In 2023, photovoltaic (PV) ground screw (helical pile) technology accelerated its rollout globally – from historic English estates to the Gobi Desert in Inner Mongolia, and from coal mining subsidence areas to open‑pit mine waste dumps. This environmentally friendly foundation solution is becoming the “standard” for large‑scale PV projects. Below are the major real‑news events from 2023.

I. Major Domestic PV Projects (China)

1. Etuoke Front Banner, Inner Mongolia: 4 GW New Energy Mega‑Base

Date: October 2023 | Location: Ordos, Inner Mongolia

In October 2023, the 4 GW New Energy Mega‑Base project in the coal mining subsidence area of western Ordos entered a critical construction phase. As one of China’s second batch of large‑scale wind‑solar bases, the project has an estimated investment of 20 billion RMB and covers a total area of approximately 95.4 km².

The site is in an arid, rocky region with annual rainfall below 150 mm, an extremely fragile ecosystem, and severe grassland degradation. To minimise land disturbance, the project adopted a helical pile foundation scheme.

Key data: The helical piles used in the PV base have a diameter of only 8.9 cm. They are easy to install – screwed in and also removable – causing no impact on vegetation. Once completed, the project is expected to generate an average of 7.577 billion kWh of electricity per year, save about 2.2808 million tonnes of standard coal annually, and reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 6.2715 million tonnes per year.

According to the project leader, the PV base also provides functions such as wind protection, water retention, soil improvement, pollution reduction, and biodiversity conservation.

2. Xilin Gol, Inner Mongolia: Largest Single‑Capacity PV+Storage Station on an Open‑Pit Mine Waste Dump

Date: August 2023 | Location: Xilinhot City, Inner Mongolia

In August 2023, the Shengli Energy open‑pit mine waste dump 200 MWp PV project – the largest single‑capacity PV+storage station built on an open‑pit mine waste dump in China – achieved full grid connection.

Located in the northern suburbs of Xilinhot City, the project uses a “eco‑PV + green mining + smart operation” integrated development model. The DC side capacity is 200 MWp, with 359,000 monocrystalline silicon bifacial modules installed and 138,000 piles driven.

Project manager’s quote: “This project uses a steel helical pile construction technique. While maximising ecological protection, it reduces soil disturbance and achieves the harmonious development of ‘eco‑PV + green mining’.” – Han Li, Director of Planning and Development, Guoneng Beidian Shengli Energy Co., Ltd.

After operation, the project will supply 224 million kWh of green electricity annually – enough to power more than 200,000 households for one year – saving 98,700 tonnes of standard coal and reducing CO₂ emissions by 295,000 tonnes per year.

3. Jinchang, Gansu: 150,000 Helical Piles on the Gobi Desert

Date: July 2023 | Location: Jinchang City, Gansu Province

On 26 July 2023, the Huaneng Jinchuan Shuangwan 200 MW grid‑connected PV project completed a major construction task – successfully installing 159,302 steel tubular helical piles across approximately 7050 mu (470 hectares) of Gobi Desert.

The site lies in the western extension of the Tengger Desert, characterised by a cold‑temperate arid climate, scarce rainfall, strong evaporation, large temperature differences between day and night, and frequent sandstorms. Construction crews often experienced “four seasons” in one day, along with sandstorms.

Construction challenge: The site’s topography is complex, with a thick sand layer on the surface and hard rock underneath. The project team tested various machines, continuously revised the construction plan, and combined auger drilling with air compressors to successfully complete the pile foundation work.

Two helical pile lengths were used – 1.8 m and 2.2 m – serving as the foundation for the racking and PV modules. The total estimated investment is 1.04 billion RMB. Upon completion, the project will supply about 360,000 MWh of clean electricity annually, saving approximately 110,000 tonnes of standard coal.

II. International PV Projects

4. Northamptonshire, UK: Lilford Estate Solar Farm

Date: October 2023 | Location: Northamptonshire, England

In October 2023, a one‑mile‑wide solar farm was commissioned on the historic Lilford Estate. The project was delivered by local StopDigging partners Nick and Clare Howard, using a ground‑screw solution that achieved record installation times with minimal environmental impact.

Milestone data: A total of 714 ground screws were installed, making it one of the largest solar farms in the region.

StopDigging is a leading UK manufacturer and installer of ground screws, and the first company to receive BBA certification. The estate’s owners, the Micklewright family, plan to restore the 500‑year‑old landmark building while adhering to sustainability principles.

5. Maine, USA: 6.6 MW Fixed‑Tilt PV Portfolio

Date: May 2023 | Location: Maine, USA

In May 2023, North American solar racking supplier Polar Racking announced that it had been awarded contracts for three fixed‑tilt ground‑mount PV projects in Maine, with a total capacity of 6.6 MW, by UGE.

The three projects are located in Norway (1.1 MW), Qualey (2.7 MW), and Broadway (2.8 MW). The sites have diverse conditions, including challenging terrain such as landfills. Polar Racking provided a range of foundation solutions including ground screws and cast‑in‑place ballasted troughs. Foundation testing and design were completed by PRI Engineering, a specialist geotechnical consultancy.

These projects face winter snow loads of 80‑90 psf (approx. 3.9‑4.4 kN/m²). Polar Racking’s CORE fixed‑tilt racking has previously been proven in extreme environments such as the Canadian Arctic and the Caribbean hurricane belt.

6. California, USA: SEG Fully Converts to Ground Screws

Date: May 2023 | Location: California, USA

In May 2023, California solar installer Sustainable Energy Group (SEG) announced that its ground‑mount solar systems had fully transitioned from traditional concrete foundations to reusable ground screws.

Environmental benefit conversion: By using ground screws instead of concrete, SEG saves an average of 7 cubic yards of concrete per installation project – equivalent to approximately 14 tonnes (28,000 lbs) of concrete avoided in production and transport.

SEG noted that producing 7 cubic yards of concrete requires about 7,000 MJ of energy (equivalent to 63 days of electricity use for an average US household), consumes 770 gallons of water, and generates about 0.7 tonnes of waste. In contrast, ground screws are reusable, better protect soil ecosystems, reduce site disturbance, and perform excellently on slopes and complex construction sites.

III. Technical Background: Why Did Ground Screws Become the PV Standard in 2023?

Based on reports from various 2023 projects, the rapid adoption of ground screws in the PV sector can be summarised as follows:

Especially in ecologically fragile areas (e.g., arid rocky grasslands of Inner Mongolia, coal mining subsidence areas, open‑pit mine waste dumps), the advantage of ground screws – with a diameter of only 8‑9 cm – makes them the only viable environmentally friendly foundation solution.