diy solar

diy solar

Very new to solar but started purchasing items, not sure of the final specs of the whole system.

Not sure exactly what isn't fitting for you, but I'd think you could use u-bolts to attach some kind of rails (u-channel perhaps; mine are unirac solarmount rails with angle aluminum) and make it work.
So long as you've got two horizontal runs of pipe that are anywhere near parallel, should be good enough for the panels.
Many of my uprights were floppy, so I adjusted where on the rails they were bolted to get an approximately planar surface.
I was bolting most of them to existing anchor bolts in an old foundation, so they're at crazy angles. Others I pounded into the earth.
 
I'm using 1 5/8 exhaust clamps and I added nylon nuts to keep it from being overly tight and causing premature wear. Spent most of the day trying to figurine out why they measure perfectly but one side is short as I add the struts down the row.

My dream system but just to expensive:
Even comes with crank to raise into position.

Just emailed this seller as the rails do not capture or a clamp to hold the first row in place, it seems it would difficult to mount them.
 
$2600 is $2000 too much.
See what UpNorthAndPersonal built:


$400 is more like it, but I don't see anything to resist tilting except the u-bolts.
I started with something similar, but it had a bolted plate as the tilt mechanism.

You want to adjust tilt of $0.35/watt panels?
When I started out at $4 to $5/watt that was worth considering, but too hard to build for the 12 kW STC I put in.
Nowadays, just buy more panels and parallel strings of multiple orientation. You get more Wh/day at lower cost with passive (fixed) "tracking"

The only tracker that I think would be practical is the single-axis tracker of large commercial installations.
But instead of a horizontal axis, install it on a slope that matches your latitude.
 
My failed design was to allow tilt angle adjustments and simple long run of all the panels. I planned to anchor a small pipe in front and create 3 lengths of pipe to allow for quick seasonal adjustment.
 
My failed design was to allow tilt angle adjustments and simple long run of all the panels. I planned to anchor a small pipe in front and create 3 lengths of pipe to allow for quick seasonal adjustment.

A "T" with intersection at horizontal pipe would provide balanced support of panels on either side of pipe. Diagonals connecting ends of "T" form triangles for rigidity. Only gang one or two of these to tilt at a time, not as much friction and weight to overcome. Lengths of pipe or clamped adjustable length would hold it at desired angle. Nothing should have to be carefully sized to make that work.
 
Long time ago I came across this document, and I thought it would be relevant to the discussion here. I would have built one of these single pole mount systems if I could dig the required depth, but I don't want to spend days with a jackhammer to get through the bedrock...
 
Long time ago I came across this document, and I thought it would be relevant to the discussion here. I would have built one of these single pole mount systems if I could dig the required depth, but I don't want to spend days with a jackhammer to get through the bedrock...

No need for a jackhammer (although I do have a Bosch Brute in my toolbox).

When the earth gives you boulders, use them for a foundation.

You could use a rotohammer to make holes and put in anchor bolts. That's how I mounted one array on an existing concrete patio area.
First I considered pipe flanges with four tiny holes.
What I did instead was put a reducer in a 2" coupling (my uprights are 2" pipe), and use a 1/2" anchor bolt plus washers to bolt that down.

One could also use a core bit and make a hole to fit the pipe.

If you're using wood, an angle bracket would do it. Probably need stainless, or at least galvanized, so it doesn't rust away underground.
Or, considering concrete footings, drill holes and epoxy in re-bar, same as we do to join new concrete to old. People used to do dry-pack of cement in the hole, but that is frowned upon now.
This might be your best/most secure solution. Ain't no way the wind is ever going to blow that boulder out! 1600967087664.png 1600967016266.png
 
Inverted was mounted and was very easy using two straps for each side, once one was out of space, I would use the next one and so forth. Can see why it 200lbs. Purchased spare control board and came with the wifi. We were going to do pole mounted setup but after measuring realized that due to the grade all the back windows would have been blocked and wife said no way. I'm going through the iron ridge configuration and looking at this mount system.
 

Attachments

  • P9290262.JPG
    P9290262.JPG
    44 KB · Views: 75
  • P9290260.JPG
    P9290260.JPG
    105.8 KB · Views: 73
  • P9290258.JPG
    P9290258.JPG
    58.3 KB · Views: 72
  • P9290257.JPG
    P9290257.JPG
    54.9 KB · Views: 69
  • P9290256.JPG
    P9290256.JPG
    95.1 KB · Views: 72
  • P9290255.JPG
    P9290255.JPG
    63.5 KB · Views: 71
  • P9290254.JPG
    P9290254.JPG
    48.1 KB · Views: 71
  • P9290253.JPG
    P9290253.JPG
    50.3 KB · Views: 71
  • P9290252.JPG
    P9290252.JPG
    66.2 KB · Views: 74
  • P9290251.JPG
    P9290251.JPG
    38.7 KB · Views: 77
Last edited:
Took 3 days to clean up my failed diy attempt with the super struts. I'm offering 200 an hour yard wrecking service satisfaction guaranteed, if you’re not satisfied then its and extra $200 to help me feel better for not completely wrecking yard. With a large pole and extra weight on the atv the 3500lb winch was able to get leverage to yank them up.
 

