Hurricane ready solar array! Off grid modular storm ready solar array!
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- I build a DIY off grid solar array that's modular and ready for the worst of storms with a quick take down.
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Amazon has electric actuators to move the array up and down. Also to help with hail get armoflex rubber insulation sheets for quick protection.
Good idea. Put the flex stuff rolled up at the top. Then some kind of release, with a switch inside the house to instantly unroll in case of hailstorms
Thanks for the comment!
I love solar, this video was extremely easy to follow and encouraging for those of us that have no idea on how to get started, you are becoming my favorite channel to stalk!
Thank you for stalking!
All it takes is money😁 But seriously, today's solar generators are as plug and play as it gets. Mount some solar panels outside, plug them into your solar generator and it takes care of the rest.
Battery storage is the heart of any off grid system. They power your gadgets, and the solar panels keep them charged up.
Or you can go with those rooftop solar panel companies with a grid-tie system, where your power company becomes the "battery." You sell any excess power to them during the day, and get power from them at night. There's no battery backup though when the grid goes down, no matter how many solar panels you have on your roof. You'll be without power like everyone else.
Now if you spend a LOT of money, you can have both. Some companies will have an adapter to use your rooftop panels with your solar generator. Or you can buy a Tesla Powerwall for about $12K.
Just as there's no such thing as a free lunch, there's no such thing as free power from the sun. It takes money to get it.😳😝
i mean overkill, one bag of concrete 50lbs for each post would work, he aint playin ! and the posts dont need to be level, solar doesnt care, way overkill, but awesome ! if you got way extra time and money $$, go for it !
@nmskc68 if it's worth doing, it's worth doing right..
A quick cheap suggestion for adjusting the panels if you decide to go full off grid and move them each month is to just use some ACME all thread with a nut welded to the frame and that you can turn with your cordless impact. I used this setup all the time for lifting hoods on industrial food prep equipment. Real fun DYI project after that setup is to bye a Raspberry Pie and a step motor and program the Pie to move the step motor which turns the all thread, and you could have a simple sun tracking system. Absolutely love the whole Home series. You are already doing what I have been planning. Keep up the great content.
I considered that too, but found a easy solution with a resse hitch mounted winch I already own.
Dude, you are a genius. Let you wife do the narration and you show us your genius.
I am watching his process in 8x speed... The moment he took the solar panel off of the frame, I knew he was a genius... I downloaded the video just to make sure I don't lose it.
Finally the answer i have been looking for. You would not believe how many people make videos of this setup and skip right over the information i have been looking for. Thanks for sharing. 😂👍
Glad it was helpful, a lot of solar content on the channel.
You will only need a total of SIX holes. During spring and fall (or every six months) the same hole will be used.
Valid point
Believe it’s easier to just add a few panels, and set for spring/ fall angles. A 12v winch pulling a heavy canvas tarp up ( from a roll mounted at the bottom) with a remote or something to shield tome from hail. I have a 4 panel setup, planning on moving it and adding a few more. You do nice work, Thanks
For hail damage prevention, you could build a plyboard cover for the panels and store it behind the panels for fast installation. Very nice build and greetings from Jamaica.
That was my original design, a slip in plywood protection measure.
Or some sort of quickly unfolding bird net
That looks like a great diy solar panel system, I suppose you could incorporate some simple trailer turn Jack's for the angle adjustment part.
Heck of a build.. It's cool to watch people completely fabricate something new. I've had to create my own solar stands also. Great job.
Thank you for watching, part 2 is on the channel. I doubled the size.
@@TKCL WARNING: Solar is addictive! Does it feel like withcraft for you too? I picked up 2 100W panels and a little 50Ah battery to play with. I was kinda surprised how much I can do with just that. Ran the pool robot and cleaned the pool, mowed the entire yard and blew grass with the leaf blower (Electric mower/blower), etc. It's amazing how much energy is pouring down on us and being wasted. I think the used panel market is going to be very interesting. Can pickup various used full-size panels by the pallet at $40-75 each for 250+ watt panels... Off-grid applications for these are going to explode I think.
1st?
Yep!
