DIY Home Solar Panel Project - 3.5KW Backyard Garden Solar Panel System Overview

I show my DIY solar panel system mounted in my home garden generating 3.5KW of solar panel power which I installed in 2022 due to increasing prices for electricity in the UK. The DIY Solar panel system project installation is split into 2 strings due to a neighbours tree casting shadows on the solar panel installation area, so a dual input mppt inverter is used. Due to the shadows cast on my panels, I am considering having the DIY solar panel system dismantled and mounted on the roof of my house to take full advantage of my south facing rear garden, but am still more than happy with the current solar panel system installation and it's money saving potential, I just know there is even more saving to be had if roof mounted, but only because of the tree's shadows, otherwise I'd happily leave them as they are in this video.

[@alistairlambert3275]

It’s a pity the chainsaw fairy could not pay that tree a visit one night! Great project, you know the Ecoflow Powerstream is a great grid tied inverter.

[@zenzen9131]

Great project man :)

[@TheCampervanBuilder]

Thanks

[@shaunthornton5217]

@@TheCampervanBuilder Hi, did you ground your panels through a grounding rod or anything. I’m building a garden setup at the moment and not sure if the frames need to be grounded.

[@stephenstone2606]

Nice set up would like to see them on the roof you will get more away from the trees👍👍

[@TheCampervanBuilder]

Thanks, yes more power to be had on the roof, but still happy with the current setup until then

[@garylatto4191]

Interesting mate 👍,
How did you know what size of cables to use?? Cheers

[@TheCampervanBuilder]

There is a lot of info out there for systems under 3.6kw, it's all standard stuff for anything up to 3.6kw when you start looking in to it

[@sun-sea-solar]

Such a shame about the tree. I love my little solar array

[@TheCampervanBuilder]

After having the garden setup for a year, I've since had them installed on the roof, but the tree still blocks very early morning sun, but not as bad as it was

[@sun-sea-solar]

@@TheCampervanBuilder I'll still stick with garden. Personally for me I like being able to do the maintenance and cleaning. But my little system seems to change every few months

[@TheCampervanBuilder]

I've got more panels and another inverter so might add more back to the garden, I just wanted more power generation earlier in the day

[@sun-sea-solar]

@@TheCampervanBuilder what your consumption through the night. That does seem to be a problem in the UK. Having enough storage to make it through the night

[@davidfirth6535]

Brilliant, that must be the ugliest tree i ever seen!

[@TheCampervanBuilder]

Thanks, and yes there were more trees but one blew down and I cut a lot of overhanging branches off to reduce the shadows as much as possible