Complete Off-Grid House - 3000 sqft Ranch - Michigan
- Thread starter Over9000
- Start date
B-Mod
Solar Wizard
I was going to mod mine and drill new holes to get more tilt as the wind here is not that great and I have a woods right behind my ground mount. But like everything this fall, I ran out of time. We got 5 inches and on sunday am before 8:30 1/3rd was snow free, I cleaned the rest as I wanted max sun after not seeing sun for a week. At 60 degrees cleaning them is not hard work. Even my wife can do it, although I hear about it, lol.
Over9000
3rd Shift Ass. Manager @ 2nd-Hand Adult Toy Store
These are mine. No welding needed.
I've built another one:
Before you mention shading - this array is oriented to the south-east, and this picture was take late afternoon. This particular set of panels is intended for late autumn to early spring, and it's got a clear view of the sky where the sun is 'highest' at that time (although it's still close to the horizon, hence the angle as well). I also have to clear a couple of spruce trees still (the ones on the right side of the picture), but they're not healthy and have carpenter ants in their trunk... Also some more gravel to do, and I think I'll put 6 panels on...
All ballasted, so no digging.
Details? Instructions?
It's time to learn. I'm in the process of a new video where I fabricate a mount with just a few MT Solar pieces and make the rest myself. The adjuster is my own design and works very well, way better than what they have. If you know a good fabrication shop, they could make the frame and adjuster for you, it isn't that hard and just buy the rails separate.
If you go with MT Solar, I strongly suggest installing braces like I did so the factory adjuster isn't stressed. I purchased over $25K worth of MT Solar mounts used for $4K after the adjusters failed in a tornado. I did change the pin from 5/8" to 1/2" bolt with a 9/16" hole. Works great.
This will easily adapt to any tilting array. My arrays are MT Solar mounts and one item I never liked was how close the adjuster was to the pivot point.
I noticed this on the first MT Solar mount. It is close to the pivot point to allow enough travel of the array. With it close to the pivot point, any play in the adjuster will be multiplied at the top and bottom of the array. In some high winds, you can see the rocking movement is quite high. The used mounts I purchased that had been in a tornado failed at the adjuster. I wanted something more substantial. I had thought...
I'd rather not buy anything from MT Solar and DIY it if I can, as their prices are astronomical. I originally just wanted to use 120 panels @ 85-90 degrees (5 rows x 12 columns x 2 arrays, each array spanning 95'), but spending $40K+ on mounts + installation was just astronomical.
I think that 85 degrees is pretty darn close! But 90 works for me too.
Well cleaning 200' of them that are 20' feet high is a lot of work for someone closing in on 80 years old! That's why I want 85 degrees!
B-Mod
Solar Wizard
If solar was cheap and easy more people would do it! Sorry there is work involved, or a lot of $'s. Actually it is a lot of $'s and still some work.
Seriously if you are closing in on 80 years old and have no younger help, maybe this is just too much for you.
Over9000
3rd Shift Ass. Manager @ 2nd-Hand Adult Toy Store
I know this stuff ain't cheap, but it also doesn't need to be insanely expensive either.
Yes, I am an old fart, but this is a project I really am committed to doing. I'm not all alone, my son is going to live in this house once I kick the can and I want to leave this to him as a legacy.
455dan
Solar Wizard
Same deal except if I don't clean it it no one does.
Ran out of time to change the jack mount holes on the Sinclair rack to go more vertical as well, about 5 inches on the ground today and still snowing atm.
Walk behind blower not serviced for this year and both of my tractor mounted blowers are still stored and I need to mount 3 vehicles snow tires as well, SMH
I get where you are coming from on wanting to DIY and save some money.
Good you have the son to help when you really need it. I HAD to have help positioning panels and mounting them on the Sinclair array, did 18 390 watt ones on the fence vertical mount completely by myself only because they were basically ground level .
Last week I mounted 3 more 390 watt panels on an old shed roof but then my step son offered and helped me get the other six up. I am mid 60's so quite a bit younger and an extra set of hands mounting panels -If nothing else probably saved me from sliding off the old shed roof of this last panel install. 50 lb does not sound like much but is un wieldy while supporting and trying to put bolts in.
Last edited:
Zwy
Emperor Of Solar
MT Solar mounts are not cheap. I purchased 21 foot long 8 x 10 I beams for $160 each. The reason the I beams are called 8 x 10 is the beam is 8 inches tall and weighs 10 lbs per foot. A pair of 21 foot 8 x 10 I beams welded end to end will do a 3 pole mount and you would need 4 I beams total. That would do 5 columns of the Risen 740W panels which are 93.86" long with a little left on each end sticking past. If you want 6 columns at 47.5 feet, you will have to add on some but not a big deal.
I assume the MT Solar mounts were 3 pole correct?
The problem with 90° is when you want to tilt the array back to an angle less than 90°. It takes quite a bit to get it started. If the rails are close to the ground where you can reach them it helps. I tip to almost 90° to install panels. You can't quite get there due to the I beam frames. The closer to 90°, the leading edge of the array will be more near to the ground.
