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A solar array that stays put starts with what holds it to the ground, and the best ground screws for solar skip concrete and dig in by turning. We compared the listings on length, material, pack size and post fit, using only what each listing publishes. More anchors sit in the more picks below. Length is the first figure to compare, since the listings range from post anchors to small fasteners.
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Quick picks
Best Overall American U-Model Anchor: 27-inch anchor for 4×4 posts with winding bar included Check price on Amazon
Best 2-Pack American Model 2 Anchor: 21.5-inch anchor pair with adjustable sleeve rings Check price on Amazon
Best Electrical IDEAL Grounding Screws: 100-pack grounding screws with NEC Article 250 compliance Check price on Amazon
Best 12-Pack YYGCL Tent Stakes: 12-pack of 8-inch stakes with hex head driver Check price on Amazon
Best 100-Pack Skywalker Ground Screws: Box of 100 green self-tapping screws, size 10 Check price on Amazon
The kits we chose
| # | Product | Solar Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American U-Model Anchor | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 | American Model 2 Anchor | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 | IDEAL Grounding Screws | 9.4/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 | YYGCL Tent Stakes | 9.3/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 | Skywalker Ground Screws | 9.3/10 | Buy on Amazon |

American U-Model Anchor
A 27-inch no-dig ground anchor for standard 4x4 posts, with a winding bar and lag bolts.
Pros
- 27-inch length for 4x4 posts at 3.5 by 3.5 inches
- Hot-dipped galvanized steel construction
- Includes a 20-inch winding bar and 5 lag bolts
- No concrete required, removable and relocatable
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No post diameter range beyond 4x4 posts stated
- Single anchor only, no multi-pack stated
- No load rating stated
Detailed Review
American Ground Screw lists a U-Model anchor that is 27 inches from end to end for standard 4x4 posts at an actual 3.5 by 3.5 inches. The listing states hot-dipped galvanized steel, a 20-inch winding bar and 5 lag bolts, no special tools needed, and a weight of 6.5 pounds. The spec table dimensions read 27 by 3 by 4 inches, which matches the stated length.
Who it's for: 4x4 post setups for mailboxes, decks and garden features that want a no-dig anchor. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a stated warranty, or a load rating.
Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 22/25, value 21/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 73 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Length | 27 inches |
|---|---|
| Post fit | 4x4 posts, 3.5 by 3.5 inches |
| Material | Hot-dipped galvanized steel |
| Included | 20-inch winding bar, 5 lag bolts |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Size and fuse it. Match wire gauge and fuses to the current the maker specifies, keep MC4 connectors matched to the same type, and keep connections dry and strain relieved.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

American Model 2 Anchor
A 21.5-inch no-dig ground anchor pair in hot-dipped galvanized steel with adjustable sleeve rings.
Pros
- 21.5-inch length with high-pitch spiral thread
- Hot-dipped galvanized steel, rust resistant
- 2-pack with adjustable sleeve rings
- No concrete required, reusable and relocatable
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No load rating stated
- No post diameter range stated, only adjustable sleeves
- Solar use limited to solar lights in the listing
Detailed Review
American Ground Screw lists a Model 2 anchor that is 21.5 inches long with a 2.63-inch diameter and a weight of 5 pounds, sold as a 2-pack. The listing states hot-dipped galvanized steel, adjustable sleeve rings for multiple post diameters, and a drive depth of 18 inches using a rebar or drive tool through the top eyelet. Uses listed include mailboxes, flagpoles, fencing, umbrellas and solar lights.
Who it's for: mailbox, flagpole and fence setups that want a no-dig anchor pair. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a stated warranty, or a load rating.
Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 71 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Length | 21.5 inches |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 2.63 inches |
| Material | Hot-dipped galvanized steel |
| Pack size | 2 |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Size and fuse it. Match wire gauge and fuses to the current the maker specifies, keep MC4 connectors matched to the same type, and keep connections dry and strain relieved.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

IDEAL Grounding Screws
A 100-pack of combination-drive grounding screws for bonding ground wires to metal boxes.
Pros
- Compliance with Article 250 of the National Electrical Code stated
- 100-pack for the truck
- 10-32 thread-forming, hole-finding tip
- Accommodates solid or stranded wire combinations
Cons
- Not a foundation anchor, an electrical fastener
- No material stated
- No warranty term is stated
- No post fit stated, for metal boxes and device yokes
Detailed Review
IDEAL lists a 100-pack of combination-drive grounding screws that bond ground wires to metal boxes and device yokes. The listing states compliance with Article 250 of the National Electrical Code, a 10-32 screw with a thread-forming, hole-finding tip, and dimensions of 0.5 by 0.38 by 0.38 inches at 0.16 ounces. Note that this is an electrical grounding screw, not a foundation anchor for solar mounts. A licensed electrician should install these.