Attachments

  • P9260246.JPG
    P9260246.JPG
    162.2 KB · Views: 51
  • P9260245.JPG
    P9260245.JPG
    159 KB · Views: 50
  • P9260244.JPG
    P9260244.JPG
    172.4 KB · Views: 53
  • P9240242.JPG
    P9240242.JPG
    131.1 KB · Views: 50
Last edited:
I'm currently researching the proper panel configuration, based on the voltages I have to stay under 150v, so two in series: 36 panels, 18 strings,
I found this one can accept 24 150v breakers: MNPV16-24 PV. I also found the manual but is not very helpful for understanding the max panels for the inverter. I have to believe that there has to be be some limitation how many panels that can be connected?
 
I'm currently researching the proper panel configuration, based on the voltages I have to stay under 150v, so two in series: 36 panels, 18 strings,
I found this one can accept 24 150v breakers: MNPV16-24 PV. I also found the manual but is not very helpful for understanding the max panels for the inverter. I have to believe that there has to be be some limitation how many panels that can be connected?

Don't know which of many inverter models you're using - post a link. Link to manual too, if on line.
I found:


Mentions 120A MPPT. So that might be your limit, and if panels are in the 9A range, that could be 13 strings. But probably don't worry if you go a bit over; it should just adjust voltage it pulls to so it is happy. Most of the day and the year, panels won't produce that much.
I recommend using 50% more strings (amps, watts) and multiple orientations, so peak current is in spec but production flatter throughout the day.

Maybe 120A is the output current, not the input (ought to be), in which case it'll clip production more of the day. Have to see all voltage/current/wattage specs to try to figure it out.
 
For anyone interested in ground mounts the iron ridge has a great configuration tool:

After creating the project you get a nice build list and I went through many websites that sell the products: so far the best prices I have found are on: https://www.solaris-shop.com/
 
Here's a shot of the backside of the 500w bifacial panel: from my understanding max voltage input for my inverter is 150v, I was thinking of doing two strings but technically I could do 3 but was worried about being borderline on the input.
 

Attachments

  • PA010269.JPG
    PA010269.JPG
    87.9 KB · Views: 49
Long time ago I came across this document, and I thought it would be relevant to the discussion here. I would have built one of these single pole mount systems if I could dig the required depth, but I don't want to spend days with a jackhammer to get through the bedrock...

The single pole mount is more attractive, but I believe in triangles and trusses.

It takes a large steel pipe and a lot of concrete to make a pole mount that won't bend and blow over in the wind like a palm tree.

I made a tripod mount with 2" pipes at an angle to brace the upright. Much smaller footings needed because they only have to resist pull-out, not tilting. (mine are actually bolted to existing concrete so have no torsional strength at all, but would work built as 3 fence posts in concrete, all tilted to meet at the top.) A truss structure is only subject to tension/compression, not torsion, so is far stronger.
 

"12 kW Growatt, PV typical amperage 120A, wire 8 awg"
120A ought to be 2 awg, or multiple runs of smaller gauge.
Drawing shows two PV inputs. 8 awg 90C wire can handle 80A single conductor in free air.

I would use largest wire that fits in the terminals, maybe 8 awg. Run that to a sub-array with 1/4 of the panels.
Use a split bolt just outside the terminal to join a second 8 awg, run to another sub-array with 1/4 of the panels.
Four sub-arrays, four runs of 8 awg (OK as bundle in conduit, each carrying 30A), making final connection to two inverter connections with 8 awg.

"max open circuit voltage 150"
That's Voc of panels X number in series X adjustment for record cold temperature
This is the most important rule to obey.
Panel shows 48.7 Voc. Temperature coefficient isn't listed, but I know it is something like 0.4%/degree C or less.
Two panels in series will be less than 150V for any temperature possible (even unreasonable like 125C!)
Three panels in series would not be allowed (unless your record coldest temperature was 25C)
So 2 in series, many in parallel.

"max AC charging current 100A"
So it can pull up to about 5 kW from AC input for battery. About 20A from 240Vac source.

