SOLAR BLOG

Key Takeaways

• Rammed earth is a sustainable and durable building method using natural materials – like clay and soil.
• Rammed earth foundation is eco-friendly since it reduces heating and cooling costs for solar arrays. 
• Challenges include high initial costs, labor intensity, and climate suitability considerations. 
• Nuance Energy’s earth anchor foundation is a more adaptable and cost-effective alternative to rammed earth foundations for solar installations.

Rammed Earth Foundations for Solar Arrays

Rammed Earth Construction

Rammed earth foundations are walls made from compacted natural materials like soil, clay, and gravel. Here’s how they are made:

• Soil, clay, and gravel are mixed together. 
• The mixture is poured into formwork and compacted layer by layer—this step is key for building strength and density. 
• After compacting, the formwork is removed to reveal a solid, monolithic wall.

Why Use Rammed Earth for Solar Arrays?

One of the main advantages of rammed earth is its use of local materials. Transportation costs and the carbon footprint of the construction process are minimized.  

The thermal mass properties of rammed earth help regulate indoor temperatures – so you don’t need artificial heating and cooling that much. 

This energy-saving property makes it great for supporting solar arrays too!

Pros of Rammed Earth Foundations

Initial Investment vs. Long-Term Savings

The upfront cost of constructing a rammed-earth foundation can be higher than traditional methods due to the labor-intensive process – but using local materials can greatly reduce material costs. 

More importantly, the energy savings achieved through the thermal mass properties of rammed earth can lead to substantial long-term savings.

Over time, the reduced need for heating and cooling can even offset the initial investment, making rammed earth a cost-effective choice for sustainable construction.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

By using local soil, clay, and gravel, they cut down on the need for transported materials – which means less emissions from long-distance hauling. This lowers the carbon footprint and also supports local economies by sourcing materials from nearby.

In general, making rammed earth uses less energy than making concrete or steel.

Natural Insulation and Temperature Regulation

Rammed earth is great for regulating indoor temperatures. It absorbs, stores, and releases heat slowly, which helps keep the temperature stable. This is especially useful for solar arrays, as it reduces temperature fluctuations that could affect their performance.

Rammed earth also makes buildings more energy efficient. This means you don’t need to rely on additional heating or cooling systems as much, which saves energy.

Durability and Longevity

The compacted layers of soil and clay form a dense and robust foundation that can stand the test of time. Unlike some modern construction materials that may degrade or require frequent maintenance, rammed earth is built to last with minimal upkeep.

This durability is particularly useful for solar arrays, which require a stable and long-lasting foundation.

Cons of Rammed Earth Foundations

The installation process for rammed earth foundations and solar arrays can be challenging due to the time-consuming preparation and specialized techniques required for both systems.

High Initial Cost and Labor Intensity

The initial cost of a rammed-earth foundation can be pretty high, mainly because it’s a very hands-on process. It often takes skilled labor to make sure the materials are mixed and layered properly, which can make the costs go up.

The construction process is pretty time-consuming, which can extend project timelines and potentially lead to additional expenses. So, while the long-term savings are significant, the upfront investment may be a barrier for some projects.

However, if time and cost are your main concerns, there are other options available. For example, Nuance Energy’s OSPREY PowerRack®, with its earth anchor foundation, requires less excavation, no concrete and minimal labor, making it more affordable than rammed earth foundations. The system’s simpler installation process also helps lower overall expenses for solar projects.

“Our Earth Anchor System allows for nimble, fast deployment, making it easy for installers to scale up quickly and tackle multiple projects without being constrained by the need for heavy machinery.” — Tommy Boguess, Nuance Energy

Potential Permitting and Code Issues

Another challenge is handling the permitting and code requirements for rammed earth construction. Since this method isn’t used as much as traditional building techniques, some places might have special rules or need extra paperwork to approve these projects. 

Talk to local officials and experienced professionals to make sure you’re following all the right codes and getting the right permits before you start building a rammed earth foundation. 

In contrast, the OSPREY PowerRack® doesn’t need detailed geotechnical reports, which makes the installation process faster and reduces delays and costs.

Environmental Suitability and Climate Considerations

Cold weather may lead to heat loss and structural issues from temperature fluctuations.

Rammed earth is best suited for specific climates and environmental conditions. For instance, areas with high rainfall or extreme cold may require additional measures to protect the structure from moisture damage or temperature extremes.

In some cases, additional insulation or protective coatings may be necessary to ensure the foundation’s longevity and performance.

Nuance Energy’s patented earth anchor foundation is great for uneven terrain as it adapts easily to varying slopes and soil conditions.

What Makes Nuance Energy’s Patented Earth Anchor Foundation a Good Alternative?

First of all, the earth anchor foundation doesn’t need concrete, which cuts down on both material and labor costs compared to rammed earth foundations.

It’s also quicker to install. You can install earth anchors in a single day with just basic tools, whereas rammed earth systems often require more time and heavy machinery.

Earth anchors can be used in a lot of different types of terrain like rocky or icy ground, which is great if the soil conditions aren’t ideal for rammed earth foundations. They’re also easier to get permits for than other types of foundations since they don’t require extensive geotechnical reports.

Earth anchor foundations are more eco-friendly too since you can use them without any excavation or heavy machinery. 

Ready to take the next step? 

Talk to our team to learn more about our products and get a quote for your upcoming project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is rammed earth and how is it used in construction?

Rammed earth is a construction technique that involves compacting a mixture of soil, clay, and gravel into a formwork to create solid walls with excellent thermal mass. This method is used to build durable and sustainable structures.

How does the cost of rammed earth compare to other materials?

While the initial cost of rammed-earth construction can be higher due to labor intensity, the use of local materials often reduces overall expenses. Additionally, the long-term energy savings from its thermal mass properties can offset the initial investment, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.

What are the environmental benefits of using rammed earth?

Rammed earth has many environmental benefits, including a low carbon footprint due to the use of local materials. It also requires minimal energy for production and provides natural insulation, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. 

Are there any alternatives to rammed earth foundations for solar? 

Nuance Energy’s OSPREY PowerRack® uses an earth anchor foundation as an efficient alternative to rammed earth foundations. It requires no concrete and can be installed quickly without heavy equipment, reducing labor costs and installation time. This makes it a great choice for challenging terrains where traditional methods would be more expensive and time-consuming.