Who it's for: device grounding work that needs a compliant 100-pack on hand. Who should skip it: anyone shopping for a foundation anchor, or a stated material.
Its Solar Score of 9.4/10 comes from performance 24/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 3/10 and warranty 0/5: 67 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Screw size | 10-32 |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 100 |
| Dimensions | 0.5 by 0.38 by 0.38 inches |
| Compliance | Article 250, National Electrical Code |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Compliance with Article 250 of the National Electrical Code, so safety scores 3 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Size and fuse it. Match wire gauge and fuses to the current the maker specifies, keep MC4 connectors matched to the same type, and keep connections dry and strain relieved.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

YYGCL Tent Stakes
A 12-pack of 8-inch screw-in tent stakes in carbon steel with a galvanized coating.
Pros
- 12-pack of 8-inch stakes
- Carbon steel with galvanized coating
- Threaded details with 0.31-inch diameter
- Hex head driver for drill or impact driver use
Cons
- Length contradiction: spec dimensions read 20 inches long
- Tent stakes, not solar mount anchors
- No warranty term is stated
- No load rating stated
Detailed Review
YYGCL lists a 12-pack of screw-in tent stakes that are 8 inches long and 0.31 inches in diameter, in carbon steel with a galvanized coating and a hex head driver, weighing 0.92 kg. The spec table dimensions read 20 inches long, which conflicts with the 8-inch length in the bullets and the item length field; we trust the 8-inch figure. Uses listed include tents, awnings, shelters, gazebos and landscape trim.
Who it's for: camping setups that want a dozen screw-in stakes with a driver. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a solar mount anchor, or a stated warranty.
Its Solar Score of 9.3/10 comes from performance 26/35, build 19/25, value 19/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 64 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Length | 8 inches |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 0.31 inches |
| Material | Carbon steel, galvanized coating |
| Pack size | 12 |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Size and fuse it. Match wire gauge and fuses to the current the maker specifies, keep MC4 connectors matched to the same type, and keep connections dry and strain relieved.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Pros
- Box of 100 screws
- Self-tapping tip with fully threaded shaft
- Combination 5/16-inch hex, Phillips, slotted and square drive head
- Alloy steel with green rust-resistant coating
Cons
- Small fasteners, not foundation anchors
- No warranty term is stated
- No load rating stated
- No post fit stated
Detailed Review
Skywalker lists a box of 100 self-tapping ground screws in size 10, 0.5 inches long, in alloy steel with a green rust-resistant coating and a flanged head. The drive head combines 5/16-inch hex, Phillips, slotted and square drives, and the weight is 16 ounces. These are small fasteners, not foundation anchors for solar mounts.
Who it's for: bulk fastener jobs that want a 100-count box of self-tapping screws. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a post anchor, or a stated warranty.
Its Solar Score of 9.3/10 comes from performance 23/35, build 19/25, value 19/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 61 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Size | 10 |
|---|---|
| Length | 0.5 inches |
| Material | Alloy steel |
| Pack size | 100 |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. No current rating or safety listing is stated, so safety scores zero. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Size and fuse it. Match wire gauge and fuses to the current the maker specifies, keep MC4 connectors matched to the same type, and keep connections dry and strain relieved.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
More picks to compare
American Ground Screw Model 322-inch anchor for round poles up to 2-3/8 inchesCheck on Amazon
XYADX U Post Anchor 4-PackU-shaped anchor for 4×4 posts with lag bolts includedCheck on Amazon
Numbers side by side
| Ground screw | Solar Score | Length | Material | Pack size | Post fit | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American U-Model Anchor | 9.5/10 | 27 inches | Hot-dipped galvanized steel | 1 | 4×4 posts, 3.5 by 3.5 inches | View on Amazon |
| American Model 2 Anchor | 9.5/10 | 21.5 inches | Hot-dipped galvanized steel | 2 | Adjustable sleeve rings | View on Amazon |
| IDEAL Grounding Screws | 9.4/10 | 0.5 inches | Not stated | 100 | Metal boxes and device yokes | View on Amazon |
| YYGCL Tent Stakes | 9.3/10 | 8 inches | Carbon steel | 12 | Not stated | View on Amazon |
| Skywalker Ground Screws | 9.3/10 | 0.5 inches | Alloy steel | 100 | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 25 October 2026.
