timselectric
If I can do it, you can do it.
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2022
- Messages
- 25,297
Oh, I'll probably be leaning on the grid in a few days. But I have batteries, so I might as well use them. That's what they're for.
I use ubiquiti/unifi stuff, except for a DC PoE switch that is powered directly off my battery. See my signature for what I useOther security camera NVR options include Ubiquiti Unifi. These are IP cameras powered with POE. Integrates seamlessly into your network and wifi access points. It’s all standard RJ-45 UTP wiring. Have used these for several years.
The last few years have been mild here as well. Heard a deep dig by a meteorologist a while back who described how weather can cycle over time. Remember significant snowfalls during the 70's. This year is close in our part of the woods.This was/ is a once in a decade storm, for my area.
So, it's a good test, or reality check.
If we had snow regular enough I would try making up a panel or two worth of heating pads to see if it worked. But its hard to test something when it snows 2 times a year and you have no idea if it will actually stick even thenThis was/ is a once in a decade storm, for my area.
So, it's a good test, or reality check.
I will be installing panel heating to melt snow and ice.
Shame one can't save the heat LOL. On the other hand if one were to utilize geothermal concepts it might be intriguing if the warmth from below the frost line could be circulated via a low power pump either via fluid or air to gently warm the area under the panels. Perhaps a dream? If it worked, it would have the opposite effect in the summer by gently cooling the panels.if I can remember to do it when its warm weather.
Yeah, I already have a plan for it. I just haven't implemented it, because it's not going to get a lot of use. But these last two weeks have moved it higher on the priority list.If we had snow regular enough I would try making up a panel or two worth of heating pads to see if it worked. But its hard to test something when it snows 2 times a year and you have no idea if it will actually stick even then
Its supposed to snow tuesday here but they can't decide if its 1 inch and less or 3 inches or more worth of snow. Too cold and I'm too old to attempt to rig up something in that time frame with low odds of even being able to test it...
I will have something rigged up for next year for sure if I can remember to do it when its warm weather.
I have found the silver framed panels take much more to clear off. Black frames are much better. I've watched snow slide down the cells to the frames and refreeze.This was/ is a once in a decade storm, for my area.
So, it's a good test, or reality check.
I will be installing panel heating to melt snow and ice.
seen that too, in just the right conditions, the damn silver frames cause an ice dam and everything else gets blocked from sliding behind it.I have found the silver framed panels take much more to clear off. Black frames are much better. I've watched snow slide down the cells to the frames and refreeze.
The aluminum panel frames will suck heat big time.
Wonder if the silver frames do better in terms of not getting as hot in the summer versus the black frames, despite the disadvantage in the winter. Personally I like the all black look more discrete from code dorks hiding in the bushes and peeking via satelliteI have found the silver framed panels take much more to clear off. Black frames are much better. I've watched snow slide down the cells to the frames and refreeze.
The aluminum panel frames will suck heat big time.
they will be at 60° , so they won't be a problem with snow, at all.
Just a ground mount, angled for winter production.Looking forward to your solution. Sounds interesting.
FTFY !!Just a ground mount, angled for winter snow clearingproduction.
Easy to reach, on the ground.FTFY !!![]()
{yeah I know ya don't see much snow, just joking around}
seen that too, in just the right conditions, the damn silver frames cause an ice dam and everything else gets blocked from sliding behind it.
Should have bought the black frames - but at the time I thought "who cares what colour the frame are, this is going on a steel building roof anyway" - darn it all.
It might take quite a bit of heat to get there. Heat sinks are made of aluminum for a reason, they love heat and will radiate it out quite well as heat moves rapidly across the entire aluminum mass. Only thing better is copper. The sun is the best for heating and if panels are tilted for winter then it doesn't take much for the sun to start heating the panels and eventually the frames.Wish I had known. Heat trace the lower edge of the silver frames? put it on another smart plug !?
My new QCells BLK have black anodized aluminum frames.
I can’t imagine any other material being used.
View attachment 271517
That is an interesting idea. Painter’s tape, and black rustoleum. Tempting (my bifacials have silver frames)I would love to see someone paint the bottom section of their silver frame black and see if it makes a difference.![]()
The black frames are aluminum but are black.Have we established the black frames are not aluminum?