As a suggestion take a paint pen and write the socket size needed on the frame that way you know what you need at a glance and it makes it that much easier
Just make it 10MM. Everything is 10MM these days. They should sell 10MM sockets in a six-pack.
Lol 10mm isn't beefy enough for me. Most hardware on this is 1/2 bolts with 3/4 heads. A few 3/8 bolts. Your definitely right about 10mm being popular.
Who honestly can find a 10mm when you need it? 😂
Me, I went to cheap ol Harbor freight and loaded up on their 1/4 sockets. Lol
When he said they brought the wrong tool, I thought a good idea would be to attach a ratchet and socket to the side of the Ecoflow or the wall space where the panels will store. Dedicated tool.
You’ve got your angle theory screwed up …standing straight up is when the angle of the sun is near the horizon (. Low). It’s very low in the sky not in the summertime , you miss spoke , in the summertime you want almost flat because the sun is straight up overhead , I think that’s what you meant. It’s not what you said.
I spoke correctly, you were looking at the vertical base laying horizontal on the floor at that time. I made my adjustments based on its final installed position. I was speaking to it then because it was the time to drill the holes, even though it was laying 90 degrees from its final position.
Great build! Thanks for sharing. Make sure you connect to the EcoFlow with an XT60i connector. Without the extra pin, EcoFlow thinks it's car charging, so it limits to 8 amps. You seem to have great output, so it's probably correct.
Good idea add 2 eco flow delta pro extra smart battery 10,8 KWH. Test it out on youtube video
I'm hoping to one day I have a lot of tests planned this year.
Now that's a job you can be proud of.
Thank you
That is a really nice setup. For some reason it seems kind of rare for welders to think ahead about designing things to be modular/taken down.
Would some type of Lynch Pins (D Clip) alleviate the bolts and need to go get sockets?
I already bought some for this project but scrapped the idea. I didn't like the thought of loose pins rattling in the metal during windy days.
HOWdy T-K-C-L, ...
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the WiSeNhEiMeR from Richmond, INDIANA
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If you could get another set of hinges on just one of the poles and make the other pole swing in a semi circle to face the sun you could get max input sunup to sundown. That would only be needed if you stay with this array and if you lost power. Just an idea. Nice build
That is the best build I have seen. Congratulations on your great build.
Thank you for watching
No need to drill twelve holes, one for each month. You'd gain almost nothing over changing them once for each season.
Correct
Great build - thank you for sharing. Hard to beat those $85 panels from Renogy.
I have a similar goal of setting up a system to power a small shop & MIL suite. I'll be using a Bluetti AC300 that is capable of connecting to 4 modular battery units - up to 12KWHr capacity.
Those are nice units! It's hard to beat these panels for the price, especially new.
@@TKCL I just wish that I had your metal working skills - especially the welding!
Check out Ambition Strikes YT channel. They did the same build. About 6 months ago they did a video on their adjustable panel.
Also a off-road panel dolly would be nice. Two 8” or 10” tires mounted to a u-shape saddle
An Outback Flexpower one will last 10+ years and never give you a problem. If you give me your address I will send you $1000 if your Eco flow lasts for more than two years.
That's a really heavy-duty setup that you built.
Have you considered using hurricane shutters to protect the panels instead of moving them inside?
The panels can be sized in a more manageable configuration.
One precaution is wind gusts pre-hurricane will make those panels be very unwieldy.
My original design was permanent with added protection as needed. At the end of day I knew I'd be the most protected with a movable solution out of the weather.
Also you may want to add a couple of little wheels to the bottom of the frame so once off the rack that can just be pushed/pulled into the building. Other then that you did a great job.
I have a tractor to make things very easy, just trying to show a relatable diy process.
large c-band dish Actuator 24 volt motorize for precise adjustment
commenting as i watch i want to help you do not have to disassemble mc4 connectors to install just push it in for the click and soldering is nice but with those crimpers cheap as they may be, are awesome no soldering needed if your pushing 24A then maybe.
Mulch attracts insects and holds moisture.... but im sure you're aware
could also make a hinged frame with cattle panel and hardware cloth for debris protection when needed... would still collect some solar in adverse conditions.
That band saw is old tech. Get an evolution saw!
You buying?
