diy solar

diy solar

Is my DIY ground mound idea stupid?

beckkl

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So, I'm planning on building my own ground solar racking, as I am fairly handy and a cheapskate. I also really want to be able to adjust the tilt during the winter (Upper Peninsula of MI). I was thinking of doing something where I would bury a single row of 4x6 posts every 6-8 feet or so or , with the idea of drilling a 3" hole through them and threading a pipe through them. I'd also do the same through a sub structure of 2x8 lumber, which would be the base of the mounting. The idea then would be to lay purlins on top (maybe unistrut) for mounting the panels. I would mount the panels horizontally (2), which would mean for a long footprint but hopefully the weight would be well distributed. Just wanted to hear any feedback before I waste any time on a silly idea.
 
I have something similar. Instead of a pipe going through the 4x4s I have a bolt.
I framed a pair of panels between each post (since I'm using a 2s string)
PVC pipe for levers to make tilt adjustment, Bolt through the pipe into hole in the 2x4 to lock in place

solar mount 1.jpgsolar mount 2.jpgsolar mount 3.jpgsolar mount 4.jpg

PS:
The panels in the back are on a temporary mount until I get the ideal winter alignment. It too is adjustable using hinges.
 
So, I'm planning on building my own ground solar racking, as I am fairly handy and a cheapskate. I also really want to be able to adjust the tilt during the winter (Upper Peninsula of MI). I was thinking of doing something where I would bury a single row of 4x6 posts every 6-8 feet or so or , with the idea of drilling a 3" hole through them and threading a pipe through them. I'd also do the same through a sub structure of 2x8 lumber, which would be the base of the mounting. The idea then would be to lay purlins on top (maybe unistrut) for mounting the panels. I would mount the panels horizontally (2), which would mean for a long footprint but hopefully the weight would be well distributed. Just wanted to hear any feedback before I waste any time on a silly idea.
A 3" hole through a 4x6 won't leave much wood... weather will rot the remaining material in very short order.
 
A 3" hole through a 4x6 won't leave much wood... weather will rot the remaining material in very short order.
Nice. Yeah, the more I think of it I am thinking I would put a post in between each set of panels. Way more up front work, but I worry about the stability of 200lbs of panels (+ lumber) sitting primarily on a single pipe span 12' long. Thanks for the pics!
 
IMO and experience, 4x4 posts are more than enough (with braces like mine) and a good sized bolt is plenty to hold the weight of the wooden frame and panels. Getting the posts set perfectly spaced is not really a problem, just make the frame's upright pieces to fit between the posts.
I!<----->!I
 
So, I've been thinking on this more. My main concern with this system is having consistent power throughout the year. This means enough solar capacity to generate 5 or so KWH a day . The other concern is snow on the panels. I may go many weeks without being up there to clean them. I am seriously considering just buying a few more panels, and mounting the panels at 90deg. This would greatly simplify the racking, and still produce more than enough power in the summer months. Sounds kind of dumb but I am increasingly liking the "set it and forget it" aspect. I know the sail effect is real, so that would be a consideration. I would think if I made a big 'ol frame out of 4x4s that would be enough to handle the wind load. I dunno.
 
I am seriously considering just buying a few more panels, and mounting the panels at 90deg. This would greatly simplify the racking, and still produce more than enough power in the summer months. Sounds kind of dumb but I am increasingly liking the "set it and forget it" aspect.
There were earlier posts from extreme cold northern regions where vertical was the preferred method. Probably the only method!

Perpendicular to the equinox would be my preferred setting for any areas outside extreme north or south if a choice is available,
 
I have something similar. Instead of a pipe going through the 4x4s I have a bolt.
I framed a pair of panels between each post (since I'm using a 2s string)
PVC pipe for levers to make tilt adjustment, Bolt through the pipe into hole in the 2x4 to lock in place

View attachment 65493View attachment 65494View attachment 65495View attachment 65496

PS:
The panels in the back are on a temporary mount until I get the ideal winter alignment. It too is adjustable using hinges.

Yours is kinda built like mine, no problems with my setup either.
 

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I have been looking a similar designs, but more than a little concerned about getting them past a permit stage. Has anyone had experience with getting a signed permit for this type of structure?
 
I have a similar design where I hinge the framework carrying the panels at the top if the post about 4 inches down with 1" bolts and pivot the frame up to the angle I want. I use a couple of notched 2x4 to lock the frame at the angle and and when storms are coming I can remove the 2x4 braces and put the frame at vertical.

Right now I have 6 panels for 2 strings and I want to add some panels to each side at an angle to capture early and late sun. Not sure how to mount that yet.
 