Give me a few days and I'll maybe have the video completed. This video will be mainly about the adjuster with some highlights. , The previous MT Solar mount installation videos I have already done cover much of what it takes to install one and some of the fabrication of some parts. If you haven't watched them, I suggest looking them up on my channel and viewing the pole installation and the actual mount installtion. With fabricating one, you won't have to deal with I beam section adjustments for each section which saves alot of time. One long straight piece makes for easy work. Basically the frame is just long I beams with 3x5 rectangular tubing on each side of the pole the I beam bolts to. The rectangular tubing has the center pivot in the middle comprised of 4 inch SCH 80 pipe. When bolted to the rectangular tubing, it just forms a big H. The 4 inch pipe pivots inside a section of pipe welded to a saddle which goes around the pole as shown in the photo above. Aluminum rails attach to the I beams.
The big ticket is the adjuster and I never liked the setup on the MT mount as it is too close to the pivot. With the brace I added, these mounts are rock solid in high winds. The adjuster doesn't need to take the load and stress with the brace.
For those that don't know what the frame looks like, here is a photo from my MT Solar review thread posted when I put up my first array. I would have built my own if I knew then what I know now. It's just long I beams, the rectangular tubing and the center pivot for the main frame. The only reason the make the I beam in sections is so it can be shipped on a 7.5 foot long pallet. The rectangular tubing is 7.5 feet long too, all I know is it always ends up putting the I beam where rows of panels meet and a pain when you want to fasten panel wiring using screws as the I beam is in the way. I'd make it something different, it won't matter when attaching the rails.
SunDave
Solar Wizard
I can second that the MT solar system, while not cheap is a good system. Really adjustable, and very sturdy. I figured they should last me through the lifetime of these panels and the next.
Scattered in that thread - you can go to the beginning of the thread and start there. I have the details on what makes the ballast, dimensions, etc, in there.
That said, it's still quite a bit of work to build it and if you're getting up there in age, it might not be feasible or indeed wise to attempt building something like this. You would need help moving the panels on there etc.
Moon doesn’t sleep
New Member
Got it! In Michigan (ZIP 48454), winters are pretty gray, so trying to go 100% off-grid with just solar would make costs skyrocket. The smarter move? Use solar for 80–90% of your yearly power and rely on the grid for the rest.
My setup idea:
18kW inverter + 120kWh server rack battery + 18kW solar panels
On a sunny day, you could top up the battery in about 6 hours.
For good value and solid gear, check these out:
- Inverter: EG4 18kW
- Battery: Signature Solar’s new WT5100 battery
- Panels: Jinko Solar panels
wpns
Solar Joules are catch and release
What is that? URL?
seneysolar
24V
Wirentech | 48V 100AH | Server Rack Battery
Discover the Wirentech 48V 100Ah lithium battery designed for solar, and backup power systems. Built-in BMS, anti-theft protection.
signaturesolar.com
Brucey
Velcro Man
$400 cheaper than the eg4....Wirentech | 48V 100AH | Server Rack Battery
Discover the Wirentech 48V 100Ah lithium battery designed for solar, and backup power systems. Built-in BMS, anti-theft protection.
seneysolar
24V
Probably why they dont have any. The ETA is mid January. Looks like just another Chinese battery brand.
If the goal is cheap, the WattCycle server rack batteries are only $699.
Brucey
Velcro Man
True but I don't think the wattcycle has ul9540A, if that matters.
Does have a display and active balancing in their v2 unit:
Server Rack 48V 100Ah LiFePO₄ Battery with Active Balancing, LCD, Bluetooth & Smart Comms
48V 100Ah LiFePO₄ rack battery featuring Active Balancing, Bluetooth, LCD display, and smart comms. Premium performance designed for home energy storage at better value.
www.wattcycle.com
Zwy
Emperor Of Solar
Here is my latest array adjuster design, works great. The rest is just the I beams and rectangular tubing for the main frame with 4" pipe for a pivot. For pivot attachment to the poles, a simple saddle can be fabricated or even just welding on with side plates. You can hire out the portable welding for the brackets to the poles.
Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2020
- Messages
- 25,044
Is your son going to help build this, and understand it so he can maintain it?
You want to leave him this legacy, but does he agree? Sometimes people aren't happy with what their parents or grandparents wanted to do "for" them. I know of one who's grandfather was building a mansion. Read of another who signed a contract allowing windmills. At least PV isn't as big a project, nor as irreversible.
Moon doesn’t sleep
New Member
Wattcycle batteries can't hold a candle to Wirentech. The difference in quality and the certifications they have is huge. What you're really paying for are the cells and the BMS. The display and that balancer? Those are just add-ons. Think about it, if the cells were well-matched from the start, you wouldn't need a fancy balancer to fix things.
Brucey
Velcro Man
Moon based on your posting history I'm pretty sure you are a shill/"reputation management" for wirentech batteries.
seneysolar
24V
Are you affiliated with Wirentech?
How can you speak on the quality of either, do you own any?
Everyone claims their batteries are the best. Time will tell.
Moon doesn’t sleep
New Member
what I really like Wirentech is that they are sincere enough to show their suppliers like cells, BMS, case on their website. I trust Signature Solar, they would make sure a good service and warranty.
Last edited:
Moon doesn’t sleep
New Member
no I just like UL battery. I saw earlier that Will mentioned Wattcycle didn't pay him on time, which makes them seem a bit unreliable