Great video. I really like everything y'all are doing. Wish I had the cash to do what your doing. Right now Ive got a delta two and extra battery. Hoping to get get a delta pro in not to distant future and follow your lead. Keep up the videos and let us know how things are working out. Fantastic homestead congratulations 👏
Thank you for watching
What a great video. I’m thinking of doing exactly this, except I’d be inclined to fit bifacial panels and fill the raised bed with white gravel to reflect the light back against the panels to increase their generation. Thanks for uploading this!
Great job on the video!!! You could add a pivot to your stand (on the bottom) to rotate it 45 degrees to keep them in direct sun view.
Such a beautiful property. what a blessing.
We agree!
I would put a couple linear actuator on it to tilt it thats what i did to mine 2 years ago and it works great. Mine is controlled by an arduino and a photo cell so it tracks the sun and compares the output and adjusts the panels
Funny you mention that, I was seriously considering solar powered actuators. I just don't know that I'll adjust this enough. Time will tell.
Great video! Many individuals will install 3 arrays. In with your SE facing system, add one array to the west to capture late afternoon as well as one to the East to capture maximum morning sun while your current array will catch mid day sun. No need for expensive trackers and you can take them all down in inclement weather. My plan is for three arrays, East facing roof, west facing roof and a wall mounted array on the south side with the south being an adjustable array. Trying for total off grid so we can also add wind power for winter months when it’s really blowing hard from north or the south.
Thinking of doing this in wood, because my setup is smaller. Thanks
Good setup man! You shuld buy 2 external batteries for this setup, so you can have more power for the days with less sun!
These pre configured connections and bable panel jumpers has to be costly, not to mention that small camper style converter and monitor has to be underrated and a bit pricey. But all and all was intresting to watch.
Tack wheels on the bottom, thinking big cotter pins, but overall pretty sweet!
Yeah if you've got the money go for the batteries! The utility company can stick it up to...
The sun is always moving, or Earth is always moving?..
Nice nice nice. Clear instruction, great craftsmanship, slick design. Thanks for the inspiration and ideas.
Thank you for watching
I would suggest grind a bit of a point onto the hinge pins for easier mounting. I'd also suggest greasing the hinges as you assemble to prevent rust and binding
They are already greased and have grease fittings.
Nice video! But you mention things upside down (i think) when you mention the angles of the panels being closest to 90deg in the SUMMER... From Earth's surface the sun is HIGHEST from the horizon and thus, for the panels to be closest to perpendicular to the line to the Sun, you'd want the panels to have the SHALLOWEST angle. Closer to 90deg would be for the WINTER Sun, yes?
Sorry, i spoke too soon, the pivot point is at the TOP and i was thinking upside down!! I see clearly now
put up mirrors or polished aluminum and redirect the light onto the panels you'll get even more. to cool the panels put a dc fan behind them.
Nice. I just bought 8 of those Renogy panels. Amazon has a great price on them. I've got two 600 watt solar arrays in the backyard and it's just not enough because I'm in the Vegas valley. Although we get mostly sunny skies, there's just not enough hours of daylight, (starts getting dark at 4:30 pm in Winter.) I'm just going to start lining my south facing block wall with those 100 watt panels until I have enough power, (we often get high winds so the wall helps protect them.) My Bluetti can accept up to 3000 watts from solar. Mo' power, Scotty.
I'm about to build an additional 1200 watt array starting soon. I'll test the 2400 watts and add more panels as needed. Luckily I get a lot of sunlight in Florida.
You must be back there. You got your own 13.8KV transformer… Optimus Prime⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡
In the middle of nowhere, just like I wanted to be.
I've enjoyed watching your video, even though I'm not planning to build one anytime soon. I really like the simplicity of it all, and sharing your thought process was also very helpful and satisfying to digest.
Very happy to hear that.
Not sure why this showed up on my feed but watched anyway.
Low key brilliant build. Loved it. You’re quite crafty. What’s your background?
Raised in the country and low income, you learn to be crafty. Thanks for watching!
Whats the spacing betweej the 6x6s? 12ft?
