall be installed with minimum 6 inch edge distance from all edges of the pad. Typical spacing between posts supporting the same Powerwall is 16 inches on center
1-5/8 inch struts and hardware shall be used to attach electrical equipment to posts; to attach the struts to the posts, use 5/16" diameter U-bolt with hex nuts and washers

A11 - Anchoring and Concrete Pad Details for Ground-mounting Powerwall+ on Poured Concrete with Steel Posts

Note

The following images depict the minimum concrete pad dimensions. System configuration and/or site conditions may result in a larger concrete pad being required.

Figure 1. Powerwall+ Ground Mounted on Poured Concrete Pad with Steel Posts (Side View)

Figure 2. Two Concrete Pads Side by Side (Top View)

A12 - Anchoring and Concrete Pad Details for Ground-mounting Powerwall+ on Poured Concrete with Steel Posts

Figure 3. Powerwall+ Bracket Mounted on Poured Concrete Pad with Steel Posts (Rear View)