32.5Kw grid tie ground mount DIY install.

[Rancher35]

Going to post updates here hopefully someone will find it useful.

X100 Q-Cell peak Duo 325 panels paired with enphase IQ7+ inverters.

Ironridge ground mount 3in.

 

[RV10flyer]

You'll love it. 36500 total so far between home, shop, power shed, van. It's addictive. Keep us updated!

 

[Rancher35]

North piers are in.. So glad to be done with concrete mixing, blah!

 

[Snow Belt Solar]

How is your electric company with net metering? I was told by my company anything over 9.4 kw AC grid tie would require a bigger transformer by the house.
You will be running about 120 amps AC? That is a big project, looking forward to updates.

 

[Nobodybusiness]

Going to post updates here hopefully someone will find it useful.

X100 Q-Cell peak Duo 325 wall panels paired with enphase IQ7+ inverters.

Ironridge ground mount 3in.

Very Nice!!

 

[Lt.Dan]

How is your electric company with net metering? I was told by my company anything over 9.4 kw AC grid tie would require a bigger transformer by the house.
You will be running about 120 amps AC? That is a big project, looking forward to updates.

I think that is dictated by the transformer in your neighborhood/area. I have a 50kVa transformer practically in my driveway, which feeds 8 homes in my cul-de-sac. My solar guy told me once he does the install on my home (11kw), and includong the 4 other homes that already have solar, (unknown on their size) the city won't allow any of my neighbors to get solar because it would be too much for the transformer. Whoever decides on solar after me will have to petition SCE to put in a larger transformer.

Idk how true that is, because what are the odds of all 5 of our homes backfeeding 100% of our rated PV energy, without using any of it?

 

[RV10flyer]

I think that is dictated by the transformer in your neighborhood/area. I have a 50kVa transformer practically in my driveway, which feeds 8 homes in my cul-de-sac. My solar guy told me once he does the install on my home (11kw), and includong the 4 other homes that already have solar, (unknown on their size) the city won't allow any of my neighbors to get solar because it would be too much for the transformer. Whoever decides on solar after me will have to petition SCE to put in a larger transformer.

Idk how true that is, because what are the odds of all 5 of our homes backfeeding 100% of our rated PV energy, without using any of it?

If I was connected to the grid, on bright sunny days, I could feed 16,000 W into the grid out of 20,640 anytime after 1 PM when our 143kWh is topped off.

 

[Rancher35]

How is your electric company with net metering? I was told by my company anything over 9.4 kw AC grid tie would require a bigger transformer by the house.
You will be running about 120 amps AC? That is a big project, looking forward to updates.

I did have to have the transformer upgraded, had a 15kv they upgraded it to a 25kv to handle the solar..

 

[Rancher35]

Got the top rail on the north piers installed today, highly recommend a lift of some sort with this 3in pipe, 24ft sticks are darn heavy..

 

[Rancher35]

Finally getting to mount some panels. Opted to only install the first half of rails case I had an unforeseen issue. 4th and 5th rows need a second person for sure to get them up and in position. Tell this point I’ve been able to do everything on my own with the bobcat.

 

[Shimmy]

4th and 5th rows need a second person for sure to get them up and in position.

Don't want to use a block and tackle and pull them up from the bottom?

Looks great!

 

[Rancher35]

Rails are all in, time to hang more panels..

 

[Weldman]

How far are your poles spaced apart holding the top railing?

 

[Rancher35]

How far are your poles spaced apart holding the top railing?

Poles are 11ft 9in spacing coming out of the ground.

 

[Rancher35]

You just might be a redneck if? ?

 

[Shimmy]

You just might be a redneck if? ?

Sometimes the right tool for the job is the tool you have!

 

[Weldman]

You just might be a redneck if? ?

Redneck you say

 

[Rancher35]

All done hanging glass! Electrical now begins..

 

[Solar Guppy]

Very nice work, though you really need to have some x bracing across the support poles.

 

[Rancher35]

Very nice work, though you really need to have some x bracing across the support poles.

I agree, the plans don’t call for any but I do have sole poles I plan on adding that are just lying around. I’ll probably just do the ends E-W and N-S and the middle area for some added support..