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Signature Solar 6-space rack

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Mar 9, 2022
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I just received my order from Signature Solar this week and everything seems to have arrived in good condition. I haven't mounted my inverter yet, but the pre-assembled rack and batteries are all set up, fully charged and functioning correctly.

The one thing I noticed is that the Lifepower4 batteries are protruding from the back of the rack and I can't attach the rear panel. Has anyone seen this before? Is there an easy fix for this?


rack3.jpeg

rack2.jpeg
 
Yes, I encountered the same thing and solved it by flipping over the battery mounting ears. This moved the batteries forward about an inch, just enough to install the back cover.

But note that the mounting ears don't have paint on the side that is supposed to bolted to the mounting rails, I assume for grounding. In my case I flipped the mounting ears and filed off some paint to ensure good metal to metal contact.
 
It seems like the rack can be improved a bit for sure. As I loaded each battery starting at the bottom rail position, it became harder and harder to line up the screws and nuts to the holes on the ears. It doesn't seem like the square spaces for the clip nuts are evenly spaced when used in conjunction with the rail positions. As for the battery protruding from the back, it appears as though the front vertical mounting bars are too far back from the front of the rack.
 
SunFarmer said:
Yes, I encountered the same thing and solved it by flipping over the battery mounting ears. This moved the batteries forward about an inch, just enough to install the back cover.

But note that the mounting ears don't have paint on the side that is supposed to bolted to the mounting rails, I assume for grounding. In my case I flipped the mounting ears and filed off some paint to ensure good metal to metal contact.
Click to expand...
could you send me a picture of this?
 
I suppose adding a pre-drilled spacer block/shim between the ears on the battery and the vertical rack bar and providing longer screws would do the trick to pull the batteries forward, but I think a better solution is to add spacers to the rear panel and maybe some longer bolts since there is less weight involved. All I need is about 1/4" since the rear panel screen is held out about 1/2" from where the panel frame connects to the back of the rack.

Maybe something like this will work to gain some clearance:
 
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I had the same issue and just flipped the ears. Now the batteries stick out slightly. I am not sure if this affects anything because I am not up and running yet
 
BenFromSignatureSolar said:
could you send me a picture of this?
Click to expand...
Ben, here are pictures of my battery cabinet with modified battery mounting. I also considered installing spacers, which I didn't have on hand, so settled on flipping the mounting ears (no additional material). Also, flipped the ears without taking the 100lb battery out of the rack again by removing side covers (only four screws each).
 

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There are lots of good rack manufactures out there. Some shallow, some deep. You don't have to use one from a solar company. I would think an open back may be better vs say full enclosure for heat management.
 
Yeah it's not a big deal to leave the back off I guess but I will probably just use some spacers. I'm more annoyed at the mounting nut locations not lining up with the ear slots on the batteries. This should be easy since most rack mount equipment is standard dimensions. I think the shelf locations aren't precise or weren't designed specifically with the ear hole locations in mind. As long as I can get a few screws in it should be good enough.

I do like stuff to just work as it should though. Welcome to DIY! ;)
 
For what it is worth I've run into server rack equipment before that didn't line up quite right either. Standard dimensions yes, but somehow a lot of places can't seem to use a ruler very well!
 
SparkyJJO said:
For what it is worth I've run into server rack equipment before that didn't line up quite right either. Standard dimensions yes, but somehow a lot of places can't seem to use a ruler very well!
Click to expand...
Yeah, there is usually some engineered solution to adapting to misalignment...like having slotted ear plates and mounting brackets to allow for small adjustments.
 
Browse said:
Yeah, there is usually some engineered solution to adapting to misalignment...like having slotted ear plates and mounting brackets to allow for small adjustments.
Click to expand...
bringing back bad memories. Nothing an over sized drill bit can't fix on a $20k piece of rack mount equipment. I always liked the predrilled and threaded racks vs the square pop in thread inserts. Tessco sells those nice rack screws with the recessed wide washers. I always kept a box of them with my tools.
 
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