Hey bud! I actually came back to this video to ask another question! Lol . I am about to set up my 18 panel array. (Mixed 100 watt) but mostly renogy. Your running a 6S2P . Have you ever had a overvoltage from the 24.3v X 6 panels = 145.8v open circuit? I had my 12 panels in this exact format but since have added 3 more for 5S3P. And I'm about to add 3 more for my 6S3P but I may take out the mismatched panels and go strictly all 18 renogys. I don't mind overpaneling I was just curious if you've had any issues with that overvoltage for cloud edge effect? I've been watching all your backup and solar videos. My favorite is this one :)
I haven't tested the voltage, but I'm assuming yes I have. On cool days and or the cloud effect you described I sometimes see a spike in wattage above rating.
@@TKCL great thanks for replying!
Great work ! Exactly what I am planning to do, this video will help me a lot, thanks. Going to watch part 2 :) Subscribed.
Thank you for watching, glad you enjoyed it.
Mr Kelly, sir I love ur work and ur videos are dope. I would love to continue to watch ur videos….IF…..u can always make them. Suggestion sir…..wear some safety glasses plz, and get done early lol. Thanks for what you do.
Thank you for watching! I doubled the size of this solar array recently, video is on the channel. Take care!
All of that work for those little panels? A simple trailer tongue jack can be used for the tilt mechanism. With it loaded with panels, how do you suppose you disassemble it quickly? Great welding and design of all but the end product. The space in between the panels could have been eliminated.
Did you even watch the end? Full breakdown in 4 minutes, I'd call that a success and plenty quick enough to make it convenient.
Great video. Love the way you DIY stuff. We need more people to move to solar so we can stop burning so much fossil fuel. I just got solar panels installed last week. Waiting for approvals and permission to operate. Hope you keep going and go completely solar. question - do they credit you to sending power back into the grid in florida? they do here (NJ). if so, you can actually make money with your huge shop roof.
Some companies do that, but sadly it's a dying program and not many are offering much to help the homeowner transition to solar. I am doing it out of pocket and with some sponsorships to help. ALOT more solar coming starting this month!
You cut the poles 45° for preventing water issues - but put that poles in the direct concrete at the bottom....we dont do this, because the wood gets rotten - and thats it for the stability
You've not seen poles installed correctly in concrete before. There is a proper way to set a pole in concrete to allow for adequate draining.
Hello from Phoenix Arizona. This is the first time I’ve seen any of your videos I came across your channel. That is a beautiful piece of land. Do you mind if I ask where you’re located roughly of course not your address just what city or nearby city or state you’re in? I do love Phoenix in the winter time it’s beautiful as far as the weather goes but this city is becoming so large it’s just not what it was 20 years ago and I’m worried about being here if it was some kind of civil unrest. I’d love to get a place in the mountains of northern Arizona just so I’m not right in the middle of the city. I’m looking forward to watching your other videos. I noticed you had one about a drone. I’ve got my part 107 and I’m interested in anything to do with aviation. Thanks again.
Thank you for watching. We are in north Florida near Tallahassee. Luckily it's still nice and quiet here.
I started watching this and wondered why on earth a man with his skills would be using an Ecoflow power station. Then I saw the affiliate links. Come on man.....a 48v hybrid inverter charger and a 48v server battery will give you more capacity and usability at a fraction of the price. You would never buy a consumer power bank in real life.
I do have multiple 48v batteries and split phase inverters in my shop. The ecoflows run my house in emergencies. Had to use them Friday night after a big storm.
Awesome build ! I’m building one like this tomorrow but using big 8x8’s laid flat, then basically building the same frame and hinge, only mine will hinge off the ground, vs putting in pilings. This will also allow me you move the entire system around the yard because it’s basically on huge ski’s lol. I’m in central Fl, so I can appreciate your attention to hurricane readyness. I’m doing 2900w of residential panels.
I like your idea, just be careful of the wind.
OK, so I know I know, everyone's a critic, but here's a handy tip - the solar cells are fine in any orientation. Because of this, you could mount the top cells with their junction boxes at the bottom, and the bottom cells with their junction boxes at the top. This puts everything right in the middle of the array and makes working on it a breeze, without a ladder and without bending down. It uses a little less wire, too, but the big thing is how much neater and cleaner it is, and how much easier it is to work on.
I figured I'd share this with you since you just schooled me on how to set a post, which I was just about to F-up at my place in a few weeks.
