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Mounting 255W Solar Panels on side of pole barn

JAS

Solar Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 16, 2020
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Hi all,

I'm thinking of hanging my (2) 255W Panels on the side of my pole barn (south facing side). I'm planning on building an aluminum unistrut mount at a 45 degree angle off the side. Aside from bolting through the steel siding, there is (1) 2x6 and (2) 2x4 crossbeams on the inside that I will secure to with lag screws.

Does anyone see a problem with the weight hanging off the side like that?

Thanks,

Jeff

EDIT: Didn't realize there was a "Solar Array Mounting Methods and Advice" forum. Please move if necessary...
 
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No problem but 45 degree angle may be too slanted for optimal sun, depends on your latitude.
 
I'm in SouthEast PA. Looking up the solar angle calculators, 49 degrees is the average. So since I can only find 45 degree angle brackets for unistrut, I'm thinking that is close enough (maybe favoring cooler weather a bit)...
 
I'm in SouthEast PA. Looking up the solar angle calculators, 49 degrees is the average. So since I can only find 45 degree angle brackets for unistrut, I'm thinking that is close enough (maybe favoring cooler weather a bit)...
Couple degrees off from optimal doesn't make noticeable difference on yearly output.
You lose 0,1% if 5 degrees off from optimal
 
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I live a bit further south than you and in the mid summer the sun is northeast and northwest in the mornings and evenings. You might get a lot of shading from the building if you are not very close to the top of your wall. Even then morning and evening shading should be expected. If you have much of a roof overhang on the south, it will be worse.
 
Yes, I've eyeballed the spot where I want to hang it. It gets good sun from around 9:00 AM thru 3:00 PM. If I cut a few trees down, I can get another hour or two in the afternoon...
 
Curious why not mount to roof? I have a pole barn I’m considering adding panels to. The slopes of my roof face West and East. Wondering if that’s why you’re thinking of mounting to side of your building. I hadn’t thought of that.
 
Yes, that is the main reason. The side wall faces South (slightly South/West actually). But, I also hate drilling holes into roofs :) (I would do it on a shed (and have), but I can't get myself to do it on our garage)
 
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