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diy solar

My scrap 2x4 ground mounted panels!

A.Justice

Swears he didn't start that fire.
Joined
Sep 12, 2020
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I didn't want to spend more money on panel mounts, so I used some old wood! Completely free, and it's stood up to 65+ mph winds.
 

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How do you have the panels locked in place to the 2x4? I can't quite tell but am interested. (I used unistruts)
 
Yes please show how you locked the panels. I am on the verge of a very similar build. Ideas ... ideas... ideas. please.
 
How do you have the panels locked in place to the 2x4? I can't quite tell but am interested. (I used unistruts)
I screwed leftover pieces over the top and bottom of the panels, you can see the 2x4 blocks at the top and bottom of each panel.
 
Is the lower section attached to the top section (other than the panels themselves)? (the side we can see looks like that 2x4 on the ground is just floating not attached to the back frame?

I'm in the same dilemma. I have (2) 275W 36v panels that I want to mount and don't want to have to spend $$$ on a new mounting system...
 
They are attached to the frame at 2 of the other down posts from the top, but the 2 that float are sunk 2 feet into the ground, and screwed tight.
 

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Just an idea guys.
You might want to seal the wood so it does not rot.
Urethane would do the job for a while for instance.
Heck, even a good pain.
Just so it doesn't rot and then surprise you by flying away is all. :)
I have built wooden stuff outdoors and it can rot pretty fast. Especially so close to the ground.

Hope this helps someone :)
 
I screwed leftover pieces over the top and bottom of the panels, you can see the 2x4 blocks at the top and bottom of each panel.
The bottom 2x4 do look like they clamp over frame of panel (causing shading for some sun angle)
But the top 2x4 look like they just press on edge of frame. I'd worry that your 65 mph winds could swirl behind and pop them out. If not last storm, maybe next one as the wood warps.
My property had a fence with 1x1" strips securing fence boards to top and bottom rails by the very end. Pieces constantly fell out.
I would suggest finding a way to secure it so they can't get away. Maybe just tie wires from the holes on their back to the wood.
 
The bottom 2x4 do look like they clamp over frame of panel (causing shading for some sun angle)
But the top 2x4 look like they just press on edge of frame. I'd worry that your 65 mph winds could swirl behind and pop them out. If not last storm, maybe next one as the wood warps.
My property had a fence with 1x1" strips securing fence boards to top and bottom rails by the very end. Pieces constantly fell out.
I would suggest finding a way to secure it so they can't get away. Maybe just tie wires from the holes on their back to the wood.
That's correct, they just pinch the frame. I'll get some wire ties on there soon, I think you are right about then eventually going.
 
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