So, I've been thinking on this more. My main concern with this system is having consistent power throughout the year. This means enough solar capacity to generate 5 or so KWH a day . The other concern is snow on the panels. I may go many weeks without being up there to clean them. I am seriously considering just buying a few more panels, and mounting the panels at 90deg. This would greatly simplify the racking, and still produce more than enough power in the summer months. Sounds kind of dumb but I am increasingly liking the "set it and forget it" aspect. I know the sail effect is real, so that would be a consideration. I would think if I made a big 'ol frame out of 4x4s that would be enough to handle the wind load. I dunno.

These are my DIY mounts; I'm at 63 degrees north:


Not 90°, but around 70° or so if I remember correctly. It's a fixed angle, optimized for late autumn/early spring. I don't care for winter since there isn't enough sun anyway, and on a sunny winter day the snow reflects a ton of light to get the most out of it. Snow generally doesn't collect on these even at this angle. In summer, I produce more than I can use (10kW of panels).

Personally in your case, I wouldn't bother with adjustable angles. Keep it simple, and just add more panels if you need it.
 
If you can, I would try to mount the panels so that the minimum clearance in any situation is high enough to walk and drive your vehicles freely underneath. That way you can also use it for storage or a garden area for plants that prefer to grow in the shade.

For this region, we tend to run short on power first thing in the morning or late afternoon, so for us, the ideal panel arrangement is to have roughly:
~ 25% face the sun at 9 am
~ 25% face the sun at 2 pm
~ 50 % face the sun at 6 pm

(Based on summer sun positions)

In MI, it might make more sense to just point them all south?
 
Honestly, after driving around last weekend and seeing snow on every panel, I am seriously considering just mounting them at 90deg and buying more panels.

That is what I ended up doing at my off grid work shop. The panels are vertical and mounted on the side of a metro shelf with wheels.
 
So, I'm planning on building my own ground solar racking, as I am fairly handy and a cheapskate. I also really want to be able to adjust the tilt during the winter (Upper Peninsula of MI). I was thinking of doing something where I would bury a single row of 4x6 posts every 6-8 feet or so or , with the idea of drilling a 3" hole through them and threading a pipe through them. I'd also do the same through a sub structure of 2x8 lumber, which would be the base of the mounting. The idea then would be to lay purlins on top (maybe unistrut) for mounting the panels. I would mount the panels horizontally (2), which would mean for a long footprint but hopefully the weight would be well distributed. Just wanted to hear any feedback before I waste any time on a silly idea.
I am kicking around the idea of repurposing a residential aluminum extension ladder by cutting out the wrungs and using the side rails to attch the panels to. You can buy them cheap at auctions Yard Sales, FB market place or Craig's List, etc. Very sturdy as well. And depending on your array, the lengths of these ladders are made to 40'. Anyone else do this?
 
I have something similar. Instead of a pipe going through the 4x4s I have a bolt.
I framed a pair of panels between each post (since I'm using a 2s string)
PVC pipe for levers to make tilt adjustment, Bolt through the pipe into hole in the 2x4 to lock in place

View attachment 65493View attachment 65494View attachment 65495View attachment 65496

PS:
The panels in the back are on a temporary mount until I get the ideal winter alignment. It too is adjustable using hinges.
Nice job on the construction. The only thought that comes to my mind think about constructing my own using PT wood is warping. If the wood warps enough, it could strain the panel and crack the glass. I have seen enough PT bow and twist that makes me think not to use it in the frame for the panels. The uprights and the braces I think would be fine.
 
Nice job on the construction. The only thought that comes to my mind think about constructing my own using PT wood is warping. If the wood warps enough, it could strain the panel and crack the glass. I have seen enough PT bow and twist that makes me think not to use it in the frame for the panels. The uprights and the braces I think would be fine.
I've also seen some bows and twists in PT lumber but generally it's been in longer, unsupported lengths than what I used.
The main/hinged pieces are 5ft and the panel supports are about 4ft.
I figured I'd see minimum warping and so far, so good. (16 months)

I am kicking around the idea of repurposing a residential aluminum extension ladder by cutting out the wrungs and using the side rails to attch the panels to. You can buy them cheap at auctions Yard Sales, FB market place or Craig's List, etc. Very sturdy as well. And depending on your array, the lengths of these ladders are made to 40'. Anyone else do this?
Well, at least you got me thinking.
I'm meaning to expand my array and I have a bent section of ladder that might make a couple good rails.
It definitely warrants a good look see.
 
I've also seen some bows and twists in PT lumber but generally it's been in longer, unsupported lengths than what I used.
The main/hinged pieces are 5ft and the panel supports are about 4ft.
I figured I'd see minimum warping and so far, so good. (16 months)


Well, at least you got me thinking.
I'm meaning to expand my array and I have a bent section of ladder that might make a couple good rails.
It definitely warrants a good look see.
I had a large collection of 2x6 aluminum square tubing from an old hot tub patio frame set... about 20 8' sections stacked up in my yard...
Damn criminals stole them along with 4 18'long lengths of 6" round steel tubing I had to build with...
I'm so angry about it... I had such plans for it.
 
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