Edit: If you put a 2 or 3 foot hood over the top of the top panels (makes an upside down L shape with the panels), then putting the panels in a vertical position will protect it from hail (damaging hail is almost vertical, and wind-driven hail doesn't have much lateral velocity anyway). You can get a cheap anemometer and an electric thrust actuator, and have the panels automatically slew to vertical when the wind kicks up. This can also be combined with a super-cheap electronics ($50) gadget you can get off the internet that can set the panels to the best angle every single day. This is the way I am designing and building mine at the moment, but since I am an electrical engineer, mine are also going to slew the azimuth angle to track the sun all day. I had to design the electronics and software for doing this anyway, since I also have a parabolic solar collector for charging the greenhouse earth battery.
Edit 2: Beautiful design, beautiful craftsmanship, and very nice flower bed!
Thank you, I almost flipped the panels, but I can easily reach the top and wire everything together. I decided to leave them all in the same direction to help my OCD 😬.
If we could only harness the kinetic energy of your dog’s wagging tail….energy problem solved. 😉
Lol
That for 1200 watts ???
You got skills, but certainly not worth it for 1200 watts...
You must have missed the point where I said I was adding on. I build as I can afford to. This is already twice the size of what shown in this video, and I just bought another 40 panels.
Rapid disassembly ... Linchpins in lieu of bolts/nuts at release points? Any slack might create an opportunity for rattle in wind though.
I bought an entire bag of quick release pins just for this project, I scrapped the idea because I did not want to hear that rattle every time the wind blows. Noises like that drive me crazy.
Hmmm. The only thing I would have done would be to make them infinitely adjustable from Solstice to Solstice. Some sort of slip clamp instead of a bolt hole. That way you can adjust them through the seasons by cranking or slipping or something so you don't have to fiddle with those bolts all the time. I expect you can now migrate to something like that. Maybe even electric? And then you could even think about automating it so you don't have to go outside to do it. Of course all this is easy for me to say..
So now you have the altitude adjustment. What about the azimuth?
This is a great video and makes me salivate! I wish I had the room!
How many feet of cable did you end up with?
About 25ft of cable. I considered the slip section, I really don't think I'll be adjusting these often as they are performing well. Bolt holes provide a more solid connection in windy conditions as well.
Use a gear driven linear actuator (with a drill) to extend.
I would love to mount my solar like this but I can't find a price on steel tubing that I am willing to pay. I am working on a setup using galvanized steel studs. I will see if it's strong enough.
Look for the small welding shops and see if they will oder in steel and sell it to you. They buy from the big guys with a commercial account.
Could you add some counterweights to the short side of your mainframe? It would make it very easy to adjust every couple of weeks, maxing out your output. Thinking old cast iron weights
Weights is another idea. I found an old winch and crane in my barn that works perfectly for lifting this.
Definitely worth checking into. Glad to read these panels are from Thailand and not "Commie China"
Didn't know that.
As usual, your design impresses my socks off. You are the only designer of a solar arry that is designed to be broken down and protected from storm damage. Remembering the tornado when you were alone on the homestead, I'd build a collapsable 3/4" wooden cabinet to protect it. Just pull down the lid and unfold the sides and front panels. Use tractor hitch pins on the degree adjustment braces so no socket is needed = that'll make your tear down/degree change even quicker
My original design was wood protected and permanent. I figured a quick breakdown was the best choice. If we start getting those tornado preparedness warnings come spring (normally 24 hours in advance), we will just move it inside.
Long term , if you plan to run the house on solar you may want to switch hvac from furnace/AC to a bidirectional heat pump; either air or ground loop based. This will greatly reduce amp load on system.
I don't have a furnace, my system is a heat pump system (coil inside, coil outside). I don't run my emergency heat strips. I just ran my system on solar power stations and released a video. Only pulled around 1700 watts while running with the compressor engaged. My house is so well insulated that it only runs about 20 minutes before cutting off and stays off for a long time.
What is the bandsaw setup you're using? Is that a separate rig you can get and attach any portable bandsaw, or only a specific one? Did you make that?