Where the points went
The Solar Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For ground screws, safety means stated safety-relevant certifications or protections; only one listing here states one, so safety scored zero elsewhere, and none of the five listings state a warranty term. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Solar Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American U-Model Anchor | 9.5 | 30 | 22 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| American Model 2 Anchor | 9.5 | 29 | 21 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| IDEAL Grounding Screws | 9.4 | 24 | 20 | 20 | 3 | 0 |
| YYGCL Tent Stakes | 9.3 | 26 | 19 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
| Skywalker Ground Screws | 9.3 | 23 | 19 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
How to choose the best ground screws for solar
Length and post fit
Length sets how deep the anchor bites. The U-Model is 27 inches from end to end and fits standard 4×4 posts at an actual 3.5 by 3.5 inches, while Model 2 is 21.5 inches long with adjustable sleeve rings for multiple post diameters. The smaller listings are far shorter: YYGCL stakes are 8 inches long, and both Skywalker and IDEAL screws are 0.5 inches long. For a solar mount post, the two American anchors are the only listings here sized for posts; the rest are stakes and fasteners. The U-Model ships with a 20-inch winding bar, and Model 2 accepts a rebar or drive tool through the top eyelet.
| Ground screw | Length | Material | Pack size | Post fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American U-Model Anchor | 27 inches | Hot-dipped galvanized steel | 1 | 4×4 posts, 3.5 by 3.5 inches |
| American Model 2 Anchor | 21.5 inches | Hot-dipped galvanized steel | 2 | Adjustable sleeve rings |
| IDEAL Grounding Screws | 0.5 inches | Not stated | 100 | Metal boxes and device yokes |
| YYGCL Tent Stakes | 8 inches | Carbon steel | 12 | Not stated |
| Skywalker Ground Screws | 0.5 inches | Alloy steel | 100 | Not stated |
Materials and coatings
Coatings separate the outdoor anchors from the small fasteners. Both American anchors are hot-dipped galvanized steel, which the listings state resists rust and corrosion. YYGCL stakes are carbon steel with a galvanized coating, and Skywalker screws are alloy steel with a green rust-resistant coating. IDEAL states no material at all. All three outdoor anchors state rust resistance in some form, while the small fasteners state coatings only. See adjustable vs fixed solar panel mount and aluminum vs stainless steel solar panel mount for mount material trade-offs.
Pack sizes and uses
Pack size tracks the job. Model 2 comes as a 2-pack with adjustable sleeve rings, and the U-Model comes as one anchor with a 20-inch winding bar and 5 lag bolts. YYGCL is a 12-pack of tent stakes for tents, awnings and shelters, while Skywalker and IDEAL are 100-packs of small screws. Note that IDEAL is an electrical grounding screw for bonding ground wires to metal boxes, not a foundation anchor, and the tent stakes and small screws here suit lighter holding jobs than a solar mount post.
Sizing Notes
- Match the length: 27 inches on the U-Model, 21.5 inches on Model 2, 8 inches on YYGCL, 0.5 inches on Skywalker and IDEAL.
- Match the post fit: the U-Model fits 4×4 posts at 3.5 by 3.5 inches; Model 2 includes adjustable sleeve rings.
- Match the material: hot-dipped galvanized steel on both American anchors, carbon steel on YYGCL, alloy steel on Skywalker; IDEAL states no material.
- Match the pack size: 2 on Model 2, 12 on YYGCL, 100 on Skywalker and IDEAL.
FAQ: power away from the grid
Which ground screws here fit 4×4 posts?
The U-Model fits standard 4×4 posts at an actual 3.5 by 3.5 inches. Model 2 includes adjustable sleeve rings for multiple post diameters. Neither listing states a load rating, so post fit and length are the figures to compare.
Which ground screws here are no-dig?
Both American anchors state no-dig installation with no concrete required. The other listings state no such claim.
Which listing here is an electrical grounding screw?
IDEAL is a combination-drive grounding screw that bonds ground wires to metal boxes and device yokes. It is not a foundation anchor.
What materials do these ground screws use?
Both American anchors are hot-dipped galvanized steel, YYGCL is carbon steel with a galvanized coating, and Skywalker is alloy steel. IDEAL states no material.
Which listing has a length contradiction?
YYGCL: the bullets and the item length field state 8 inches, but the spec table dimensions read 20 inches long. We trust the 8-inch figure.
Related solar guides
See every solar panels and kits guide.
More picks: adjustable vs fixed solar panel mount, aluminum vs stainless steel solar panel mount, and best mc4 connectors for solar panels.





