“The project we’re working on here is an expansion of a pre-existing solar system. We’re adding an additional seven solar tables onto the existing nine.” With that, David Page, Managing Director of D Page Contractors, outlines the project scope at Oakwood Business Park. What began as a nine-table installation in 2023 has now been extended to sixteen tables in total. The additional capacity was completed within just four days, using ground screw foundations in combination with a modular ground-mounted steel support structure supplied by FIRST BASE.

The challenge: heavy clay and wind exposure

Oakwood Business Park is located in an exposed area with strong winds and heavy clay subsoil. Clay offers high resistance, but requires deep, controlled embedment to prevent shifting. To handle these demands, the foundation requires a design capable of resisting extreme uplift and lateral forces. Oakwood Business Park proprietor Alan Cryer moved away from standard mono-pole designs, opting instead for a dual-leg configuration. By placing a ground screw at both the front and the back of the frame, the load is spread across two anchor points rather than one. This creates a significantly wider base and a higher load capacity. Alan: “It’s about stability. With the heavy clay conditions and the wind loads we experience here, I didn’t want a monopole system. I wanted dual ground screws into the ground because we get a lot of heavy winds here. That was my main concern.’’ The system has since been tested by several periods of high wind, showing no movement whatsoever.

The process: a tested and measured installation approach

The team executed the expansion in four key stages, starting with a site survey and load testing to ensure the ground screw foundations were suitable for the solar system. Then by using a laser level, the team measured the average fall across the site to determine installation heights and ensure alignment from one end to the other.

Once reference levels were established, the ground screws were installed using the FIRST BASE M800 hydraulic driver. A receiver mounted on the M800 ensured that each screw was installed in a straight, consistent line across the row. Every stage was checked and measured before moving forward. As lead-installer Alex Redfearn at D-Page Contractors explains: “Just ensuring that every single stage along the way is double checked and measured and everybody’s happy with it.”

With the foundations in place, the modular steel mounting structure was installed. The adjustability built into the system allowed the team to fine-tune alignment across the site — an important advantage when working on natural terrain. “There’s a lot of adjustability in the structure itself, so you can get around little bits that would otherwise be a problem for more rigid structures.”

The final phase focused on panel installation and visual straightness across the entire row. “It’s quite important to make sure that each panel is square to one another and that from the end view you can really see a nice clear straight line across all solar panels.”

The result: a system that continues to perform as designed

At Oakwood, the defining characteristic is continuity. By applying the same foundation concept and modular structural configuration across the entire array, the team delivered a uniform and stable installation that performs exactly as intended.

“The whole project’s been very efficient,” says Alan. “We’ve worked with David four years ago, so the project’s gone very, very smoothly. Very conscientious, and we’ve got a good system put together.”

Since completion, the system has faced the worst of North Yorkshire’s winds and rain without any movement. The ground screws and modular support system work in tandem to transfer loads deep into the clay. The project proves that even on challenging terrain, the right combination of engineering and structural integrity creates a high-performing solar asset.

About Oakwood Park Business Centre

Oakwood Park Business Centre is a commercial office park located near Harrogate in North Yorkshire. The site accommodates a range of businesses and has invested in on-site solar generation to increase energy independence and long-term sustainability of its facilities.

For a closer look at the project and installation process, watch the full interview video
below.