It's all in one or can be broken apart. Here it is s.vevor.com/bfP32z
Soldering is not the best possible, Crimping is the best. If it is crimped right, it is fused. Soldering heats the wire and makes that point of flex to no flex brittle, so it will break in the future. crimping is always best (if done right), using those little spade clips ya, those cannot crimp good.
🤷
At least you have someone to help you.
Since I'm spending your money, I'd install something like a standard garage door that would when commanded to close, come down and protect your solar panels. Now that I've added more weight to the assembly, I'd design a way for your tractor to lift it to store in your garage.
That is expensive 😬
Andrew you need some extra thick knee pads.
85cents a watt, Monocrystalline does use less space. But used Suntech 270 Watt panels at 34cents a watt would have given more bang for the buck.
I even did more bottom feeding with eight 10year old used Evergreen panels for 17cents/watt for my 1200watt solar pool pump in south Florida.
I do a bunch of tests and reviews of all kinds of solar equipment. The 100 watt panels also give me the ability to configure a lot of ways depending on what I am testing. From the smallest portable power stations, to on wall inverter systems.
@@TKCL yes new huge panels are 53Voc so not many options how to series them. Your setup could really befit from BIFACIAL panels, as your building wall would shine on to the back. Used Q CELL Q PEAK DUO XL-G10.3 goes for 45cents a watt.
Would it be possible to have multiple dela pros that power different parts of the house…like one fir just lights, one for the kitchen…one each or 2 bedrooms, with each deltapro having its own solar panel system?
You would have to have independent power panels in the home to pull that off or multiple transfer switches. It's possible.
You were talking about maybe later taking the house off grid having the power meter taken out. Just FYI check with your state and local regs. Some places will not allow a residence with home to not have a hookup to the local utility. Not saying you can’t use solar but you still have to have a hookup to the meter and active account.
I'll always have one meter because the shop is a heavy user. So I can tie the house to the shop to qualify. Then simply flip a breaker over to the solar system.
This was built in the most expensive and silly way. Sorry, but there are a ton of ways this could have been done more cost effectively. That rack was built well at least, likely the only thing that will be standing after a hurricane.
Have you taken a moment to price your standard galvanized pipe solar array mounting system? This is literally a fraction of the cost and several times stronger. And I don't remember putting "budget" build in the title. I'd also love to hear your thoughts on how expensive you think this is, really would. I bet it's far cheaper than you think. I'll share the exact cost.
Wow. That's awesome! My wife and I just bought 38 acres in NW Arkansas and the southern side of the property has a nice slope to it. Perfect solar spot. We're just waiting for our daughter to graduate, then it's into the RV and off to start our build. Thank you so much for sharing. This stuff has always been voodoo to me, but I feel confident in trying this now. Again, thanks!
We are also in NWA. What town are you near
Thank you for watching
@@davidedwards3468 Harrison! :)
I noticed that you don't have your panels grounded to earth for static discharge for lightning. Technically, that is an NEC solar installation code violation. NEC has an entire section of national code just for solar. I see that a lot with DYI solar installations.
I already had plans to ground the frame via ground rod and #6 copper wire. I intended to mention that in the video.
My Ecoflow is broken and I have been in conversations with them for over a month now and I am still waiting on a prepaid shipping box in order for me to send it back. I have very low hours on my unit and it appears to be a piece of crap and their customer service is terrible. That thing is definitely the weak link.
What model? How long have you owned it? Sorry to hear that.
You could have used 400w panels and attached wheels to the entire structure. Wheel it in to the shed during hurricanes. Those look like 100W panels.
I explained why I much preferred the 100 watt panels.
Brilliant design. I especially like that the panels have an air gap between them for cooling and to allow wind through so it doesn't turn into a sail or a kite. So many installs have no gaps - and many are on a hot roof w/ no airflow.
The hot roof is why I think a lot of people see reduction in output.
Saludos tremendo espero copiarlo
What size tubing did you use? Also what gauge or thickness? Thanks!
2x2 11ga for main frame, 1.5x1.5 14ga for subbframe.
Thanks for the video. Where did you get the MakeFire 200amp tester?
Off of Amazon, link might be in the video description.