"Maximum PV charge current 120A"
"Maximum PV array power 7000W"
"MPPT operating voltage 60 to 145V"

120A at 58V would be 7000W
We don't know if the unit is smart enough to not hurt itself and put more than 120A into battery if available from PV panels.
To be completely safe you would only install enough panels to reach 7000W peak (even if excess illumination?)
Maybe 7000W STC (panel label spec) to be pretty safe.

or, if you feel reasonably lucky, you could install the array with more total watts and assume inverter will limit how much it tries to put into battery.
Having multiple arrays with different orientations will reduce peak power and spread it out over the day. e.g. 10:00 AM summer, 4:00 PM summer, Noon winter.
 
"12 kW Growatt, PV typical amperage 120A, wire 8 awg"

Thank you very much for the helpful response, the mini split came in today and started working on that.
I purchased this one from https://energyconscious.com/ they had the best price I could find. As fyi none
of the places I have listed have paid or ask me to state anything. They were very helpful and even called me back to provided updates,
I'm just logging places that were good to order from.
 

Attachments

  • PA020291.JPG
    PA020291.JPG
    79.9 KB · Views: 50
  • PA020289.JPG
    PA020289.JPG
    54.6 KB · Views: 47
  • PA020288.JPG
    PA020288.JPG
    27.9 KB · Views: 44
  • PA020287.JPG
    PA020287.JPG
    24.6 KB · Views: 44
  • PA020286.JPG
    PA020286.JPG
    52.5 KB · Views: 44
  • PA020285.JPG
    PA020285.JPG
    47.8 KB · Views: 54
  • PA020284.JPG
    PA020284.JPG
    90.9 KB · Views: 55
  • PA020282.JPG
    PA020282.JPG
    35.3 KB · Views: 56
  • PA020281.JPG
    PA020281.JPG
    79.9 KB · Views: 52
  • PA020280.JPG
    PA020280.JPG
    50.9 KB · Views: 50
Used a ramp to walk it up into position, from the pictures it appeared much smaller than in person. Very nicely packaged and the templates being on thick cardboard was very nice. You can clearly see the gold finish that they claim is very resistance to the elements.
 

Attachments

  • PA020277.JPG
    PA020277.JPG
    70.8 KB · Views: 30
Last edited:
Also was not paid or asked but found Mark and his solar company, he sells pole mount solutions and even has them to support 4 72 cell panels. If you have 72 cell versions you will need to email him, we had planned to use these but due to our incline and limited space it meant most of the windows would be blocked and the wife said no way. Mark fully refunded us and even called on a Sunday to try and help out. Pricing was lower than any other company, one thing I learned though is that 72 cells for some reason average close to 3 times the price for the same mount. Many companies had 60 cell 6 panel mounts for $580, but the same company and 72 cell 6 panel was almost $1500. Mark's pricing is much lower than anyone else for 4 72 cell or 6 60 cell solutions.

 
Last edited:
"12 kW Growatt, PV typical amperage 120A, wire 8 awg"
120A ought to be 2 awg, or multiple runs of smaller gauge.
Drawing shows two PV inputs. 8 awg 90C wire can handle 80A single conductor in free air.
After reading through you're comment and speaking with Signature solar, I order the growatt 120amp charge controller that can handle 18 of the panels. I also order the ground mount system today from solaris-shop I went through many websites and found they had great prices and shipping.

Going with Iron Ridge System:

  • IronRidge XR-100-168M 14' Mill XR100 Rail

    24 x IronRidge XR-100-168M 14' Mill XR100 Rail​

    $798.24
  • IronRidge UFO-STP-30MM-M1 Stopper Sleeve

    48 x IronRidge UFO-STP-30MM-M1 Stopper Sleeve​

    $21.60
  • IronRidge XR-LUG-03-A1 Grounding Lug

    4 x IronRidge XR-LUG-03-A1 Grounding Lug​

    $18.80
  • IronRidge UFO-CL-01-A1 Bonding Module Clamp

    120 x IronRidge UFO-CL-01-A1 Bonding Module Clamp​

    $265.20
  • IronRidge GM-BRC-002 Bonding Rail Connector

    48 x IronRidge GM-BRC-002 Bonding Rail Connector​

    $532.32
  • IronRidge 70-0300-SGA 3 Top Cap

    16 x IronRidge 70-0300-SGA 3" Top Cap​

    $651.84
  • IronRidge XR-100-CAP End Cap

    4 x IronRidge XR-100-CAP End Cap​

    $39.20
  • IronRidge 29-4000-077 Wire Clip

    4 x IronRidge 29-4000-077 Wire Clip​

    $38.20
 
Back
Top