Solar panels for fencing

[Koyaanisqatsi]

There are a few videos about this. But here's a sample of current costs. I was curious about it, because my front yard fence (4ft tall) is rotted out. I'd have to use micro-inverters and accept some dismal yield values as normal. But it's guaranteed to provide more energy than a wood, metal or plastic fence.

Certainly would be a different aesthetic!

Picket fence panel (3.5 x 8ft):

Outdoor Essentials 3-1/2 ft. x 8 ft. Western Red Cedar Spaced Picket Flat Top Fence Panel Kit 241286 - The Home Depot

Our 3-1/2 ft. x 8 ft. Flat Top Cedar Spaced Picket Fence Panel Kit comes ready to assemble. This straightforward kit simplifies purchasing fence materials. Purchase one kit for every 8 ft. section. Posts

www.homedepot.com

They go over $500/panel for some products, and down to around $50/panel.

Solar panel (7.5 x 3.75 ft):

Philadelphia Solar 550W Bifacial Solar Panel

Experience cutting-edge solar technology with the Philadelphia Solar 550W Bifacial Solar Panel. Available at Signature Solar. Built for durability and efficiency, this panel delivers high output with advanced Mono PERC Half-Cell technology, ideal for any environment.

signaturesolar.com

Galvanized fence posts that would be perfect for mounting bi-facial panels:

PostMaster 1-3/4 in. x 3-1/2 in. x 7-1/2 ft. Galvanized Steel Fence Post 633663-1 - The Home Depot

Improve a style and protection to your chain link fence with the help of this extraordinarily designed PostMaster 11-gauge 13/31/71/ Galvanized Steel Fence Post.

www.homedepot.com

Obviously I've cherry-picked these examples. But it shows we are getting close!

 

[Rednecktek]

I'd have to use micro-inverters and accept some dismal yield values as normal

Are you grid tied only? No reason you couldn't string them up in series to a regular MPPT and run a standard DC based system off them. If you're only grid tied you may well have issues getting your PoCo to accept them as I don't think there are any UL listed fence post mounts.

Bifacials have really proven their worth in situations just like this.

 

[Koyaanisqatsi]

I don't have my system built yet. I was just looking out my front window and pondering a solar panel fence to replace my dilapidated fence.

If I used micros, I'd need a main inverter that has an AC input that supports micro-inverters. I haven't seen that feature on anything except the AiOs so far, and I'm planning for components.

For strings, I was thinking of adding 1200V/20A bypass diodes to every panel, because they will not be facing in any optimal direction, and at three different angles. My front yard fence has a long front section, then a short section 90 deg off that, and then a short 45 deg section close to the house. Breaking it up into three or four strings might eliminate the need for diodes.

 

[Rednecktek]

Not many systems out there that will take input from micros, and stand alone MPPT's don't go anywhere near the voltages you're going to have. You may be stuck with an AIO or a package unit ($$$$) to make it work.

Having it in 3 or 4 sections will definately help, each MPPT input can work at its best without being drug down by different facing panels.

 

[chrisski]

If anything blocks sun by the fences, vegetation or structures, this would cut into production.

I have too many trees and things leaned against the fence to let this work.

 

[Paul_in _Berkeley]

I'd need a main inverter that has an AC input that supports micro-inverters. I haven't seen that feature on anything except the AiOs so far, and I'm planning for components.

I've got an Outback Radian, mature technology, not AIO. Supports microinverters, and can even regulate them by varying the power frequency.

Paul