DUUUUDE..... This is awesome 👍🏿 .... I was thinking about doing on-ground setup and this is soooo timely. Thx 🙏🏾
Did I miss where you may have mentioned the all in cost of what you just build? 🤔
Didn't mention it, roughly $750 for everything for the mount. Another $150 for wire and connectors and $1k for the panels off of Amazon.
@@TKCL I'll be damned. All the for under $2K? I like it. I just got the motivation I needed 🤓
Nice job, just curious, what do you have the ecoflow delta hooked to that is pulling power from it?
In this video it was all shop lights. Now I am using it 24/7 to run my shop freezer, refrigerator, ice maker, window unit and some lights. I'm right at the point of needing a second battery. I could technically take the shop off grid (120 volts) with a second battery.
Great video, Andrew. The array came out great, and I can't believe those results! When doubled, the electric company may be buying power back from you!
Lol, sadly that program is dieing. Not many companies buying back anymore.
@@TKCL Wow, that is sad. I would think they'd offer something for power coming in... any way you may not need them in the future anyway! Lol!
It's nice to see someone taking extreme weather into consideration when designing there solar panels system 👍
Thank you for watching
Actually I believe you would only need 6 adjustment angles if you wanted to adjust each month not 12, since you would just be reversing the sequence during the 2nd half of the year. For adjusting the angle solo, maybe get a trailer tongue jack that you could "clip" to the middle of the lower rail.
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If you wanted to add some roof top panels in the future what you might look for are the 100-200 watt flexible panels designed for RV or marine use. Those are designed to be walked on, so they'd laugh at hail and if you secure them well enough you wouldn't need to worry about high winds.
Your correct on the adjustments, I wasn't thinking correctly.
@@TKCL I read the other comments after I posted and saw many others had said basically the same thing about the quarterly or monthly adjustments.
Thanks for your video but I have been wondering what I would do in the hail storm. Since I don't have anyone to help me to tote the panels I think I got a better idea and once I do my video I will let you know
My next array will have a spot to add plywood sheets to quickly cover the panels in the event of a hail storm.
6 panels? 130v / 150v max at that angle?
In winter you actually produce MORE power due to snow and natural cooling makin panels more efficient.
Last check with my meter was 138 volts per side open circuit. I did experience a heck of a spike one cool day. Thus another reason I slightly undersized my system. I've heard of people not being able to charge because of overcurrent situations.
The circuit voltage will go up when it’s cold out. The EF is stated at 150v open current, but that is hard to test once they are plugged into the delta. If you have sub 140v OC, you should be fine. That panel is rated at a certain temp in a lab, so each degree below that lab temp will raise the OC voltage higher than the sticker rating. I guess the charge controller drops the connection and voltage goes to the open circuit voltage many times a day, which is when the damage can occur. I think most people try to stay 10-15% below max voltage allowed by their charger controller just to stay safe. I have never tried to go over 150v on a delta pro to test it out because I don’t want to risk it. I also don’t know anyone who has gotten too close to 150 v and actually damaged the unit on a cold day. 6 100w panels in series is as far as I would push it.
awesome setup. I've got a suggestion for your one person angle positioning, spring load the support and have it drop into a stop at each angle. once set in the stop you can then bolt the support in place. I can see it in my head hopefully I described it well enough.
I know exactly what you are talking about and I've been been thinking about that myself.
How are you going to repair the shattered glass afterward?” Strong frame but weak panels. With the cost of steel that could be weeks worth of propane and a regular generator.
Your so misinformed. I paid $120 for a 24ft stick of that steel because I buy directly from the distributor. Did you pay attention to the design? It's removable to avoid the damage from major storms. You priced propane recently? $4.49 a gallon last fill up here. I already own a propane generator, great for short term outages. Horrible for any long term outage. Solar is great for long term outages and pays me back any time I supplement my power. You can't supplement your power with a generator, far more expensive than grid power. They both have their place.
Have you thought about using an all thread rod on the center kicker. You could use your portable drill and make the initial setting by yourself, then bolt in the 2 outer.
I have kicked that idea around, I would need a pivoting mount in the middle
What would it do if you put clear Lexan over them to protect them. How would that effect you in coming power?
I'm sure some since it's not truly clear. Plus that traps heat, I'd be concerned about it impacting the panels. It's also quite expensive, I had considered it.