Mona Steel supplies galvanized pile foundations for solar projects across California, the Southwest and the nation. We supply roll-formed C-piles and U-piles and hot-rolled W-Beam piles to your racking drawings, ready to drive.
| C-pile | U-pile | W-Beam pile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section | Cold-formed C-section, roll formed | Open U-section | Hot-rolled W-Beam (wide flange) |
| Typical use | Tracker and fixed-tilt systems | Brackets on multiple faces | Single-axis trackers and higher-load designs |
| Perforation | Perforated or non-perforated | Perforated or non-perforated | Custom slotted or perforated |
| Grades | Cold-formed high-strength steel | Cold-formed high-strength steel | ASTM A572 Gr. 50, A992, A588, A709 |
| Finish | Hot-dip galvanized per ASTM A123 | Hot-dip galvanized per ASTM A123 | Hot-dip galvanized per ASTM A123 |
| What you send | Pile drawings, quantity, coating, location and schedule | Pile drawings, quantity, coating, location and schedule | Pile drawings, quantity, coating, location and schedule |
C-piles
- Section
- Cold-formed C-section, roll formed
- Typical use
- Tracker and fixed-tilt systems
- Perforation
- Perforated or non-perforated
- Grades
- Cold-formed high-strength steel
- Finish
- Hot-dip galvanized per ASTM A123
- What you send
- Pile drawings, quantity, coating, location and schedule
U-piles
- Section
- Open U-section
- Typical use
- Brackets on multiple faces
- Perforation
- Perforated or non-perforated
- Grades
- Cold-formed high-strength steel
- Finish
- Hot-dip galvanized per ASTM A123
- What you send
- Pile drawings, quantity, coating, location and schedule
W-Beam piles
- Section
- Hot-rolled W-Beam (wide flange)
- Typical use
- Single-axis trackers and higher-load designs
- Perforation
- Custom slotted or perforated
- Grades
- ASTM A572 Gr. 50, A992, A588, A709
- Finish
- Hot-dip galvanized per ASTM A123
- What you send
- Pile drawings, quantity, coating, location and schedule
C-piles for solar foundations
C-piles are cold-formed channel sections used as foundation supports for ground-mounted solar arrays. The open C-shape takes rails and brackets directly, and punched or slotted webs accept brackets at adjustable heights. Because they are roll formed, C-piles are efficient to produce in the high volumes that utility-scale projects demand.
- Non-perforated C-piles for standard embedments and fixed attachment heights
- Perforated C-piles with punched patterns for adjustable bracket heights on uneven terrain
U-piles
U-piles offer an open section that drives efficiently and provides flat faces for bracket attachment. Like C-piles, they are available perforated or non-perforated and can be produced in custom lengths and gauges.
W-Beam piles
Hot-rolled W-Beam piles (wide flange) are specified for single-axis trackers and higher-load designs, and where harder driving conditions call for a heavier section.
- Produced to ASTM A6, in grades including ASTM A572 Grade 50, A992, A588 and A709
- Custom slotted and perforated W-Beams, with laser-cut or milled slots
- Hot-dip galvanized per ASTM A123
Quality you can document
Every shipment includes mill test reports and galvanizing certifications. Piles are bundled and labeled by type, length and block so your receiving team and pile-driving crews can find the right steel fast.
Solar Piles FAQ
What is the difference between a C-pile and a W-Beam pile?
A C-pile is a cold-formed channel section produced by roll forming, which makes it light and efficient to produce in volume. A W-Beam pile is a hot-rolled wide flange shape with higher section properties, often preferred for tracker systems, higher loads or harder driving conditions. Your racking manufacturer and geotechnical engineer will set the required section.
Why are some solar piles perforated?
Perforations and slots allow brackets and tracker bearings to be attached at different heights, giving installers vertical adjustment on uneven terrain without field drilling.
How is galvanizing thickness determined for solar piles?
Coating thickness is usually specified from the soil corrosivity data in the geotechnical report and the required design life of the project. Hot-dip galvanizing per ASTM A123 is the standard approach for driven piles.
What information do you need for a pile quote?
Pile drawings (section, length, hole pattern), quantity by type, coating requirement, delivery location and the project schedule.