Sunmodo SunTurf Ground Screw Earth Anchor (63" or 80")

The Sunmodo SunTurf Ground Screw (Screw Anchor) is a hot-dip galvanized structural steel earth anchor designed for the Sunmodo SunTurf ground mount solar racking system. Available in 63-inch and 80-inch lengths, each anchor is driven into the ground using a skid steer, excavator, tractor, or self-propelled drilling rig and accepts installer-supplied 2-inch Schedule 10 or 40 galvanized steel pipe. Supplied with three M16 cone-tipped set screws for a superior grip on the post - ready to accept load immediately after installation.

Note: This listing is for the straight Ground Screw (Screw Anchor) style. A separate listing covers the Sunmodo Helical Anchor (Blade Auger) option. Pipe (2" galvanized) is not included and must be sourced separately. Refer to Sunmodo stamped engineering packages for your state to confirm required embedment depth and anchor spacing for your site's soil conditions and wind/snow loads.

Key Features

• No Concrete Required - Driven directly into soil for same-day installation; ready to load immediately after driving with no cure time
• Hot-Dip Galvanized Finish - Full galvanization inside and out for long-term corrosion resistance in ground contact applications
• #45 Structural Carbon Steel - Heavy-duty carbon steel construction rated for the structural loads of residential and commercial solar arrays
• Two Length Options - 63" for standard soil conditions; 80" for softer soils, higher wind loads, or where greater embedment depth is required by engineering
• Machine Installed - Compatible with Bobcat 15C hydraulic auger (direct fit, no adaptor needed) and a wide range of skid steers, excavators, and drilling rigs
• SunTurf System Compatible - Designed for use with the Sunmodo SunTurf pipe-and-rail ground mount system; part of the UL 2703 compliant SunTurf assembly

Technical Specifications

• Kit Numbers: K10423-063 (63") / K10423-080 (80")
• SKUs: GRSCREW-63 / GRSCREW-80
• Description: Screw Anchor (straight thread, not helical)
• Lengths: 63 inches / 80 inches
• Anchor Inner Diameter: 2.72" (69mm) - accepts 2" nominal pipe
• Anchor Outer Diameter: 2.99" (76mm)
• Attachment Hardware: 3x M16 Cone-Tipped Set Screws (included)
• Installation Tool: 8mm hex driver; torque to 44 ft-lbs (60 Nm)
• Material: #45 Structural Carbon Steel
• Finish: Hot-Dip Galvanized
• Approximate Weight: 18.1 lbs (8.2 kg) - 63" / 23.1 lbs (10.5 kg) - 80"
• Compatible Pipe: 2" Schedule 10 or Schedule 40 galvanized steel pipe (installer-supplied)
• System: Sunmodo SunTurf Ground Mount
• Compliance: Part of UL 2703 compliant SunTurf assembly

Installation Overview

• Mark anchor locations per SunModo project engineering layout
• Drive anchor to full depth using a skid steer with Bobcat 15C auger or compatible equipment (see adaptor compatibility chart in Sunmodo installation guide)
• Ensure front and rear anchor tops are within 1" of the same height
• Insert 2" galvanized steel pipe into anchor and secure with 3x M16 set screws using 8mm hex driver; torque to 44 ft-lbs (60 Nm)
• Install M16 bolt and flange nut at the 4 corner posts of the array for additional security

Full installation instructions: Sunmodo Ground Mount Knowledgebase - includes the Earth Anchor Installation Guidelines (D10186) and SunTurf Ground Mount Installation Manual (D10100), plus state-stamped engineering packages.

Auger Drive Compatibility

The Bobcat 15C auger fits the Ground Screw directly without an adaptor. Other equipment may require a drive adaptor - see the Sunmodo Earth Anchor Installation Guidelines for full adaptor selection criteria based on output shaft dimensions (A/B/C/D measurements). SunModo adaptor kits K50238-001 and K50237-005 cover most skid steer configurations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Ground Screw and the Helical Anchor?
The Ground Screw (this listing, GRSCREW-63/80) uses a straight threaded profile and is driven by rotation into the soil. The Helical Anchor (Blade Auger, HELICAL-79) uses a large helical blade and is designed for softer or more variable soils where helical embedment provides greater uplift resistance. The appropriate anchor type depends on your soil classification and engineering requirements.

What length should I choose?
Length selection depends on soil conditions, required embedment depth, and site-specific engineering. The 63" anchor is standard for most applications; the 80" anchor is used where greater embedment depth is needed due to soft soils, high wind loads, or engineering requirements. Refer to your Sunmodo state-stamped engineering package for the correct specification for your project.

Does this include the pipe?
No. The Ground Screw anchor is sold separately from the structural pipe. Compatible pipe is 2" Schedule 10 or 40 hot-dip galvanized steel pipe (installer-supplied). Solwel also sells the complete SunTurf bundle kits that include all pipe, rail, and hardware.

What equipment do I need to install this?
A skid steer, excavator, tractor, or self-propelled drilling rig with a rotary auger drive. The Bobcat 15C auger fits directly with no adaptor required. Most other skid steer output shafts can be accommodated with a SunModo adaptor kit (K50238-001 or K50237-005).